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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Main Authors: Ahmed Abu-Siniyeh, Moayad Khataibeh, Walid Al-Zyoud, Majed Al Holi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:Laboratory Animal Research
Subjects:
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.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2233-7660
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher BMC
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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