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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
Published on: August 24, 2013
The use of fish models to study human neurological disorders
1Department of Neuroscience of disease, Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Niigata University, 757, Ichibancho, Asahimachidori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan; Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, 757, Ichibancho, Asahimachidori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan.
Abstract:
Small teleost fish including zebrafish and medaka have been used as animal models in basic science research due to the relative ease of handling and transparency during embryogenesis. Current advances in genetic engineering and progress in disease genetics allowed utilization of these fish to study neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using fish for neuropsychiatric research using primarily our own studies as examples. We discuss how fish belong to a class of vertebrates, are feasible for imaging, and include diverse species with multiple research possibilities yet to be discovered.
