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Disease Models

Development and function of the brain, eye, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous systems can be readily visualized and studied in zebrafish larvae and adults.

The use of transgenic zebrafish lines expressing fluorescent markers in certain subsets of neurons, glia cells, vascular cells, cellular compartments, or proteins (i.e., BBB-transport molecules) provides unique insights into dynamic aspects of cell function during disease progression over time in live animals.

Functional defects in larvae can be studied, for example, as changes in locomotor activity, escape response following a startle stimulus, or by electrophysiological measurements.

Development of the heart and vasculature is highly stereotypic, and changes in shape, pattern, function, and flow through the heart can easily be detected using transgenic fish expressing fluorescent reporters in endocardial or myocardial cells, which are associated with disease.

We have used both embryonic and adult zebrafish to elucidate genetic factors, pathophysiological factors (e.g., circadian disruption and smoking), flow- or hypoxia-induced factors, and the role of nanoparticles/biomaterials in cardiovascular disease development or recovery from cardiovascular disease.  

Challenge us with proposals for setting up and using new disease models for your drug development project! Our uniquely broad experience in this model system ensures that we will meet that challenge and your expectations.