The use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as biomedical models

Abstract

Implications • Because of its fully sequenced genome, easy genetic manipulation, high fecundity, external fertilization and rapid development, and nearly transparent embryo, zebrafish are a unique model animal for biomedical research, including studies of biological processes and human diseases. • Zebrafish have all the main organs involved in the process of metabolism and can be used to study several human metabolic disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and other hepatic diseases. • With innovation and improvement of molecular techniques, zebrafish will continue to be an important biomedical model in the future.