Use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model species for biomedical research

Abstract

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a laboratory species used worldwide for biodiscovery and biomedical experimental research. This species has a sequenced genome and allow genetic manipulations; thus, it is commonly used to model human chronic and infectious diseases, and cancer in preclinical assays. Since zebrafish are small and have high fecundity, its management is more cost-efficient compared to mammalian models. The ease of manipulation of embryos and larvae that grow in a culture medium is consistent with the replacement, reduction and refinement in the use of animal species for research. These characteristics also allow their use in massive mutagenic, toxicological and biodiscovery screenings. This review intends to summarize the most important points regarding management and experimentation in zebrafish.