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Zebrafish as a genetic model of neurodegeneration
- Date: 2016-2018
- Project leader: Ari Sudwarts
Findings that zebrafish are capable of performing memory-based tasks has implications for neurodegeneration. We have developed and automated robust classical aversion assay - a behaviour governed by the medial zone of the dorsal telencephalon in the zebrafish brain; this structure is thought to be orthologous with mammalian amygdala, which is atrophied in Alzheimer’s-like diseases. Using this assay, we assess aspects of neurodegeneration in genetically manipulated lines, as well as neurotoxin-treated fish. Cellular and molecular dysfunctions that occur due to these insults are then assessed using standard techniques, including immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, western blot, and qPCR.