Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

A fish you can see develop on the inside, from the outside

Danio rerio or Zebrafish originate from Southeast Asia. Preferring slow moving or stagnant water as their habitat, rice fields within the region provide the perfect environment. With their decorative stripes and simple needs in life, they have also found a common place within aquariums around the world.

The Zebrafish physiology has made it of beneficial interest to life sciences. One key characteristic is displayed during the embryonic development. In Zebrafish, this happens completely outside the mother fish, the young remaining transparent until the larvae stage. This means observation of organ development can happen without using intrusive methods.

Another quality of the Zebrafish is their enormous regeneration potential. Unlike most other vertebrates, throughout its life the Zebrafish can almost completely regenerate lost limbs (or on this case fins) or damaged organs e.g. heart, kidney and brain.

Fluorescent Kidneys: Regeneration under the microscope

As a vertebrate zebrafish are similar to humans in regards to genetics and molecular biology. Yet, they can do something we cannot; they can regenerate, superbly.

In research, we try to explore where the difference between human and fish lies. Focusing on organs the zebrafish can regenerate, we illuminate specific molecules within for example the kidney, and watch through a fluorescent microscope the regeneration. At the same time, we gain knowledge in vertebrate kidney formation and understanding in the processes involved within it.

This can help uncover the molecular biology of age-associated diseases and aid in the development of therapeutic approaches.

How is the Zebrafish used as an aging model?

• Development and maintenance of organ functions
• Organ regeneration and age
• Understanding age related conditions such as heart attacks and renal insufficiency
• Research on accelerated aging using genetically modified fish.