Zebrafish as an integrative model for central nervous system research: current advances and translational perspectives

Central nervous system disorders represent a heterogeneous set of conditions triggered by genetic alterations, environmental exposures, infections, injuries, and even iatrogenic causes. These conditions impact a significant portion of the global population, posing serious concerns for public health. Even though progress has been made in understanding and treating some of these disorders, many others remain poorly understood, with research still in their early stages. For that, adapted experimental models are essential for deciphering the physiopathology of disorders and developing future therapeutic strategies. Within this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a valuable model for central nervous system disorders, thanks to its high genetic and neuroanatomical homology with humans, the conservation in different aspects of cellular architecture and blood–brain barrier, and the remarkable regenerative ability of the CNS. This review presents the state of the art on zebrafish models for central nervous system disorders, presenting their potential in comprehending the pathophysiological processes and screening therapeutics.