Zebrafish in biomedical research

The zebrafish is the second most used laboratory model organism in the EU. Since decades it has helped to answer fundamental questions in developmental biology and during the last 15 years it has become a central animal model in biomedical research. Mounting evidence clearly shows the clinical relevance of the zebrafish for translational medicine and for analysis of human physiology and pathology.

Zebrafish in biomedical research
Zebrafish in biomedical research. Photo: Lars Bräutigam

Tiny fish in the quest for human health

An important aspect of the zebrafish animal model is the accessibility of its genome. There are powerful methods available for transient knock-down of genes, for the generation of knock-out lines and for establishing transgenic strains. Tens of thousands of zebrafish knock-out and transgenic lines are readily available from the European Zebrafish Stock Center in Germany

Break-through research with zebrafish

Furthermore, the zebrafish offer extraordinary possibilities for imaging, in-vivo imaging and real-time imaging. Embryos are completely transparent and biological or developmental processes can be followed in vivo. Specific transgenic strains are available of which adults also lack any pigmentation and which offer similar superior imaging possibilities

Combining studies with different animal species

Below you find a selection of reviews which will give you more detailed information about the zebrafish and its role in biomedical research!

Zebrafish patient avatars in cancer biology and precision cancer therapy

Zebrafish disease models in drug discovery: from preclinical modelling to clinical trials

 

 

 

LB
Content reviewer:
18-12-2023