Book Review: Zebrafish Model for Biomedical Research

Over the last decade, the urgent need to look for alternatives to the experimental mammals commonly used as models in biomedical research, has become increasingly resonant. One such alternative approach is the use of the zebrafish model. The book reviewed herein, Zebrafish Model for Biomedical Research, supports this approach by presenting a collection of thoughts and reviews authored by global experts in the field, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date multidisciplinary biomedical viewpoint on the use of zebrafish models.
When we first read the chapter titles, we assumed that this book was for a limited number of experts only. However, upon examining the content further, we were very impressed to find that each of the book chapters are written in a manner that readily adapts to the level of expertise of the target reader. Therefore, this book is highly suitable for a wide audience, from beginners to experts, who are interested in research or other business concerns related to zebrafish.
In a number of chapters, the contributing authors provide details about the significant role of zebrafish modelling in cancer research — for example, in furthering our understanding of tumour angiogenesis and expediting cancer drug discovery. Other chapters feature the use of the model in areas such as metabolic disease screening, research into renal and endocrine disorders, and neurological studies. Furthermore, the authors of other chapters discuss the growing relevance of zebrafish in cardiovascular-related research, and in the study of intricate brain conditions such as depression, autism, psychoses, substance abuse and cognitive impairments.
The book then moves on to discuss the suitability of zebrafish as reliable models for the exploration of the mechanisms involved in various infectious diseases and immunomodulatory studies. Experts in the field of infectious diseases provide a detailed overview of the use of adult zebrafish and embryo models in studying the mechanisms of pathogenesis of important contagious bacteria (e.g. Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium marinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Also covered is the use of these models in elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis of a number of different viruses, such as chikungunya and SARS-CoV-2. We believe that this kind of knowledge is extremely sought after by the biomedical community, especially because the contributors provide details about the power of the zebrafish model for use in developing drugs against SARS-CoV-2 (p. 187).
Another section discusses the advantages of using zebrafish to gain insight into the pathophysiology of a number of dermatological conditions, and evaluate possible treatments. The contributing author focuses on how the zebrafish model can potentially facilitate the application of a range of molecular tools, genetic manipulation approaches and therapeutic drug testing platforms, in order to study various cutaneous disorders in humans — for example, hereditary pigmentary disorders, melanoma, psoriasis, pruritus and wound healing. Perhaps most readers, like us, will benefit from this incredible insight into how the zebrafish can contribute to skin disease treatment, with the contributor highlighting the significant similarity between skin development and the associated genetics in the fish and in humans (p. 347).
The book provides readers with a basic outline, regarding the role of zebrafish models in toxicology. For us, and perhaps for others, the topic of toxicology appears to be highly complex. However, the authors succeed in reviewing the advanced concept of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) as a risk assessment approach in toxicology, focusing on the use of zebrafish data to develop these, models, and underscoring the significance of the zebrafish in toxicology and risk assessment. The contributors highlight the significance of utilising zebrafish data in the context of AOPs for risk evaluation, while also offering a summary of AOP methodologies that have been developed using zebrafish data.
Lastly, many believe, as we do, that the rapidly growing global interest in the use of zebrafish models in the biomedical field will certainly drive substantial demand for these organisms. Timely questions on how best to produce the zebrafish to supply this demand then might arise. To help answer these questions, the book’s first chapter provides vital insights into the zebrafish culture method. This encompasses the use of static, flow-through and recirculating systems, with discussions on cost-effective open design options and commercial systems to meet the specific requirements of researchers. As researchers in the field of aquatic animal health, we are highly motivated by the contents of this particular chapter. Usefully, the contributing author has also supplied readers with significant information on the factors impacting zebrafish health, optimal maintenance schedules and acceptable food considerations. In addition, the author presents a clear schematic illustration of a zebrafish-rearing system that is easy for readers to understand (p. 5). Indeed, the first chapter of this book manages to offer a comprehensive guide to zebrafish care for most research purposes, featuring clear explanations and reader-friendly illustrations.
Although the majority of the contributing authors of this book primarily focus on the advantages of the use of zebrafish models as alternatives to the use of mammals rather than highlighting the limitations, several contributors address the recognised challenges with smart solutions. Thus, this book has the potential to become a primary reference source, not only because of its scope, but also because the data and figures are presented with a language style tailored to its wide target readership. This makes it suitable for academics and practitioners at all levels and from different fields, who are seeking insights into the expanding role of the zebrafish model. The book will help all stakeholders to further their understanding of the potential for zebrafish use in biomedical research, and to investigate ways in which zebrafish-related industry collaborations could be optimised to benefit the global economy.