Page 17 - UKZN Foundation AR 2024

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH UNLEASHES THE
POWER OF ZEBRAFISH
Zebrafish at the UKZN Zebrafish Research Facility.
The UKZN Zebrafish Research Facility (ZRF) within the School of Life Sciences (SLS) is harnessing the remarkable biological traits of zebrafish to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges facing South Africa today.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio), tiny freshwater striped fish, are powerful biological models that have become pivotal in advancing our understanding of human health and disease. What makes them so valuable is their striking genetic and physiological similarity to humans – nearly 70% of human genes have a zebrafish counterpart.
Moreover, their transparent embryos and rapid development allow scientists to observe physiological and pathological processes in real-time, offering unparalleled insights into human diseases. By observing how zebrafish respond to different treatments and environmental conditions, scientists can draw parallels to human health outcomes.
The UKZN ZRF was established in 2021 through support provided by both the SLS itself as well as the UKZN Afrocentric Precision Approach to Control Health Epidemics (APACHE) Flagship project, a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at improving healthcare outcomes across the continent. At the ZRF, zebrafish are bred and maintained under meticulous conditions, making them ideal for a wide range of experimental studies. The facility is equipped with advanced technology, including an IWAKI system for husbandry and breeding, as well as cutting-edge imaging systems and molecular biology tools.
A dedicated team of post-doctoral fellows and postgraduate students under the supervision of Professor Carola Niesler and Professor Raymond Hewer are pioneering studies that leverage the unique attributes of zebrafish to explore complex medical questions, thereby advancing precision medicine, public health interventions and translational science. One significant research project currently underway at the facility investigates the link between antiretroviral treatment (ART) and Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In South Africa, where over 7 million people live with HIV, understanding the long-term effects of ART is crucial. Recent studies have shown that the preferred first-line ART regimen, comprising tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD), is associated with significant weight gain, potentially increasing the risk of obesity and T2DM.
Using zebrafish as a model organism, PhD student Mr Mlondi Shezi investigates the mechanism underlying this link, aiming to uncover new insights that could inform treatment strategies. ‘The versatility of zebrafish extends beyond medical research. They are also invaluable for studying the biological effects of environmental pollutants,’ said Shezi.
According to Niesler, ‘The zebrafish facility at UKZN is leading efforts to assess the toxicity and developmental impact of
UKZN FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2024 15