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

Gad Vatine, Daniela Vallone, Yoav Gothilf, Nicholas S. Foulkes

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

231 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1485-1494
Number of pages10
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume585
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 May 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cell cycle
  • Clock mutants
  • Clock ontogeny
  • Forward genetics
  • Peripheral clocks
  • Peripheral photoreceptors
  • Pineal gland
  • Transgenics
  • Zebrafish

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'It's time to swim! Zebrafish and the circadian clock'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this