Exploring the utility of zebrafish models for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders and advancement of drug discovery

Abstract

Human neuropsychiatric disorders are modelled in zebrafish (Danio rerio) to facilitate advancements in drug discovery and for simulating complex neurological and psychiatric disorders. The zebrafish exhibits a variety of behaviors analogous to human psychiatric symptoms, such as social interaction, aggression, sleep patterns, learning, memory, and anxiety. The studies on their neuroendocrine system that mirrors the human Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, can provide insights into neurological illnesses. Here, we discuss selected examples of successful applications of zebrafish models for studying the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), anxiety, depression, epilepsy and psychosis. The research has greatly benefitted by using the zebrafish model to mimic the pathological conditions of these diseases for drug discovery. In this review, we summarize the zebrafish as a versatile and cost-effective model for exploring the genetic, molecular, and behavioral aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders and for related drug discovery studies. Therefore, research utilizing the zebrafish models can pave the way for significant findings to be translated into clinical therapies.