Unlocking the Secrets of Neurological Diseases: Exploring Zebrafish as a Powerful Model System

 

The zebrafish (Danio rerio), commonly found in the freshwaters of India and South Asia, is a vibrant species of fish, locally referred to as Anju (in Hindi). In recent years, this fish has been used as a powerful and versatile model organism for studying various neurological diseases, and in the field of drug discovery. The reason for favoring the choice of this fish over other animal models includes its small size, rapid growth rate, high fecundity, and transparent early life stages.

Zebrafish share significant genetic and physiological similarities with humans, particularly in neurodevelopmental processes. These similarities allow scientists to investigate the science behind the formation of neurons, axon guidance, neuroinflammation, etc., The female Zebrafish show a rapid reproductive cycle, producing hundreds of embryos every week. These embryos are transparent and allow easy observation of development processes like neuron migration, axon pathway, and synapse formation.

These attributes make Zebrafish a crucial model for studying a wide range of neurological disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy, and Anxiety. Moreover, Zebrafish models have been majorly used in the field of drug discovery for neurological diseases. The effects of compounds on neural phenotypes can be rapidly evaluated by them. The Zebrafish also possess remarkable regenerative capabilities which allows researchers to study nerve regeneration and repair processes. This can in turn help in the progression of treating neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.

Zebrafish models have been used in studying rare neurological diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Down Syndrome and Autism, Armfield XLID Syndrome, Miles-Carpenter Syndrome, Potocki-Shaffer Syndrome, etc., They also help in the identification of compounds with anti-mycobacterial activity, thus proving helpful in anti-infective drug discovery. The high ovulation, short duration, and external development of transparent embryos help detect phenotypic defects, and then later find out the genes responsible for them. These approaches have helped in the field of Precision Medicine.

Figure 1 Accelerating the development of precision medicine approaches using zebrafish

Along with all its advantages, the Zebrafish model comes with its own set of drawbacks. One of the major challenges is the difference in complexities between the Zebrafish brain and the Human brain. The Zebrafish model helps study early developmental processes and basic neural functions, but it may not be suitable for investigating complex higher brain functions.

As Zebrafish models continue to be integrated into modern research strategies, they have a high scope to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research. Zebrafish models have helped us figure out the complexities of neurological disorders and opened up ways for novel therapeutic inventions. The continued usage of Zebrafish models in neurological research, promises great outcomes for improving patients, and strengthening the quality of life in the future.

 

REFERENCES:

Ahmed S, Venkatesan G, Prapul DS, Md AR, Ahmed S, Venkatesan G, et al. Zebrafish as a comprehensive model of neurological diseases. International Journal of Science and Research Archive [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 May 20];10(1):018–52. https://ijsra.net/content/zebrafish-comprehensive-model-neurological-diseases

IMAGE SOURCE:

1.    cover image: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/slumbering-zebrafish-offer-clues-to-origins-of-sleep

2.      International Journal of Science and Research Archive, https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2023.10.1.0696