PUBLICATION

It's time to swim! Zebrafish and the circadian clock

Authors
Vatine, G., Vallone, D., Gothilf, Y., and Foulkes, N.S.
ID
ZDB-PUB-110512-21
Date
2011
Source
FEBS letters   585(10): 1485-1494 (Review)
Registered Authors
Foulkes, Nicholas-Simon, Gothilf, Yoav, Vallone, Daniela
Keywords
zebrafish, forward genetics, transgenics, clock mutants, peripheral clocks, peripheral photoreceptors, pineal glad, cell cycle, clock ontogeny
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Circadian Clocks*/genetics
  • Circadian Clocks*/radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Swimming/physiology*
  • Zebrafish/genetics
  • Zebrafish/growth & development
  • Zebrafish/physiology*
PubMed
21486566 Full text @ FEBS Lett.
Abstract
The zebrafish represents a fascinating model for studying key aspects of the vertebrate circadian timing system. Easy access to early embryonic development has made this species ideal for investigating how the clock is first established during embryogenesis. In particular, the molecular basis for the functional development of the zebrafish pineal gland has received much attention. In addition to this dedicated clock and photoreceptor organ, and unlike the situation in mammals, the clocks in zebrafish peripheral tissues and even cell lines are entrainable by direct exposure to light thus providing unique insight into the function and evolution of the light input pathway. Finally, the small size, low maintenance costs and high fecundity of this fish together with the availability of genetic tools make this an attractive model for forward genetic analysis of the circadian clock. Here, we review the work that has established the zebrafish as a valuable clock model organism and highlight the key questions that will shape the future direction of research.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping