Background:
Danio rerio is a powerful experimental model for studies in genetics and
development. Recently, CRISPR technology has been applied in this species to mimic various human
diseases, including those affecting the nervous system. Zebrafish offer multiple experimental
advantages: external embryogenesis, rapid development, transparent embryos, short life cycle, and
basic neurobiological processes shared with humans. This animal model, together with the CRISPR
system, emerging imaging technologies, and novel behavioral approaches, lay the basis for a
prominent future in neuropathology and will undoubtedly accelerate our understanding of brain
function and its disorders.
Objective:
Gather relevant findings from studies that have used CRISPR technologies in zebrafish
to explore basic neuronal function and model human diseases.
Method:
We systematically reviewed the most recent literature about CRISPR technology applications
for understanding brain function and neurological disorders in D. rerio. We highlighted the
key role of CRISPR in driving forward our understanding of particular topics in neuroscience.
Results:
We show specific advances in neurobiology when the CRISPR system has been applied in
zebrafish and describe how CRISPR is accelerating our understanding of brain organization.
Conclusion:
Today, CRISPR is the preferred method to modify genomes of practically any living
organism. Despite the rapid development of CRISPR technologies to generate disease models in
zebrafish, more efforts are needed to efficiently combine different disciplines to find the etiology
and treatments for many brain diseases.