TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding taurine CNS activity using alternative zebrafish models
AU - Mezzomo, Nathana J.
AU - Fontana, Barbara D.
AU - Kalueff, Allan V.
AU - Barcellos, Leonardo J.G.
AU - Rosemberg, Denis B.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2017/12
Y1 - 2017/12
N2 - Taurine is a highly abundant “amino acid” in the brain. Despite the potential neuroactive role of taurine in vertebrates has long been recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to its pleiotropic effects in the brain remain poorly understood. Due to the genetic tractability, rich behavioral repertoire, neurochemical conservation, and small size, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful candidate for neuropsychopharmacology investigation and in vivo drug screening. Here, we summarize the main physiological roles of taurine in mammals, including neuromodulation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant action. In this context, we also highlight how zebrafish models of brain disorders may present interesting approaches to assess molecular mechanisms underlying positive effects of taurine in the brain. Finally, we outline recent advances in zebrafish drug screening that significantly improve neuropsychiatric translational researches and small molecule screens.
AB - Taurine is a highly abundant “amino acid” in the brain. Despite the potential neuroactive role of taurine in vertebrates has long been recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to its pleiotropic effects in the brain remain poorly understood. Due to the genetic tractability, rich behavioral repertoire, neurochemical conservation, and small size, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful candidate for neuropsychopharmacology investigation and in vivo drug screening. Here, we summarize the main physiological roles of taurine in mammals, including neuromodulation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant action. In this context, we also highlight how zebrafish models of brain disorders may present interesting approaches to assess molecular mechanisms underlying positive effects of taurine in the brain. Finally, we outline recent advances in zebrafish drug screening that significantly improve neuropsychiatric translational researches and small molecule screens.
KW - Brain disorder
KW - Neural function
KW - Neuropsychopharmacology
KW - Taurine
KW - Zebrafish
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85029556764&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.008
DO - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.008
M3 - Review article
C2 - 28916270
AN - SCOPUS:85029556764
SN - 0149-7634
VL - 83
SP - 525
EP - 539
JO - Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
JF - Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
ER -