Título: Danio rerio Embryogenesis as an In Vivo Model for the Evaluation of Bioactive Natural Compounds
Resumen: Marine-derived polysaccharides, especially sulphated variants from algae, are increasingly recognized for their promising pharmacological and nutraceutical properties [1-2]. While their extraction and in vitro testing are often the starting points of bioactivity evaluation, our research group focuses on the in vivo characterization of these compounds using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. including We apply zebrafish embryos and larvae as a central tool to assess a broad range of biological effects, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, photoprotective, and regenerative activities. This model provides key advantages for early-stage drug screening: rapid development, genetic similarity to humans, optical transparency, and suitability for high-throughput assays. These features allow us to evaluate both the efficacy and potential toxicity of polysaccharide fractions in a whole-organism context. Recent literature highlights a clear trend toward the combined use of zebrafish larvae and in vitro assays to evaluate the effects of polysaccharide fractions from marine algae-based biomass. It also shows a wide variety of effects depending on the molecular structure and extraction method [3-4]. While some fractions demonstrate strong antitumor activity with minimal embryo toxicity, others induce developmental toxicity, emphasizing the importance of in vivo screening prior to clinical translation. In our group, some partners are specialized in biomass processing and in vitro testing, while others integrate zebrafish assays as a critical step in the screening pipeline. We have assessed different natural polysaccharides, from marine algal species and fungi, observing significant variability in their bioactivity profiles. In this presentation, we will outline our zebrafish-based methodology, key findings from recent studies, and the role of this model in complementing in vitro approaches. We will also discuss current challenges in standardization, dose translation, and mechanistic analysis within the zebrafish platform. By positioning zebrafish at the centre of our research, we aim to strengthen its value as a predictive, ethical, and cost-effective model for early-stage evaluation of natural compounds with therapeutic potential.
Congreso: BAC Málaga 2025
