Dr Caroline Brennan, Queen Mary, University of London
Zebrafish behavioural assays to identify genetic mechanisms underlying drug seeking and addiction
Abstract
Studies in humans show that genetic factors contribute to an individual's vulnerability to drug dependence, but so far few such genes have been identified. If genetic effects on drug dependence could be better understood, this would allow treatments to be tailored to an individual's needs, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
The aim of this project is to develop zebrafish tests of impulsivity and novelty seeking behaviour, two major factors that predict susceptibility to drug dependence in humans. Once tests that reliably predict drug seeking in zebrafish have been developed, they will be used to breed fish with altered drug seeking behaviour for studies aimed at identifying genes linked to drug addiction. Because the neurochemical pathways involved in drug seeking are highly similar between zebrafish and mammals, results found in zebrafish can inform human studies.
Many laboratories currently use rodents for the study of addiction, using around 30-100 individuals in each study, so substitution with the zebrafish could reduce the numbers of rodents used in this area of neurobehavioural research. In the longer terms this may reduce the numbers used in testing for drug dependence in pharmaceutical development.
