Articles tagged with Zebrafish
Researchers found that growth hormone stimulates cell proliferation in zebrafish inner ears, particularly those of the utricle vestibular organ involved in balance. This discovery may lead to new treatments for human hair cell loss and ear injuries.
A team of researchers has identified a common mechanism between humans and zebrafish that regulates the circadian system. The discovery, published in PLoS Biology, could lead to new treatments for mental illness, metabolic diseases, and sleep disorders.
Researchers used zebrafish to investigate the deadly form of liver cancer and uncovered a genetic signature that could aid in diagnosis. They also identified specific markers for early- and late-stage cancer, which may inform treatment regimes.
Researchers have created a new model using striped zebrafish to screen drugs for Cushing disease, allowing for rapid identification of effective treatments. The model has already shown promise with one drug suppressing hormone secretion and cortisol levels.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Zebrafish Core Facility successfully switched individual genes on and off in zebrafish, allowing them to observe embryonic and juvenile development. This breakthrough enables the study of protein function and its relation to health problems like cancer, heart attacks, and addiction.
Researchers have developed a genetic model of premature aging disorders in zebrafish, which can be used to screen and develop compounds to treat these conditions. The model reveals that a specific gene mutation leads to accelerated aging in the fish, providing new insights into age-related diseases.
Scientists have discovered that a gene regulating neuronal cell migration also plays a crucial role in liver organogenesis. The navigation gene nav3a optimizes cytoskeletal modulation, guiding cells to form the liver. Dysregulated expression of nav3a may be involved in human liver diseases.
Researchers have identified a new gene, SETDB1, that promotes the growth of melanoma and may play a role in up to 70 percent of malignant melanomas. The discovery was made using zebrafish and could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with melanoma.
A new gene called SETDB1 has been found to promote melanoma growth and invasion in a zebrafish model. The researchers also discovered that SETDB1 is present at high levels in 70% of human melanoma samples, suggesting its potential role in the formation of most cases.
Researchers found two new proteins that accelerate melanoma in zebrafish models, SETDB1 and DHODH, which could lead to new treatments. Leflunomide, an arthritis drug, also showed promise by blocking the production of RNA nucleic bases, a key step in cancer cell growth.
Researchers have developed a novel method for measuring microRNA expression in specific tissues of developing zebrafish embryos. This technique uses digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes for in situ hybridization, enabling the study of miRNA's role in embryonic development and disease mechanisms.
Developmental biologist Hazel Sive proposes using the term 'tool' to define biological systems that don't accurately recapitulate human disorders, but provide valuable insights. These 'tools' can be used in loss-of-function studies and screening for chemicals that affect gene activity, potentially leading to therapeutic targets.
The Wellcome Image Awards 2011 highlight the diversity of images available through the Wellcome Library's image repository. The winners use various techniques to capture the wonder of medicine and the life sciences.
A collaboration between Mayo Clinic and local educators has resulted in improved science test scores and increased participation in the Minnesota science fair. The project, InSciEd Out, introduced a new curriculum that incorporates zebrafish research into the classroom, with positive outcomes for grades six to eight.
Researchers found that blue-green algae may produce an estrogen-like compound, disrupting reproductive hormones and affecting fish, plants, and human health. Exposure to the algal cells induced a response consistent with estrogen exposure in larval fish.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a progenitor cell in adult zebrafish kidneys that can be transplanted to generate new nephrons. This finding offers hope for improving kidney function and treating renal disease.
Researchers used zebrafish to track the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells, discovering that cancer cells produce hydrogen peroxide to attract immune cells. This co-option of the immune system allows tumors to grow and spread, but blocking this interaction can prevent tumor formation.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered a gene, CCDC40, associated with congenital heart defects in humans. The gene controls right-to-left patterning and is also linked to respiratory disorders.
The study reveals the discovery of superficial interneurons, a type of inhibitory neuron that blocks communication about large stimuli, allowing small prey to be detected. The findings provide insights into the neural basis of tracking prey and offer new perspectives on brain function.
