Zebrafish tailfin as an in vivo model for capturing tissue-scale cell dynamics

The intricate control of collective cell dynamics is crucial for enabling organismic development and tissue regeneration. Despite the availability of various in vitro and in vivo models, studies on tissue-scale cell dynamics and associated emergent properties in living systems remain methodically challenging. Here, we describe key advantages of using the adult zebrafish tailfin (caudal fin) as a robust in vivo model for dissecting millimeter-scale collective cell dynamics during regeneration and wound healing in a complex tissue. For researchers considering this model system, we briefly introduce the tailfin anatomy, as well as available transgenic reporter tools and live-imaging setups that may be utilized to study epidermal cell behaviors. To highlight the unique strengths of the zebrafish tailfin model, we present an example project that was made possible by techniques for tracking cell dynamics at a millimeter scale with single-cell resolution in live animals. Finally, we discuss the research directions at the interface of collective cell dynamics and regenerative biology that most excite us and can be examined using the tailfin model.