Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is a complex neurodegenerative disorder which leads to a progressive decline in cognitive functions. A rapid screening model is highly demanded for i...Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is a complex neurodegenerative disorder which leads to a progressive decline in cognitive functions. A rapid screening model is highly demanded for identification and evaluation of novel anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs from a large numbers of compounds. Until now, numerous studies utilized zebrafish model for drug discovery. Since aluminum can induce a similar biological activity in zebrafish as in Alzheimer patients, in this study, we developed a novel animal model using 3 to 5 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of aluminum chloride exposure. Six anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model. Importantly, Rivastigmine, ThT, Flurbiprofen and AM-117 could increase the value of Dyskinesia Recovery Rate by 53.4-64%, 169.4-200%, 54.5-96% and 70.9-121%, respectively. Rivastigmine, Memantine, ThT, Flurbiprofen, Rosiglitazone and AM-117 improved the value of Response Efficiency by 86.6-175.1%, 28.2-66.6%, 127.2-236.5%, 118.3-323.7%, 26.6-140.8% and 70.2-161.4%, respectively. Our results suggest that the zebrafish model developed in this study could be a useful tool for high throughput screening of potential novel anti-Alzheimer's disease leading compounds targeting acetylcholinesterase, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor, γ-secretase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γand amyloid-β.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Hypoxia is associated with many complicated pathophysiological and biochemical processes that integrated and regulated via the key gene,protein and endogenous metabolite levels.Up to date,the exact molecular...OBJECTIVE Hypoxia is associated with many complicated pathophysiological and biochemical processes that integrated and regulated via the key gene,protein and endogenous metabolite levels.Up to date,the exact molecular mechanism of hypoxia still remains unclear.In this work,we further explore the molecular mechanism of hypoxia and adaption to attenuate the damage in zebrafish model that have potential to resist hypoxic environment.METHODS The hypoxic zebrafish model was established in different concentration of oxygen with 3%,5%,10%,21%in water.The brain tissue was separated and the RNA-seq was used to identify the differentially expressed genes.The related endogenous metabolites profiles were obtained by LC-HDMS,and the multivariate statistics was applied to discover the important metabolites candidates in hypoxic zebrafish.The candidates were searched in HMDB,KEGG and Lipid Maps databases.RESULTS The zebrafish hypoxic model was successfully constructed via the different concentration of oxygen,temperature and hypoxic time.The activities of the related hypoxic metabolic enzymes and factors including HIF-1a,actate dehydrogenase(LDH)and citrate synthase(CS)were evaluated.Significant differences(P<0.05 and fold change>2)in the expression of 422 genes were observed between the normal and 3% hypoxic model.Among them,201 genes increased depended on the lower concentration of oxygen.53 metabolites were identified that had significant difference between the hypoxia and control groups(P<0.05,fold change>1.5 and VIP>1.5).The ten key metabolites were increased gradually while six compounds were decreased.The endogenous hypoxic metabolites of phenylalanine,D-glucosamine-6P and several important lipids with the relevant hub genes had similar change in hypoxic model.In addition,the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine,glutamine and glycolipid were influenced in both the levels of genes and metabolites.CONCLUSION The up-regulation of phenylalanine,D-glucosamine-6P and lipid may have further understanding of protective effect in hypoxia.Our data provided an insight to further reveal the hypoxia and adaptation mechanism.展开更多
AIM: To establish a model of retinal neurodegeneration induced by N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid(NMDA) in adult zebrafish.METHODS: We compared the effects of three different NMDA delivery methods on retinal neurodegeneratio...AIM: To establish a model of retinal neurodegeneration induced by N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid(NMDA) in adult zebrafish.METHODS: We compared the effects of three different NMDA delivery methods on retinal neurodegeneration in adult zebrafish: immersion(I.M.), intravitreal injection(I.V.), and intraperitoneal injection(I.P.), and examined retinal pathology and degeneration by hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining in the treated zebrafish. Effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the natural product resveratrol on NMDA-induced retinal neurodegeneration were also assessed.RESULTS: The thickened inner retina was seen in histology with 100 μmol/L NMDA by I.M. administration. Significant apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cell layer and retinal thickness reduction occurred in 0.5 mol/L NMDA I.P. administration group.Seizure-like behavioral changes, but no retinal histological alteration occurred in 16 mg/kg NMDA I.P. administration group. Resveratrol and MK-801 prevented NMDA-induced retinal neurodegeneration in the zebrafish. CONCLUSION: Among the three drug administration methods, I.V. injection of NMDA is the most suitable for establishment of an acute retinal damage model inzebrafish. I.M. with NMDA is likely the best for use as a chronic retinal damage model. I.P. treatment with NMDA causes brain damage. Resveratrol and MK801 may be a clinically valuable treatment for retinal neurodegeneration.展开更多