Scientists imaged individual neurons in zebrafish optic tectum, finding that strong activation leads to chasing motion, while weak activation results in no action. Inhibitory neurons play a key role in filtering out irrelevant signals.
Researchers have solved some of the mysteries of the zebrafish's neural circuit that underlies its vision. By analyzing the brain activity of retinal cells, they found that large visual stimuli are filtered out to prevent overreacting, while small moving objects activate the output neurons efficiently.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new methodology to precisely control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. By using UV-light activated 'off switches' called morpholino oligonucleotides, scientists can now turn off specific genes only when exposed to UV light.
Researchers have identified dendritic cells in zebrafish, opening up new possibilities for studying the complexities of the human immune system. The discovery provides another model for investigating the mammalian immune system, particularly with regard to humans.
Engineers at MIT develop a new technique to analyze zebrafish larvae in seconds, speeding up the process and enabling large-scale studies of human diseases. The technology uses high-resolution imaging to directly observe internal organs and allows for rapid analysis of thousands of vertebrates.
Researchers at EMBL developed a technique to capture high-quality images of fruit fly embryos and zebrafish development, revealing previously unseen details. By combining multiple images and angles, scientists can now study complex processes in real-time.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that a molecular signal triggers cell shape change necessary for zebrafish lateral line development. This change in shape allows cells to migrate properly along the embryo's sides, forming a rosette structure.
Researchers observed that early blood flow begins all at once in zebrafish embryos, involving hundreds of cells. Red blood cells initially stick to the vessel wall before releasing themselves with a protease enzyme called ADAM8.
Researchers have successfully attached imaging probes to glycans in zebrafish embryos just seven hours after fertilization, allowing for the first-ever images of glycan activity on embryonic cells. This new technique enables scientists to study physiological changes during embryogenesis without damaging the embryos.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a zebrafish model to study Parkinson's disease, which can aid in drug development and screening. The model demonstrates that zebrafish can be used to study human diseases, including PD, and has potential for large-scale drug screening.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used zebrafish to identify novel compounds that selectively target bone-related diseases and cancer. By leveraging the zebrafish model, they discovered potent BMP inhibitors with improved selectivity, bypassing off-target effects.
A new zebrafish behavior monitoring system has been developed to capture on video and barcode the behavioral responses of fish to chemicals, allowing for rapid identification of new compounds. The system has already identified new chemicals affecting fish behavior and holds promise for treating nervous system disorders.
Researchers utilize zebrafish to study human cancer, leveraging transplantable tumors, genetic models, and transgenic fish to understand tumor development and metastasis. The special issue presents innovative approaches for modeling human cancer in zebrafish.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that genes involved in fin regeneration and heart repair are also required for rebuilding damaged light receptors in the eye. The study suggests that a common molecular mechanism guides the process, no matter what body part is damaged.
Researchers found a duplicate copy of a gene involved in embryonic development has taken on a new role in the formation of fish scales. This discovery supports the idea that gene duplication can provide raw materials for evolutionary change, as seen in domesticated carp with reduced scales.
Researchers discovered a set of genes that respond inappropriately to amphetamine in 'drug-proof' zebrafish mutants, which do not experience the drug's pleasurable effects. This finding suggests a link between adult neurogenesis and addiction, with potential implications for understanding susceptibility.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified an enzyme inhibitor that increases cardiac progenitor cells and influences heart development in zebrafish. The findings have broad implications for understanding heart development and improving treatments for damaged or diseased tissues.
Scientists use zebrafish to investigate the role of RAS mutations in melanoma formation and progression. The research found that altering signaling pathways can reduce the effects of RAS mutations, providing a potential therapeutic approach.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that zebrafish can produce motor neurones after spinal cord damage, offering a potential stem cell treatment for humans. Researchers are now screening small molecules to find drugs that could kick-start motor neurone regeneration.
Scientists successfully observed extensive nerve cell death in zebrafish with a severe form of Alzheimer's disease, enabling targeted search for drugs to stop dementia. This breakthrough allows for the testing of drugs on living organisms.
