Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) caused by aberrant brain growth and development are lifelong , debilitating illnesses that markedly impair the quality of life. Animal models are a valuable tool for studying NDD pathobiology and therapies. Mounting evidence suggests the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a useful model organism to study NDDs with high physiological homology to humans and sensitivity to pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Here, we summarize experimental models of NDDs in zebrafish and highlight the growing translational significance of zebrafish NDD-related phenotypes. We also emphasize the need in further development of zebrafish models of NDDs to improve our understanding of their pathogenesis and therapeutic treatments.
Sex is an important variable in biomedical research. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful new model organism in translational neuroscience and pharmacology. Mounting evidence indicates important sex differences in zebrafish behavioral and neuropharmacological responses. Here, we discuss the role of sex in zebrafish central nervous system (CNS) models, their molecular mechanisms, recent findings and the existing challenges in this field. We also emphasize the growing utility of zebrafish models in translational neuropharmacological research of sex differences, fostering future CNS drug discovery and the search for novel sex‐specific therapies. Finally, we highlight the interplay between sex and environment in zebrafish models of sex‐environment correlations as an important strategy of CNS disease modeling using this aquatic organism.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.