Background:Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia(CML)therapy,CML still faces the challenges of drug resistance and progression to blast crisis.Twenty-five percent of patients ha...Background:Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia(CML)therapy,CML still faces the challenges of drug resistance and progression to blast crisis.Twenty-five percent of patients have imatinib resistance and treatment difficulties due to heterogeneity after progression,but little is known about the mechanism.A key transcription factor in hematopoiesis,MYB,has been reported to increase abnormally in several types of aggressive blood disorders including CML.Methods:This study used a zebrafish model to explore the relationship between BCR/ABL1 and c-myb in CML progression.A CML zebrafish model was crossed with a c-myb hyperactivity transgenic line.Results:It was found that both exogenous BCR/ABL1 and c-myb could up-regulate the expression of neutrophil-related genes.More seriously,neutrophil accumulation was observed when BCR/ABL1 was combined with c-myb overexpression.Further studies showed that c-myb may be one of the downstream targets of BCR/ABL1 and the effect of BCR/ABL1 on neutrophils was c-myb dependent.Taking advantage of this inheritable in vivo model,it was shown that a combination of imatinib and flavopiridol,a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor targeting MYB,could more effectively alleviate the aggressive phenotype of the double transgene line.Conclusion:In summary,this study suggests that c-myb acts downstream of BCR/ABL1 and is involved in CML progression and is therefore a risk factor and a valuable target for the treatment of CML progression.The model used in the study could be helpful in high-throughput drug screening in CML transformation.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficancy of Yangxue Qingnao granules on simvastatininduced vascular injury model in zebrafish.METHODS Since statins can inhibit vascular development in zebrafish,in this study,we developed a n...OBJECTIVE To assess the efficancy of Yangxue Qingnao granules on simvastatininduced vascular injury model in zebrafish.METHODS Since statins can inhibit vascular development in zebrafish,in this study,we developed a novel animal model using 1 to 3 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of simvastatin exposure.Five pro-angiogenic drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model.Zebrafish was treated with different concentration of Yangxue Qingnao granules(62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1) for 2 d then tested for the area of subintestinal vein vessels.RESULTS Vascular regeneration promoting effect of five pro-angiogenic drugs(calycosin,astragaloside,chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid and Panax Notoginseng Saponins) were 8-48%,24-51%,35-58%,28-75% and 37-69%,respectively.In 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1 Yangxue Qingnao granules group,vascular regeneration promoting effect were 21%(P>0.05),84%(P<0.01) and 53%(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish vascular injury model validated in this study could be used for in vivo angiogenesis studies and drug screening and for assessing pro-angiogenic drugs with different mechanisms.Yangxue Qingnao granules could promote the vascular regeneration in zebrafish.展开更多
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)—are chronic conditions with an inadequately understood pathogenesis. Employing a set of novel molecular markers in a gene expression assay (q...Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)—are chronic conditions with an inadequately understood pathogenesis. Employing a set of novel molecular markers in a gene expression assay (qPCR), we have used adult zebrafish to investigate two acute inflammatory models, induced by the haptenizing agents oxazolone and TNBS. In addition, goblet cell dynamics in the scales and intestine and 5-HT (serotonin) in intestinal tissues were investigated through optical projection tomography. Gene expression studies revealed a distinct and significant upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase reactants and metalloprotease 9 in both chemical models, primarily after 72 hours. In comparison, transcription factors and cytokines associated with Th1 and Th17 (Crohn’s) and Th2 (ulcerative colitis) were mainly not affected in this acute setting. However, elevated transcript levels were detected in Foxp3, IL-10 and T-bet, which are linked with tolerance and Tregs in mammals. Goblet cells in scales were depleted in both chemical models and in the intestine of oxazolone-treated fish. A marked 5-HT signal was noted in intestinal tissue of some chemically treated zebrafish. In conclusion, a distinct acute inflammatory reaction was induced in both chemical models. Further, oxazolone and TNBS did not result in clear-cut Th2 and Th1/Th17 pathway signaling at this early timepoint, but the applied molecular tools may provide further insight to the IBD pathogenesis and translational value of the IBD zebrafish model.展开更多
