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Complementary to mammalian models, the zebrafish system facilitates methods that are not possible (in vivo imaging of embryonic development), not practical (such as large-scale forward genetic screens), or not cost-effective (high-throughput chemical screens for drug discovery) in mice or rats. Zebrafish's exogenously fertilized embryos allow real-time, in vivo observation of development from the single-cell stage. Moreover, as a vertebrate, the zebrafish has many similarities with humans, including the nervous system, skin, blood and vasculature, cartilage and bone, liver, kidney, pancreas, gut, and innate and adaptive immune systems. This combination of features makes the zebrafish an exceptional model for studying development, human disease and for high-throughput drug studies.
Targeted genetic modifications stand as the single most desired methodology of the rapidly growing zebrafish market. The coming of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome modification has brought gene knockout and knock-in strategies to zebrafish researchers. The CRISPR/Cas9 system represents an important step forward towards achieving precise and targeted gene disruption. Being readily applicable for the generation of knockout loci in a great variety of animal models, this technology has resulted in significant advances in the fields of drug discovery. Targeted gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 system has revolutionized reverse genetic manipulation of zebrafish and other model organisms.