PUBLICATION

Understanding taurine CNS activity using alternative zebrafish models

Authors
Mezzomo, N.J., Fontana, B.D., Kalueff, A.V., Barcellos, L.J.G., Rosemberg, D.B.
ID
ZDB-PUB-170917-6
Date
2017
Source
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews   83: 525-539 (Review)
Registered Authors
Kalueff, Allan V.
Keywords
Taurine, brain disorder, neural function, neuropsychopharmacology, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants/physiology*
  • Antioxidants/therapeutic use
  • Brain Diseases/drug therapy
  • Brain Diseases/metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Taurine/physiology*
  • Taurine/therapeutic use
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
28916270 Full text @ Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev.
Abstract
Taurine is a highly abundant "amino acid" in the brain. Despite the potential neuroactive role of taurine in vertebrates has long been recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to its pleiotropic effects in the brain remain poorly understood. Due to the genetic tractability, rich behavioral repertoire, neurochemical conservation, and small size, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful candidate for neuropsychopharmacology investigation and in vivo drug screening. Here, we summarize the main physiological roles of taurine in mammals, including neuromodulation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant action. In this context, we also highlight how zebrafish models of brain disorders may present interesting approaches to assess molecular mechanisms underlying positive effects of taurine in the brain. Finally, we outline recent advances in zebrafish drug screening that significantly improve neuropsychiatric translational researches and small molecule screens.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping