Generation, Maintenance, and Identification of Germ-Free Zebrafish Models from Larvae to Juvenile Stages

The scope of this research is generation of novel, germ-free animal models, which will be helpful and powerful tools in investigation of various microbiome functions. In this field, the early germ-free fish models have been used recently, but the long-term models are still limited due to various culture conditions and the staff developmental defense. The current GF fish models are normally early life ones.

Thus, the technologies including the sterile scale, the sample detection methods, and providing sterile food are very important challenges to overcome. The germ-free zebrafish model is crucial for studying host-microbiota interaction and their impacts on development and the immunity and disease. This model allows researchers to precisely manipulate the single gut bacteria and observe its effect on the transparent zebrafish embryos.

It provides valuable insights into the roles of gut microbes inheriting the disease. In the future, our research will mainly focused on establishing a germ-free zebrafish model for entire life cycle to better understanding the function of the gut microbiome.