Zebrafish models for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Abstract

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the most common form of secondary osteoporosis due to excessive or long-term glucocorticoid administration, disturbing the homeostasis between bone formation and bone resorption. The bone biology of zebrafish shares a high degree of similarities with mammals. In terms of molecular level, genes and signaling pathways related to skeletogenesis are also highly correlated between zebrafish and humans. Therefore, zebrafish have been utilized to develop multiple GIOP models. Taking advantage of the transparency of zebrafish larvae, their skeletal development and bone mineralization can be readily visualized through in vivo staining without invasive experimental handlings. Moreover, the feasibility of using scales or fin rays to study bone remodeling makes adult zebrafish an ideal model for GIOP research. Here, we reviewed current zebrafish models for GIOP research, focused on the tools and methods established for examining bone homeostasis. As an in vivo , convenient, and robust model, zebrafish have an advantage in performing high-throughput drug screening and could be used to investigate the action mechanisms of therapeutic drugs.

Potential therapeutic role of spermine via Rac1 in osteoporosis: Insights from zebrafish and mice

“…Compared to rodents, zebrafish offer unique drug development and testing advantages, facilitating a broader understanding of drug impacts. As our knowledge of their bone development has expanded, zebrafish have been increasingly used to study bone-related diseases ( Chen et al, 2017 ; Fleming et al, 2005 ) and screen novel anti-OP drugs ( Lin et al, 2022 ; Qiu et al, 2023 ; Wang et al, 2018 , 2023 ; Yin et al, 2019 ; Zhong et al, 2023 ), significantly enhancing research efficiency and reducing costs.…”

“…Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) share more than 80% genetic similarity to humans ( MacRae & Peterson, 2015 ) and are listed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a leading vertebrate model, after humans and mice. Given their attributes, zebrafish have increasingly been employed for studying skeletal diseases and anti-OP drugs ( Lin et al, 2022 ; Wang et al, 2018 ; Xie et al, 2023 ; Yin et al, 2019 ), optimizing screening efficiency and research costs.…”