Adult zebrafish as a model for successful central nervous system regeneration

Abstract

Adult fish, in contrast to mammals, are capable of regenerating axonal tracts as well as cells and even entire tissues in the central nervous system (CNS). The zebrafish is a powerful genetic model for studies on the developing CNS and is now emerging as a CNS regeneration model. Here we review recent progress in adult regeneration paradigms in zebrafish ranging from axonal re-growth models to those of tissue regeneration. Moreover, we review the tools that have become available in zebrafish to elucidate the factors contributing to successful CNS regeneration. Since many molecular pathways are shared between zebrafish and mammals, it is hoped that insights from zebrafish may contribute to future therapeutic approaches in CNS injury and disease.