The physical attributes of the zebrafish, including optical transparency during
embryogenesis, large clutch sizes, external development, and rapid organogenesis were
features that initially attracted developmental biologists to use this vertebrate as an
experimental model system. With the progressive development of an extensive genetic “tool
kit” and an ever-growing number of transgenic reporter lines, the zebrafish model has
evolved into an informative system in which to mimic and study aspects of human disease …