Zebrafish: A Versatile and Powerful Model for Biomedical Research
Sundus Siddiqui, Hiba Siddiqui, Emna Riguene, Michail Nomikos
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a versatile model in precision medicine, bridging fundamental biology with translational applications. Their optical transparency, rapid development, and high genetic conservation with humans enable real-time imaging and cost-efficient high-throughput screening. Advances in CRISPR/Cas9, prime editing, and morpholino approaches have expanded their utility for modeling diverse human diseases. In addition to well-established roles in cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, oncological, and infectious disease research, emerging applications include non-invasive larval urine assays, functional validation of rare human variants, host-microbiome interactions, and automated behavioral profiling for neuropsychiatric conditions. Limitations such as species-specific lipid metabolism and limited antibody availability remain, yet recent integration of single-cell transcriptomics, computational modeling, and machine learning is enhancing translational relevance. Collectively, these innovations position zebrafish as a scalable and powerful platform for disease modeling and personalized therapeutic strategies, underscoring their growing impact in the evolving landscape of precision medicine.