LSI Zebrafish Hub
Understanding biological processes in health and disease necessitates animal models to capture the interactions between cells, tissues, and organs. While “cells-in-a-dish” studies offer initial insights, they lack the complete physiological context, making animal models essential for observing disease progression, treatment effects, and inter-system communication to achieve a comprehensive understanding of biological processes.
In the LSI, we utilise the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an excellent model for biomedical research due to its small size, cost-effectiveness, and high offspring production, which facilitates large-scale experiments. Its transparent, externally developing larvae allow for real-time observation of development and disease without invasive procedures, simplifying genetic manipulation and imaging. Furthermore, the significant genetic and physiological similarities between humans and zebrafish make the findings highly relevant, while their rapid development accelerates discovery.
The University of Exeter Aquatic Resources Centre (ARC) includes 14 aquaria rooms housing a wide range of freshwater and marine species, each relevant to a series of specific research questions for researchers in the Living Systems Institute, Biosciences and the wider University of Exeter.
THE SCHOLPP LAB: How cells talk to each other
Cells in our body communicate to grow and heal. The Scholpp team studies how cells exchange vital messages, known as “Wnt proteins”. We have discovered that cells use tiny extensions, called cytonemes, to transport packages of Wnts from one cell to another. By employing special imaging techniques on live, transparent zebrafish eggs, we can now see precisely how these signals are transmitted and activated between cells. This will help us in understanding multicellular life and developing new methods to regulate Wnt signalling for disease treatment and tissue recovery.
THE YANG LAB: How organs work together in health and disease
Our bodies rely on constant communication between organs to stay healthy. The Yang lab studies how the brain and body work together to manage metabolic health, and what happens when the communication breaks down. Using cutting-edge imaging in live zebrafish, we watch this organ conversation in real-time to understand how the nervous system helps build and control organs. Currently, we are focusing on how the brain and pancreas work together to control blood sugar, and investigating the disruptions to this system in diabetes. By understanding these complex connections and their involvement in disease, we aim to discover new ways to treat these
disruptions for disease prevention or even reversal.
THE RYU LAB: How to regulate stress
When faced with a real or perceived threat, all animals— including humans—activate an adaptive process known as the stress response. While critical for survival of all animals, excess or prolonged stress is detrimental to health and is a strong risk factor for many human diseases. Due to its complexity, stress response is difficult to study. The Ryu lab uses zebrafish as a small and simpler vertebrate system
to understand how to regulate stress. We are particularly interested in deciphering the link between early life stress and adulthood disease susceptibility. By understanding how to regulate stress and what happens under chronic or early life stress, our goal is to find new therapeutic targets for stress-induced disorders.
THE NIKOLAOU LAB: Molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning neural connectivity and function
The main goal of research in the Nikolaou group is to understand how neural connections are made in the brain. We want to learn about the molecular and cellular processes that guide these important choices and how changes in the normal wiring can cause brain dysfunctions.