article: HSP in zebrafish

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To the non-scientist, it appears that many strange

models, such as worms and fruit flies, are used to try

and mimic motor neuron disease. Dr Wood,

(University of Sheffield, UK) introduced the latest

addition to the list - the zebrafish.

He is using this model because scientists already know

a lot about how motor neurons function in these fish.

In addition, the embryos of the fish are transparent,

so any effects on the motor

neurons are easy to monitor. Dr Wood described how a

gene mutation that causes a slowly progressing form of

MND in humans (called Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis)

has been inserted into the zebrafish eggs, allowing

the research team to investigate the

effects on motor neuron development, maintenance and

degeneration.