Translational toxicology in zebrafish

Abstract

A major goal of translational toxicology is to identify adverse chemical effects and determine whether they are conserved or divergent across experimental systems. Translational toxicology encompasses assessment of chemical toxicity across multiple life stages, determination of toxic mode of action, computational prediction modeling, and identification of interventions that protect or restore health after toxic chemical exposures. The zebrafish is increasingly used in translational toxicology because it combines the genetic and physiological advantages of mammalian models with the higher-throughput capabilities and genetic manipulability of invertebrate models. Here, we review the recent literature demonstrating the power of the zebrafish as a model for addressing all four activities of translational toxicology. Important data gaps and challenges associated with using zebrafish for translational toxicology are also discussed.