Researchers at Pune-based Agharkar Research Institute have used Zebrafish tiny animal model and identified genes that can promote heart regeneration.
- Zebrafish is a tiny freshwater fish barely 2-3 cm long and is found Found in South Asia.
- This fish is transparent during its embryonic stages, allowing observing all organs, including beating heart and blood circulation.
- It can efficiently regenerate its damaged heart within a short time period.
- Researchers have identified the cellular communication network factor 2a (ccn2a), a gene that can promote heart regeneration by enhancing cardiomyocyte proliferation.
- It is a popular aquarium fish, frequently sold under the trade name Danio.
- It is a freshwater fish found in the tropical and subtropical regions.
- The fish is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains, where they are mostly found in the paddy fields and even in stagnant water and streams.
(Source: Indian Express)
The fish become adults at three months and survive 2-3 years in a laboratory condition.