A team of researchers has identified a class of drugs that may enhance the therapeutic effects of imatinib mesylate in treating chronic myeloid leukemia. They also developed a zebrafish model for screening potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease and identified a molecular mechanism underlying aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers at Florida State University have identified a mutated gene in zebrafish that determines the development of photoreceptors, which could provide new insight into inherited retinal diseases in humans. The study, published in PNAS, reveals the genetic switch responsible for cells developing as rods or cones.
Phylonix received a broad US patent for its zebrafish-based assays to assess cardiac functions and toxicity. The company's eZ-ScreenTM technology enables thorough assessment of cardiotoxicity during early stages of drug development, leveraging the speed and cost-effectiveness of the zebrafish model.
Researchers used transparent zebrafish to study atherosclerosis development, revealing plaque buildup in blood vessels. The study showed that ezetimibe significantly improved vascular wall thickness and barrier function.
Heidelberg cardiologists have discovered a single amino acid mutation that can severely limit heart function in zebrafish, a model similar to the human genome. The researchers hope to develop new therapies for patients with cardiac insufficiency by targeting this mutation.
Researchers explore genetic mechanisms of skin color in zebrafish, a model organism for understanding human skin color and race. The studies shed light on the evolution of skin pigmentation and its relationship to environmental factors.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from the NIH to develop high-throughput in vivo zebrafish assays for assessing Cytochrome P450 drug metabolism and safety. The assay will accelerate drug metabolism and safety profiling, reducing costly late-stage development failures.
Researchers have identified a novel zebrafish model of Costello syndrome, a developmental disorder caused by mutations in the H-RAS gene. The study reveals that activated H-RAS promotes overabundant cell growth and hallmarks of Costello Syndrome, including heart defects and physical deformities.
Researchers use zebrafish to track GnRH neurons' migration, a critical step in pubertal development. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms behind delayed puberty and its causes, such as Kallmann syndrome.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a new technique to target individual genes for inactivation in zebrafish embryos using engineered zinc-finger nucleases. This method has the potential to answer questions that were previously out of reach and will fundamentally change how researchers make knockouts in model organi...
Biologists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered microRNAs that control the regeneration of zebrafish fins. The study found that reducing levels of one microRNA, miR-133, speeds up fin regrowth, while increasing it slows it down. This discovery could lead to new ways to stimulate human tissue regeneration.
Researchers developed a zebrafish-based screening strategy to identify genes and chemical compounds that protect against hearing loss caused by ototoxic medications. The study identified five mutations in genes that, when inherited, protected hair cells from damage.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are using zebrafish to investigate the causes of Lowe syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting only boys. The team aims to identify key factors, including the gene OCRL1, and explore potential treatments for the condition.
Researchers have developed a transparent zebrafish that allows direct observation of internal organs and processes like tumor metastasis and blood production. The study reveals cancer cells' ability to 'home' to specific locations, enabling scientists to better understand disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that an enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase plays a crucial role in maintaining balance between gut bacteria and cells, preventing excessive inflammation. This finding has implications for understanding and treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and...
A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid within a certain range, using an enzyme called Cyp26a1 to degrade excess acid and proteins like fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) to slow down degradation when levels drop too low. This regulation helps maintain a robust gradient of retinoic acid.
A University of Houston team found that melatonin inhibits memory formation in zebrafish during nighttime. Removing the melatonin-producing gland allowed fish to form memories at high levels even at night.
Zebrafish embryos exposed to 11 common pollutants showed distinct gene-expression profiles, allowing researchers to identify individual toxins. The new method offers a potential solution for evaluating developmental toxicity of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in zebrafish that causes insomnia, providing a new animal model for studying sleep disorders. The study reveals that zebrafish experience reduced overall sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to normal fish.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from the National Eye Institute to develop zebrafish models for eye diseases. The company aims to model various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, using zebrafish models with high accuracy and speed.