Zebrafish in biomedical research
The zebrafish is the second most used laboratory model organism in the EU and has long been instrumental in advancing developmental biology. Over the past two decades or so, it has also become a key model in biomedical research, with strong evidence supporting its relevance for basic research as well as for translational medicine and studying human physiology and disease.
A major advantage of the zebrafish model is the accessibility of its genome. Robust methods exist for transient gene knockdown, the creation of knockout lines, and the development of transgenic strains.
Tens of thousands of such lines are available through the European Zebrafish Stock Center in Germany: https://www.ezrc.kit.edu/
Zebrafish also provide exceptional opportunities for imaging. Their transparent embryos allow real-time, in vivo observation of biological and developmental processes. Additionally, specific adult transgenic strains lacking pigmentation offer similarly advanced imaging capabilities.
Below is a selection of reviews that provide further insight into the role of zebrafish 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