New centre to research on spinal cord regeneration

Aiming to study the ability of the zebra fish to heal its spinal injuries and cholesterol processing, especially in terms of its implications for humans, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has opened a state-of-the-art research facility here on Monday.

Inaugurated by Prof Samir K Brahmachari, Director-General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the 4000 sq ft facility would conduct research and training on using zebra fish as a model system to study modern biology.

The facility is equipped with sets of stand-alone zebra fish system, breeding/handling set in temperature and light controlled rooms along with a full-fledged micromanipulation laboratory.

Dr Rakesh Mishra, Deputy Director, CCMB, will be the Principal Investigator and In-Charge of the facility, which is jointly funded by CSIR and DBT under ‘Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics’ program to use Zebra fish as a vertebrate model system to study basic biology and carry out applied research.

The zebra fish, Danio rerio, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family (Cyprinidae) of order Cypriniformes. A popular aquarium fish frequently sold under the trade name zebra danio, and regarded an important vertebrate model organism in scientific research, zebra is particularly notable for its regenerative abilities.

Australian scientists have decoded the secrets of the zebra fish’s amazing ability to heal its spinal cord after injury. The findings could eventually pave the way to stimulate spinal cord regeneration in  quadriplegic and paraplegic patients who had suffered the disability as a result of spinal cord damage.

The fish has the ability to fully heal its spine within two months of injuring it.
Young zebra fish also offer a glimpse into the processes of the intestine due to its transparent body wall.

A native of the Indian subcontinent, zebra has gained prominence as a model organism as it provides access to genetic, reverse genetic, genomic, cell biology and molecular biology especially its unique vertebrate system.