●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinat...●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations.Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family.Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis.The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis.Major intrinsic protein(MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos.Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy.●RESULTS:A novel heterozygous mutation(c.85G>A;p.G29R)in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family.A known heterozygous mutation(c.97C>T;p.R33C;rs864309693)in MIP was found in the proband of another family.In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function.Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP.●CONCLUSION:Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified,and one of which is novel.These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts.The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.展开更多
Animal models are necessary to investigate the pathogenic features underlying motor neuron degeneration and for therapeutic development in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). Measures of model validity allow for a c...Animal models are necessary to investigate the pathogenic features underlying motor neuron degeneration and for therapeutic development in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). Measures of model validity allow for a critical interpretation of results from each model and caution from over-interpretation of experimental models. Face and construct validity refer to the similarity in phenotype and the proposed causal factor to the human disease, respectively. More recently developed models are restricted by limited phenotype characterization, yet new models hold promise for novel disease insights, thus highlighting their importance. In this article, we evaluate the features of face and construct validity of our new zebrafish model of environmentally-induced motor neuron degeneration and discuss this in the context of current environmental and genetic ALS models, including C9 orf72, mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 mouse and zebrafish models. In this mini-review, we discuss the pros and cons to validity criteria in each model. Our zebrafish model of environmentally-induced motor neuron degeneration displays convincing features of face validity with many hallmarks of ALS-like features, and weakness in construct validity. However, the value of this model may lie in its potential to be more representative of the pathogenic features underlying sporadic ALS cases, where environmental factors may be more likely to be involved in disease etiology than single dominant gene mutations. It may be necessary to compare findings between different strains and species modeling specific genes or environmental factors to confirm findings from ALS animal models and tease out arbitrary strain-and overexpression-specific effects.展开更多
基金Acknowledgments The authors thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81302646), Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (LQ13H300002), Science Technology Department of Zhejiang Province (2015F50015) and Health and Family Planning commission of Zhejiang Province (XKQ-010-001 and 2013KYB070) for financial support.
文摘Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, is a complex neurodegenerative disorder which leads to a progressive decline in cognitive functions. A rapid screening model is highly demanded for identification and evaluation of novel anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs from a large numbers of compounds. Until now, numerous studies utilized zebrafish model for drug discovery. Since aluminum can induce a similar biological activity in zebrafish as in Alzheimer patients, in this study, we developed a novel animal model using 3 to 5 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of aluminum chloride exposure. Six anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model. Importantly, Rivastigmine, ThT, Flurbiprofen and AM-117 could increase the value of Dyskinesia Recovery Rate by 53.4-64%, 169.4-200%, 54.5-96% and 70.9-121%, respectively. Rivastigmine, Memantine, ThT, Flurbiprofen, Rosiglitazone and AM-117 improved the value of Response Efficiency by 86.6-175.1%, 28.2-66.6%, 127.2-236.5%, 118.3-323.7%, 26.6-140.8% and 70.2-161.4%, respectively. Our results suggest that the zebrafish model developed in this study could be a useful tool for high throughput screening of potential novel anti-Alzheimer's disease leading compounds targeting acetylcholinesterase, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor, γ-secretase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γand amyloid-β.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81573683 and 81173121)
