Transgenic Zebrafish Reporter Lines for in vivo Studying of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an intricate neurodegenerative condition marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra area of the brain. To comprehend the fundamental mechanisms of PD pathogenesis and pinpoint possible treatment targets, it is crucial to have dependable animal models that accurately replicate essential elements of the disease. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are an advantageous model organism for investigating neurological illnesses because of their genetic manipulability, high reproductive capacity, and translucent embryos, which enable live imaging research. This chapter presents a comprehensive introduction to transgenic zebrafish reporter lines that have been specifically designed for the purpose of studying PD-related processes in living organisms. The reporter lines in question utilize fluorescent protein markers regulated by promoters that are pertinent to PD pathogenesis. This enables the observation and measurement of different cellular and molecular occurrences linked to the disease. We examine the usefulness of these genetically modified strains in understanding the processes involved in dopaminergic neurodegeneration, α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and signaling pathway in PD. Additionally, we emphasize the capacity of zebrafish as a screening platform for new therapeutic drugs that target pathways related to PD. In summary, this chapter highlights the importance of transgenic zebrafish reporter lines as valuable instruments for enhancing our comprehension of PD pathogenesis and expediting the creation of successful therapies.