Translational toxicology in zebrafish

Abstract

A major goal of translational toxicology is to identify adverse chemical effects and determine whether they are conserved or divergent across experimental systems. Translational toxicology encompasses assessment of chemical toxicity across multiple life stages, determination of toxic mode of action, computational prediction modeling, and identification of interventions that protect or restore health after toxic chemical exposures. The zebrafish is increasingly used in translational toxicology because it combines the genetic and physiological advantages of mammalian models with the higher-throughput capabilities and genetic manipulability of invertebrate models. Here, we review the recent literature demonstrating the power of the zebrafish as a model for addressing all four activities of translational toxicology. Important data gaps and challenges associated with using zebrafish for translational toxicology are also discussed.

Wild Zebrafish Sentinels: Biological Monitoring of Site Differences Using Behavior and Morphology

“…Zebrafish’s small size, adaptability, and presence near the surface in clear water permits the positioning of accessible, inconspicuous monitoring stations in areas of interest, such as near residential areas or regions with factory or agricultural activity [ 53 , 70 ]. Zebrafish’s biomedical toolkit, rapid generation time, well-characterized behavioral repertoire, evolutionarily conserved traits and genetic homology across vertebrates permit advances in mechanistic, life span, and predictive toxicology and conservation [ 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 ]. Implementing zebrafish as biological monitors increases the potential to rapidly detect, evaluate, and respond to environmental change, thus facilitating preservation, interventions, bioremediation, and improvement of health outcomes.…”

Chemical effects on dye efflux activity in live zebrafish embryos and on zebrafish Abcb4 ATPase activity

“…Zebrafish embryos are important model systems in toxicological and pharmacological research [33–35]; knowledge about interaction of test compounds with efflux transporter activity can be essential for an understanding of the toxico/pharmacokinetics of test compounds in the zebrafish embryo. The approach of using live and intact zebrafish for studying chemical effects on efflux transporter activity has the advantage that all processes that are relevant for chemical efflux activity in the embryos are considered.…”

Phenolic Profile of Herbal Infusion and Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Leaves of the Medicinal Plant Antirhea borbonica: Toxicity Assay Determination in Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae

“…This developmental model is widely used to assess drug toxicity [ 15 ] and appears as a relevant model, given its strong genic homology (more than 70% of human genes have an orthologue in zebrafish). As well, zebrafish display many evolutionary conserved organs and physiological processes [ 16 ] and exhibit a high fertility rate as well as transparent eggs, allowing their easily monitoring at the different stages of organogenesis [ 50 ].…”

“…In a second part, we investigated the potential toxicity of several concentrations of these extracts using a zebrafish model. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), due to its small-size, high reproductive ability, and rapid embryogenesis and organogenesis, has become the most famous cost-effective alternative model used for large-scale and high-throughput toxicological and physiopathological studies [ 15 , 16 ]. The transparency of zebrafish embryos and larvae enables the real-time visualization and imaging of drug effects throughout the developmental process.…”