This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What is a model organism? (1)
Model organisms are widely studied, non-human species that researchers use to investigate biological processes. Good model organisms are cheap, easy to maintain, have short generation times, and produce many progeny.
Model organisms are chosen depending on the research question. A good model organism should have similar biological processes to humans. Trials in model organisms are always conducted before researchers can move on to clinical trials.
Model organisms are chosen depending on the research question. A good model organism should have similar biological processes to humans. Trials in model organisms are always conducted before researchers can move on to clinical trials.
Using Zebrafish to Study Neurodegenerative Effects of PINK1 Mutations
I will use zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism for modeling Parkinson's Disease. Zebrafish share many cellular and physiologic mechanisms with PD patients (2). The development and location of dopaminergic (DA) neurons are well characterized in the zebrafish brain. Zebrafish DA neuron clusters in the ventral diencephalon are analogous to the ascending midbrain DA neurons of the mammalian nigrostriatal pathway (3). The low cost and similar neuronal processes of zebrafish make them an excellent model for Parkinson's disease.
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References
1. https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-are-model-organisms
2. Vaz, R. L., Outeiro, T. F., & Ferreira, J. J. (2018). Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Drug Discovery in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 347. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00347
3. Xi, Y., Noble, S., & Ekker, M. (2011). Modeling neurodegeneration in zebrafish. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 11(3), 274-82.
2. Vaz, R. L., Outeiro, T. F., & Ferreira, J. J. (2018). Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Drug Discovery in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 347. doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00347
3. Xi, Y., Noble, S., & Ekker, M. (2011). Modeling neurodegeneration in zebrafish. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 11(3), 274-82.