Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology
Abstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as an influential model for studying human epithelial pathology, particularly because of their genetic similarity to humans and their unique physiological traits. This review explores the structural and functional homology between zebrafish and human epi...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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Series: | Laboratory Animal Research |
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Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-025-00238-6 |
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author | Ahmed Abu-Siniyeh Moayad Khataibeh Walid Al-Zyoud Majed Al Holi |
author_facet | Ahmed Abu-Siniyeh Moayad Khataibeh Walid Al-Zyoud Majed Al Holi |
author_sort | Ahmed Abu-Siniyeh |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Abstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as an influential model for studying human epithelial pathology, particularly because of their genetic similarity to humans and their unique physiological traits. This review explores the structural and functional homology between zebrafish and human epithelial tissues in organs, such as the gastrointestinal system, liver, and kidneys. Zebrafish possess significant cellular and functional homology with mammals, which facilitates the investigation of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic kidney disease. The advantages of using zebrafish as a model organism include rapid external development, ease of genetic manipulation, and advanced imaging capabilities, allowing for the real-time observation of disease processes. However, limitations exist, particularly concerning the lack of organs in zebrafish and the potential for incomplete phenocopy of human conditions. Despite these challenges, ongoing research in adult zebrafish promises to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and regenerative processes. By revealing the similarities and differences in epithelial cell function and disease pathways, this review highlights the value of zebrafish as a translational model for advancing our knowledge of human health and developing targeted therapies. |
format | Article |
id | doaj-art-74d8f7733dfb4ac599d25223fc45c9c7 |
institution | Kabale University |
issn | 2233-7660 |
language | English |
publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
publisher | BMC |
record_format | Article |
series | Laboratory Animal Research |
spelling | doaj-art-74d8f7733dfb4ac599d25223fc45c9c72025-02-09T12:09:17ZengBMCLaboratory Animal Research2233-76602025-02-0141112310.1186/s42826-025-00238-6Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathologyAhmed Abu-Siniyeh0Moayad Khataibeh1Walid Al-Zyoud2Majed Al Holi3Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of JordanDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied UniversityDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, School of Applied Medical Sciences, German Jordanian UniversityCell Therapy Center, The University of JordanAbstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as an influential model for studying human epithelial pathology, particularly because of their genetic similarity to humans and their unique physiological traits. This review explores the structural and functional homology between zebrafish and human epithelial tissues in organs, such as the gastrointestinal system, liver, and kidneys. Zebrafish possess significant cellular and functional homology with mammals, which facilitates the investigation of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic kidney disease. The advantages of using zebrafish as a model organism include rapid external development, ease of genetic manipulation, and advanced imaging capabilities, allowing for the real-time observation of disease processes. However, limitations exist, particularly concerning the lack of organs in zebrafish and the potential for incomplete phenocopy of human conditions. Despite these challenges, ongoing research in adult zebrafish promises to enhance our understanding of the disease mechanisms and regenerative processes. By revealing the similarities and differences in epithelial cell function and disease pathways, this review highlights the value of zebrafish as a translational model for advancing our knowledge of human health and developing targeted therapies.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-025-00238-6Polarized epithelial cellsZebrafishDisease modelPathologyEpithelial tissues |
spellingShingle | Ahmed Abu-Siniyeh Moayad Khataibeh Walid Al-Zyoud Majed Al Holi Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology Laboratory Animal Research Polarized epithelial cells Zebrafish Disease model Pathology Epithelial tissues |
title | Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
title_full | Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
title_fullStr | Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
title_full_unstemmed | Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
title_short | Zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
title_sort | zebrafish as a model for human epithelial pathology |
topic | Polarized epithelial cells Zebrafish Disease model Pathology Epithelial tissues |
url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-025-00238-6 |
work_keys_str_mv | AT ahmedabusiniyeh zebrafishasamodelforhumanepithelialpathology AT moayadkhataibeh zebrafishasamodelforhumanepithelialpathology AT walidalzyoud zebrafishasamodelforhumanepithelialpathology AT majedalholi zebrafishasamodelforhumanepithelialpathology |