There are currently no vertebrate
models that can be used to rapidly screen for small molecules that modulate
tissue regeneration. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the field
of regeneration medicine and provides an opportunity to identify the targets of
identified bioactivities.
The present invention provides a
rapid throughput zebrafish regeneration assay, which may be used to identify
pathways essential for tissue regeneration. Most vertebrates are incapable of tissue
regeneration; however zebrafish have the remarkable capability to regenerate
their fins, optic nerve, scales, heart and spinal cord. This approach has previously not been
used in its entirety to screen for novel compounds that perturb or stimulate
tissue regeneration.
This invention provides a method
for simultaneously screening at least two candidate agents for affecting
regeneration of an embryonic teleost. The candidate agents may be any type of
agent, including but not limited to a peptide, an amino acid a hormone, a lipid
a small molecule or a carbohydrate.
The promise of this invention and
regenerative medicine is that therapies will be devised to promote the repair or
replacement of damage or diseased tissues and organs.
Issued U.S. Patent Number:
7,655,832
-06-15