Using a transparent fish model to study immune processes and diseases

Danionella cerebrum as a transparent vertebrate adult model for studying immune-related biological processes and diseases

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10772174

This study is using a tiny, see-through fish to watch how immune cells work in real-time, helping us learn more about diseases and aging, so we can better understand how our immune system responds.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10772174 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing Danionella cerebrum, a small, transparent fish, to investigate immune-related biological processes and their effects on diseases. By utilizing this unique model, researchers can perform live imaging to observe how immune cells behave in real-time, particularly as they relate to disease progression and aging. The study aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for using this fish as a model organism, leveraging advanced genetic techniques to enhance our understanding of immune dynamics in various conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in immune-related health issues.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune processes or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into immune-related diseases and potentially improve treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using zebrafish models has shown success in studying similar immune processes, suggesting potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.