Fishing for clues about human diseases
Researchers at the University of Sheffield are using tropical fish to help understand human diseases such as heart disease, asthma and Parkinson's disease.
Zebrafish, a minnow-like fish, could provide vital information about the causes and progression of these, and other, human diseases.
Scientists and doctors from the University's Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Developmental and Biomedical Genetics, (CDBG), will be exhibiting their research at the prestigious Royal Society's annual Summer Science Exhibition which opens today (30 June 2009).
The exhibition, Fishing for Clues, will explore several examples of how zebrafish are being used to further medical research into human diseases.
Zebrafish have a number of unique characteristics that make them a perfect species for investigating human diseases. They share many genes with humans that are used in both species to build and maintain a healthy body. Genes can be easily added or removed in zebrafish, allowing scientists to investigate why failing genes can result in disease.
Additionally, the zebrafish embryo is transparent, enabling scientists to see inside the body.
By modifying zebrafish with a fluorescent protein, researchers can even more easily follow cells and organs in both healthy and diseased animals. Observation of these 'glowing' cells and organs can help shed light on the progression of diseases.
Professor Marysia Placzek, Acting Director for the CDBG, said:
"Understanding how our bodies work, and what changes can lead to disease is a major medical challenge. We now understand that humans are built in a similar way to simpler species, and this means that studies of tiny zebrafish can shed light on the processes that can occur in human disease. By using zebrafish we can obtain information that can provide vital clues about both the causes of disease, and possible new cures"
She continued: "The exhibition lets us communicate the exciting opportunities within the CDBG for ensuring that cutting edge biological research is rapidly converted into medical benefits."
Dr Tim Chico, a consultant cardiologist who works both in CDBG and at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said:
"Understanding the way that cells behave in living organisms is key to understanding human disease. We can use zebrafish to study cell behaviour in a way that is impossible in other species."
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page- Katie shines as burns unit opens
- New TV prison drama does time in Sheffield
- MATCH REPORT: Sheffield Wednesday 0 Blackpool 3
- Snow Patrol chats to The Star ahead of their Sheffield gig tonight- LISTEN TO AUDIO INTERVIEW
- SNOW LATEST: Airport reopens as South Yorkshire returns to normal - but wrap up Monday
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
