Research Project
10451091
Project Summary/Abstract - Bridge The use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as part of an integrative approach to improving human health is now second to mice in vertebrate models, with over 1,000 NIH grants using the model. Certain pathogens are very common in zebrafish facilities. The three most common diseases/infections of zebrafish in research laboratories are microsporidiosis, caused by Pseudoloma neurophilia, mycobacteriosis (caused by multiple species of Mycobacterium), and parasitic enteritis (caused by the nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa), and now we add Mycoplasma penetrans, the picornavirus ZPV to this list. Moreover, a transmissible intestinal cancer is also very common, and may be caused by Mycoplasma penetrans. Our proposed research investigate the role of Mycoplasma and other agents as causes of the intestinal tumors. We will also study pathologic effects of ZPV. We continue our work with Mycobacterium chelonae, focusing on maternal transmission and the effects of diet. We are not asking for support to study continue research on Pseudoloma and Pseudocapillaria as we believe we have accomplished the appropriate aims put forth in our previous grants funded by NIH ORIP. Proposed here is Bridge Funding to maintain our unique zebrafish vivarium so that we can soon initiate the above proposed research.