文摘OBJECTIVE Hypoxia is associated with many complicated pathophysiological and biochemical processes that integrated and regulated via the key gene,protein and endogenous metabolite levels.Up to date,the exact molecular mechanism of hypoxia still remains unclear.In this work,we further explore the molecular mechanism of hypoxia and adaption to attenuate the damage in zebrafish model that have potential to resist hypoxic environment.METHODS The hypoxic zebrafish model was established in different concentration of oxygen with 3%,5%,10%,21%in water.The brain tissue was separated and the RNA-seq was used to identify the differentially expressed genes.The related endogenous metabolites profiles were obtained by LC-HDMS,and the multivariate statistics was applied to discover the important metabolites candidates in hypoxic zebrafish.The candidates were searched in HMDB,KEGG and Lipid Maps databases.RESULTS The zebrafish hypoxic model was successfully constructed via the different concentration of oxygen,temperature and hypoxic time.The activities of the related hypoxic metabolic enzymes and factors including HIF-1a,actate dehydrogenase(LDH)and citrate synthase(CS)were evaluated.Significant differences(P<0.05 and fold change>2)in the expression of 422 genes were observed between the normal and 3% hypoxic model.Among them,201 genes increased depended on the lower concentration of oxygen.53 metabolites were identified that had significant difference between the hypoxia and control groups(P<0.05,fold change>1.5 and VIP>1.5).The ten key metabolites were increased gradually while six compounds were decreased.The endogenous hypoxic metabolites of phenylalanine,D-glucosamine-6P and several important lipids with the relevant hub genes had similar change in hypoxic model.In addition,the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine,glutamine and glycolipid were influenced in both the levels of genes and metabolites.CONCLUSION The up-regulation of phenylalanine,D-glucosamine-6P and lipid may have further understanding of protective effect in hypoxia.Our data provided an insight to further reveal the hypoxia and adaptation mechanism.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81271425 No.81260148+5 种基金 No.31400988 No.81160144 No.31171044)the Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No.20181ACG70010)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi (No.20151BBG70243 No.20122BCB23007)
文摘AIM: To establish a model of retinal neurodegeneration induced by N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid(NMDA) in adult zebrafish.METHODS: We compared the effects of three different NMDA delivery methods on retinal neurodegeneration in adult zebrafish: immersion(I.M.), intravitreal injection(I.V.), and intraperitoneal injection(I.P.), and examined retinal pathology and degeneration by hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining in the treated zebrafish. Effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the natural product resveratrol on NMDA-induced retinal neurodegeneration were also assessed.RESULTS: The thickened inner retina was seen in histology with 100 μmol/L NMDA by I.M. administration. Significant apoptosis in the retinal ganglion cell layer and retinal thickness reduction occurred in 0.5 mol/L NMDA I.P. administration group.Seizure-like behavioral changes, but no retinal histological alteration occurred in 16 mg/kg NMDA I.P. administration group. Resveratrol and MK-801 prevented NMDA-induced retinal neurodegeneration in the zebrafish. CONCLUSION: Among the three drug administration methods, I.V. injection of NMDA is the most suitable for establishment of an acute retinal damage model inzebrafish. I.M. with NMDA is likely the best for use as a chronic retinal damage model. I.P. treatment with NMDA causes brain damage. Resveratrol and MK801 may be a clinically valuable treatment for retinal neurodegeneration.
基金National Key R&D Program of ChinaGrant/Award Number:2018YFA0801000+5 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaGrant/Award Number:32170830Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong ProvinceChinaGrant/Award Number:2021A1515010422South China University of Technology。
文摘Background:Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia(CML)therapy,CML still faces the challenges of drug resistance and progression to blast crisis.Twenty-five percent of patients have imatinib resistance and treatment difficulties due to heterogeneity after progression,but little is known about the mechanism.A key transcription factor in hematopoiesis,MYB,has been reported to increase abnormally in several types of aggressive blood disorders including CML.Methods:This study used a zebrafish model to explore the relationship between BCR/ABL1 and c-myb in CML progression.A CML zebrafish model was crossed with a c-myb hyperactivity transgenic line.Results:It was found that both exogenous BCR/ABL1 and c-myb could up-regulate the expression of neutrophil-related genes.More seriously,neutrophil accumulation was observed when BCR/ABL1 was combined with c-myb overexpression.Further studies showed that c-myb may be one of the downstream targets of BCR/ABL1 and the effect of BCR/ABL1 on neutrophils was c-myb dependent.Taking advantage of this inheritable in vivo model,it was shown that a combination of imatinib and flavopiridol,a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor targeting MYB,could more effectively alleviate the aggressive phenotype of the double transgene line.Conclusion:In summary,this study suggests that c-myb acts downstream of BCR/ABL1 and is involved in CML progression and is therefore a risk factor and a valuable target for the treatment of CML progression.The model used in the study could be helpful in high-throughput drug screening in CML transformation.
