AMES, Iowa – The tropical freshwater zebrafish (Danio rerio) is widely used as a model biological system for researchers studying human health. Like humans, zebrafish are vertebrates with similar organ systems for respiration and reproduction. Surprisingly, the species shares about 70% of its genome with humans. It also produces large numbers of transparent embryos that mature quickly, which makes the results of genetic manipulation relatively easy to see. Even with these advantages, scientists still lack specialized genetic tools to make full use of this powerful animal model for health studies. 

A research team led by two Iowa State University geneticists (Maura McGrail and Jeff Essner, genetics, development and cell biology professors) has made significant progress to address this challenge over the past decade. The National Institutes of Health just recognized their leadership with support of almost $4 million over four years, allowing them to refine tools they originated and continue to train and support other researchers and students in use of the technologies. 

The complete article, "Health agency awards $4 million to project led by Iowa State scientists to further zebrafish genetics research," is available at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences website.