Zebrafish Laboratory

The Zebrafish Laboratory, an integral part of the DMMT Animal Facility, is equipped for the housing and use of Danio rerio (zebrafish) to support the scientific work of university researchers, enabling them to carry out ‘in vivo’ research on this animal model in compliance with current legislation.

The laboratory is equipped with rearing tanks for adult fish and for the production of zebrafish embryos, which are used in studies of aquatic biotoxicity, genetics, pharmacology, oncology and developmental biology.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most widely used vertebrates as an in vivo model for the study of human diseases (neurodegenerative diseases, muscular disorders and tumours), as well as for studies in genetics, developmental biology and toxicology.

The main characteristics of this model are: high fertility, external fertilisation, transparency, and the preservation of the morphology and function of internal organs.

Staff

Prof. Marco Presta (Head)

Dr Marco Schiavone (Researcher)

Dr Daniela Zizioli (Researcher)

Dr Chiara Tobia (Graduate Technician)

Main Areas of Research

Study of tumour pathology

Study of neurodegenerative diseases

Study of neuromuscular diseases

Study of vascular development

Study of intracellular trafficking

Study of drug toxicity