Zebrafish: gaining popularity in lipid research

Abstract

Zebrafish are an increasingly popular vertebrate model organism in which to study biological phenomena. It has been widely used, especially in developmental biology and neurobiology, and many aspects of its development and physiology are similar to those of mammals. The popularity of zebrafish relies on its relatively low cost, rapid development and ease of genetic manipulation. Moreover, the optical transparency of the developing fish together with novel imaging techniques enable the direct visualization of complex phenomena at the level of the entire organism. This potential is now also being increasingly appreciated by the lipid research community. In the present review we summarize basic information on the lipid composition and distribution in zebrafish tissues, including lipoprotein metabolism, intestinal lipid absorption, the yolk lipids and their mobilization, as well as lipids in the nervous system. We also discuss studies in which zebrafish have been employed for the visualization of whole-body lipid distribution and trafficking. Finally, recent advances in using zebrafish as a model for lipid-related diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes and hepatic steatosis are highlighted. As the insights into zebrafish lipid metabolism increase, it is likely that zebrafish as a model organism will become an increasingly powerful tool in lipid research.

Glucose overload in yolk has little effects on the long term modulation of carbohydrate metabolic genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…The YSL has an important function in transporting nutrients from the yolk to the embryonic cells and later to larval tissues and is also responsible for the degradation of some nutrients (Carvalho and Heisenberg, 2010;Hölttä-Vuori et al, 2010). It has been demonstrated before that injection into the yolk during the epiboly stage leads to successful diffusion of the injected material within the yolk without later outward flux (Hagedorn et al, 1997;Janik et al, 2000;Robles et al, 2006).…”

Dietary Protein Source Influence on Body Size and Composition in Growing Zebrafish

“…Additionally, tank densities were different between the two studies, with the current study having three times the density of the previous work (e.g., current: *5.5 fish/L vs. *1.6 fish/L). 24 Although the zebrafish model has garnered much recent attention for its potential use in lipid and obesity research, [41][42][43][44][45][46][47] few studies have reported overall body composition outcomes. In the present work, the dietary protein source significantly impacted lean and fat mass outcomes.…”

Optimizing methods for the study of intravascular lipid metabolism in zebrafish

“…In addition, abnormal intravascular lipid metabolism is a major promoter of atherosclerosis, which may deteriorate into coronary disease and cerebral arterial thrombosis. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), with transparent embryos, external fertilization, clutch size and moderate generation time has functioned as an important vertebrate model (4,5). There have been numerous lipid studies focused on the alimentary system, saccus vitellinus, angiogenesis and the nervous system (6,7).…”