文摘OBJECTIVE To assess the efficancy of Yangxue Qingnao granules on simvastatininduced vascular injury model in zebrafish.METHODS Since statins can inhibit vascular development in zebrafish,in this study,we developed a novel animal model using 1 to 3 day post-fertilization larval zebrafish by optimizing the doses and duration of simvastatin exposure.Five pro-angiogenic drugs with a variety of mechanisms were tested to validate the newly developed zebrafish model.Zebrafish was treated with different concentration of Yangxue Qingnao granules(62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1) for 2 d then tested for the area of subintestinal vein vessels.RESULTS Vascular regeneration promoting effect of five pro-angiogenic drugs(calycosin,astragaloside,chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid and Panax Notoginseng Saponins) were 8-48%,24-51%,35-58%,28-75% and 37-69%,respectively.In 62.5,125 and 250 μg·mL-1 Yangxue Qingnao granules group,vascular regeneration promoting effect were 21%(P>0.05),84%(P<0.01) and 53%(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the zebrafish vascular injury model validated in this study could be used for in vivo angiogenesis studies and drug screening and for assessing pro-angiogenic drugs with different mechanisms.Yangxue Qingnao granules could promote the vascular regeneration in zebrafish.
文摘Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)—are chronic conditions with an inadequately understood pathogenesis. Employing a set of novel molecular markers in a gene expression assay (qPCR), we have used adult zebrafish to investigate two acute inflammatory models, induced by the haptenizing agents oxazolone and TNBS. In addition, goblet cell dynamics in the scales and intestine and 5-HT (serotonin) in intestinal tissues were investigated through optical projection tomography. Gene expression studies revealed a distinct and significant upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase reactants and metalloprotease 9 in both chemical models, primarily after 72 hours. In comparison, transcription factors and cytokines associated with Th1 and Th17 (Crohn’s) and Th2 (ulcerative colitis) were mainly not affected in this acute setting. However, elevated transcript levels were detected in Foxp3, IL-10 and T-bet, which are linked with tolerance and Tregs in mammals. Goblet cells in scales were depleted in both chemical models and in the intestine of oxazolone-treated fish. A marked 5-HT signal was noted in intestinal tissue of some chemically treated zebrafish. In conclusion, a distinct acute inflammatory reaction was induced in both chemical models. Further, oxazolone and TNBS did not result in clear-cut Th2 and Th1/Th17 pathway signaling at this early timepoint, but the applied molecular tools may provide further insight to the IBD pathogenesis and translational value of the IBD zebrafish model.
基金Supported by the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(No.GJHZ20220913142618036,No.JCYJ20210324113610029).
文摘●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations.Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family.Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis.The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis.Major intrinsic protein(MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos.Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy.●RESULTS:A novel heterozygous mutation(c.85G>A;p.G29R)in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family.A known heterozygous mutation(c.97C>T;p.R33C;rs864309693)in MIP was found in the proband of another family.In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function.Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP.●CONCLUSION:Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified,and one of which is novel.These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts.The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.
基金supported by a grant from Estate of Luther Allyn Shourds Dean,No.20R17162(to CAS)
文摘Animal models are necessary to investigate the pathogenic features underlying motor neuron degeneration and for therapeutic development in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS). Measures of model validity allow for a critical interpretation of results from each model and caution from over-interpretation of experimental models. Face and construct validity refer to the similarity in phenotype and the proposed causal factor to the human disease, respectively. More recently developed models are restricted by limited phenotype characterization, yet new models hold promise for novel disease insights, thus highlighting their importance. In this article, we evaluate the features of face and construct validity of our new zebrafish model of environmentally-induced motor neuron degeneration and discuss this in the context of current environmental and genetic ALS models, including C9 orf72, mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 mouse and zebrafish models. In this mini-review, we discuss the pros and cons to validity criteria in each model. Our zebrafish model of environmentally-induced motor neuron degeneration displays convincing features of face validity with many hallmarks of ALS-like features, and weakness in construct validity. However, the value of this model may lie in its potential to be more representative of the pathogenic features underlying sporadic ALS cases, where environmental factors may be more likely to be involved in disease etiology than single dominant gene mutations. It may be necessary to compare findings between different strains and species modeling specific genes or environmental factors to confirm findings from ALS animal models and tease out arbitrary strain-and overexpression-specific effects.