Zebrafish Facility

In our research at the zebrafish facility, we use both embryos and adult zebrafish, depending on the specific scientific question.

• Embryos:

  Zebrafish embryos are ideal for early-stage developmental studies due to their transparency, allowing scientists to observe internal processes such as organ formation in real-time. They are also commonly used in high-throughput screenings of drugs or genetic mutations, where their small size and rapid development provide quick results. Additionally, embryos are often preferred for toxicology studies, as their developmental stages can be easily monitored after exposure to compounds.

• Adults:

  Adult zebrafish are used for more complex physiological studies, such as cardiovascular diseases and behavioral analysis, where fully developed organs and systems are required. Adults are also key in regenerative medicine research, as zebrafish have the unique ability to regenerate tissues like the heart and spinal cord. Neurobiology research often uses adults to study fully developed brain functions and disorders.

Our facility is involved in several important research areas:

1. Toxicology Research: Zebrafish are extensively used for studying the toxic effects of chemicals, drugs, and environmental pollutants. By testing substances on zebrafish, we can determine their safety and how they affect living organisms. This research is critical for developing safer products and understanding environmental risks.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases: We study heart and blood vessel diseases using zebrafish, as their hearts are very similar to human hearts. Our scientists examine how these diseases start and look for new ways to treat or prevent them. Zebrafish can heal their hearts after injury, which helps us explore new treatments for heart disease in humans.
3. Alternative Medicine: We explore natural treatments, including herbs and other traditional remedies, to see if they can be used to treat diseases. Zebrafish allow us to quickly test these natural products for safety and effectiveness before they are tested in humans
4. Neurobiology: Zebrafish are also used to study the brain and nervous system. They help us understand how the brain works and how it is affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. By observing how zebrafish react to different conditions, we can discover new treatments for brain-related diseases.
5. Regenerative Medicine: One of the most exciting features of zebrafish is their ability to regenerate tissues. If part of a zebrafish’s heart, fins, or spinal cord is damaged, it can regrow that tissue. In our research, we focus on understanding how this regeneration happens. This knowledge could lead to new ways to repair damaged organs or tissues in humans, offering hope for patients with conditions like spinal cord injuries or heart disease.
6. Metabolic Diseases: Zebrafish are emerging as powerful models for studying metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. Their genetic similarity to humans allows researchers to investigate the underlying causes of metabolic diseases and explore new treatment approaches.
7. Cancer Research: Zebrafish are increasingly used in cancer research due to their ability to develop tumors that mimic human cancers. This enables us to study how cancer starts and progresses and test potential treatments to better understand how they can be applied in human patients.

We have several important zebrafish lines available for research, including:

1. Wild Type: The standard zebrafish used in most research studies.
2. Casper: A transparent line, ideal for studying internal organs and processes without invasive methods.
3. Fli: Zebrafish with fluorescent blood vessels, allowing researchers to study vascular systems in real time.
4. Gata: Zebrafish with fluorescent red blood cells, useful for tracking blood flow and development.
5. CMCL2: Zebrafish with fluorescent hearts, enabling detailed studies of heart function and diseases.

Obtaining New Zebrafish Lines:

Researchers wishing to use zebrafish lines not currently available in our facility are responsible for obtaining them. Principal Investigators (PIs) must oversee the acquisition of new lines, ensuring they comply with our facility's ethical and procedural guidelines.

Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology that helps us carry out precise and efficient research:

1. Imaging Tools: We use high-resolution microscopes to capture detailed images of zebrafish at all stages of development. This allows us to study their organs, tissues, and even individual cells to understand how diseases affect the body and how treatments work.
2. Automated Fish Husbandry Systems: The facility uses automated systems to care for the zebrafish. Which improve the vivarium efficiency, increase quality control for experimental numbers, and can be used for flexible data reporting and retrieval. Consistent care is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable research results.
3. Water Monitoring and Filtration Systems: Clean water is essential for the health of zebrafish. Our advanced filtration systems keep the water clean and at the correct temperature, while automatic monitors check water quality 24 hours a day to ensure the zebrafish are always in a safe and healthy environment.
4. Behavior Analysis Systems: Our facility includes advanced behavior analysis systems, which allow us to observe and study the behavior of zebrafish in various settings. These systems help us better understand how diseases and treatments affect neurological functions and overall behavior.

• Controlled Environment: We maintain a highly controlled environment that mimics natural conditions. The lighting, temperature, and water quality are carefully regulated to create the best conditions for zebrafish. This ensures healthy breeding and accurate research outcomes.
• Drug Testing Area: Our facility has a specialized space for drug and natural compound testing. In this area, researchers can quickly test a wide range of compounds to see their effects on zebrafish. This is important for speeding up the discovery of new treatments for diseases, especially in the fields of cardiovascular health, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine.

We welcome further collaborations with universities, research institutions, and private companies. By working together, we can push the boundaries of science and make groundbreaking discoveries that contribute to the development of our world.

Services and Costs

We provide a range of zebrafish services for researchers. Below is the breakdown of our offerings:

Ethical considerations are crucial in zebrafish research. To ensure humane treatment, researchers follow ethical guidelines such as minimizing suffering, reducing the number of animals used, and refining experimental methods to improve animal welfare. Zebrafish are considered a more ethical alternative to higher vertebrates, but the same principles apply: experiments must be scientifically justified, and any distress to the animals must be minimized. These practices align with the broader ethical goals of improving the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—in animal research

Workflow:

The workflow to work in our Zebrafish facility is as follows:

1. Seek BRC Approval by submitting a Letter of Intent.
   Must be submitted at least 1 month prior to submitting the IBC/IACUC applications
2. Complete the following Trainings:
   
   

   Attend the following required trainings:

   • BRC Zebrafish Training Workshop.
   • CITI Trainings:
     • Working with Animals in Biomedical Research (refresher course).
     • Working with Fish in Research Settings (Qatar University affiliation).
     • Animal Biosafety (Qatar University affiliation).
     • Working with Zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Research Settings (Qatar University affiliation).
   • BRC Bio-Safety Training.

Obtain Approvals:

Depending on the age of the zebrafish, proceed to the relevant approval process:

• For research involving fish less than 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), obtain IBC approval.
• For research involving fish greater than 5 dpf, obtain IACUC approval.

Once the appropriate approval is obtained, Congratulations! You are now ready to start your research.

Download required forms:

To ensure proper use of our facility and equipment, we offer specialized training and workshops. These sessions are mandatory for anyone wishing to work in the facility. Our training covers zebrafish care, handling, research methods, and the operation of our advanced equipment. This ensures that all users meet the high standards required for conducting research in our facility.

For all required forms and extra details please contact us at: zebrafish@qu.edu.qa

Important links: