The Developing Utility of Zebrafish in Modeling Neurobehavioral Disorders

Abstract

The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is becoming increasingly popular in the field of neurobehavioral research, including experimental, genetic, and phar macological models of human brain disorders. While zebrafish research is rapidly expanding, its application as a translational neurobehavioral model is still in its relative infancy. Therefore, further investigation of new models is needed for targeting more domains and new, more complex brain disorders. The main aim of this paper is to discuss recent developments in the field of zebrafi sh neurobehavioral research, and to outline important emerging topics for further studies. The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is a promising model organism in neurobehavioral and biological psychiatry research. The robustness of zebrafish phenotypes makes this species an excellent animal f or studying experimental, genetic, and pharmacological models of neurobehavioral disorders. As fish represent perhaps the dawn of the evolution of vert ebrates' emotional behavior, the main aim of this paper is to outline recent develop ments in the field of zebrafish neurobehavioral research, and to summarize the emerging important new topics for further studies in this field. Another aim of this paper is to discuss what can be done to further improve and promote zebrafish neuro behavioral research. Exploratory-Based Models