Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an Emerging Model in Diabetes Research: A Narrative Review of Applications, Experimental Approaches, and Disease Induction Models

Alishahi, Zahra; Khoshnam, Seyed Esmaeil; Rahimi, Kaveh

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2026.30.1.65

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Volume 30, Issue 1 (Bimonthly 2026)

Feyz Med Sci J 2026, 30(1): 65-76

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Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an Emerging Model in Diabetes Research: A Narrative Review of Applications, Experimental Approaches, and Disease Induction Models

Zahra Alishahi ^*

, Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam

, Kaveh Rahimi

, alishahimahdis8@gmail.com

Abstract: (587 Views)

Background and Aim: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a valuable animal model in biomedical research, particularly in studies related to diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to review the applications of zebrafish in diabetes research, methodological approaches, and experimental techniques used for disease induction in this species.
Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. A comprehensive literature search was performed using relevant keywords across major scientific databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SID.
Results: Findings indicate that zebrafish, due to its substantial genetic similarity to humans (approximately 70% gene homology and orthologs for nearly 84% of human disease-related genes), along with characteristics such as small size, high fecundity, and strong genetic manipulability, represents a promising alternative to traditional mammalian models. In diabetes research, zebrafish are widely used to investigate glucose homeostasis, pancreatic β-cell function, insulin signaling pathways, and oxidative stress mechanisms. Various diabetes induction models, including streptozotocin and alloxan administration, genetic manipulation, and high-glucose dietary exposure, enable simulation of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes phenotypes. Moreover, zebrafish serve as an efficient platform for antidiabetic drug screening and toxicity assessment of pharmacological compounds.
Conclusion: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) represents a powerful and versatile animal model that can significantly contribute to the understanding of diabetes pathophysiology, the development of novel therapeutic agents, and the advancement of treatment strategies.

Keywords: Zebrafish, Diabetes mellitus, Animal model, β-cells, Insulin resistance, Streptozotocin

Full-Text [PDF 443 kb] (33 Downloads)

Type of Study: Review | Subject: General
Received: 2025/05/6 | Revised: 2026/04/20 | Accepted: 2025/12/5 | Published: 2026/03/15

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Alishahi Z, Khoshnam S E, Rahimi K. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an Emerging Model in Diabetes Research: A Narrative Review of Applications, Experimental Approaches, and Disease Induction Models. Feyz Med Sci J 2026; 30 (1) :65-76
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