Ion transport in the zebrafish kidney from a human disease angle: possibilities, considerations and future perspectives.

Ion transport in the zebrafish kidney from a human disease angle: possibilities, considerations and future perspectives. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2016 Nov 16;:ajprenal.00425.2016 Authors: Kersten S, Arjona FJ Abstract Unique experimental advantages, such as its embryonic/larval transparency, high-throughput nature and ease of genetic modification, underpin the rapid emergence of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a preeminent model in biomedical research. Particularly in the field of nephrology, the zebrafish provides a promising model for studying the physiological implications of human solute transport processes along consecutive nephron segments. However, while the zebrafish might be considered a valuable model for numerous renal ion transport diseases and functional studies of many channels and transporters, not all human renal electrolyte transport mechanisms and human diseases can be modeled in the zebrafish. With this review, we explore the ontogeny of zebrafish renal ion transport, its nephron structure and function and thereby demonstrate the clinical translational value of this model. By critical assessment of genomic and amino acid conservation of human proteins involved in renal ion handling (channels, transporters and claudins), kidney and nephron segment conservation, and renal electrolyte transport physiology in the zebrafish, we provide researchers and nephrologists with an indication of the possibilities and considera...
Source: Am J Physiol Renal P... - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Am J Physiol Renal Physiol Source Type: research