斑马鱼是发育、遗传以及药物发现研究中常用的模式动物。作为重要的脊椎动物模式系统之一,斑马鱼与人类基因有高度同源性,中枢神经系统也与哺乳动物相似。近来,斑马鱼在神经科学研究以及生理心理学相关问题的研究中的应用日益广泛。研究者们对斑马鱼幼鱼及成鱼的行为表现及行为发育开展了多方面的研究。基于斑马鱼模式动物的特点及优势,遗传突变和药物筛选在对动物行为表现的分子机制的研究中起到重要的推动作用。
Zebrafish model has often been used in development, genetics and drug discovery studies. As a vertebrate model systems, the genetic makeup of the zebrafish shares high degree of homology with higher vertebrate including human. The central nervous system of zebrafish also has similarity to that of the mammalian animals. More recently, zebrafish has increasingly been used in studies of neuroscience and physiological psychology related areas. Researchers have investigated a wide range of behaviors in zebrafish larvae and adults. Taking advantage of the strength of the zebfafish model, genetic mutations and drug screening have been utilized to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the animal behaviors.