0472 –215 98 63 merlab@agri.edu.tr

Central Research and Application Laboratory

Zebrafish Translational Medicine Research Laboratory (ZTT LAB)

  • ZEBRAFISH TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH LABORATORY (ZTTLAB) 
    The Zebrafish Translational Medicine Research Laboratory is a research unit that utilizes zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate model organism, combining fundamental biomedical research with translational medicine applications.
    Our laboratory, within MERLAB, provides services to both intra-university researchers and external stakeholders (public institutions, private sector, clinicians) with its infrastructure compliant with national and international standards, hygienic production conditions, and advanced technological equipment.

  • The high degree of similarity of the zebrafish genome to the human genome, the functional conservation of its organs and systems, the transparency of its embryos, and its short reproductive cycle are superior biological features that make this model a powerful alternative for disease modeling, drug screening, and personalized medicine studies.

     

    Translational Research – Bench to Bedside: With our integrated research approach that translates laboratory findings into clinical practice, we aim to bring molecular discoveries to the benefit of patients. Clinical Impact – Advancing Therapeutics: We contribute to therapeutic development processes through drug efficacy and toxicity studies, biomarker validation, and personalized treatment approaches.
     
    Our Main Research Areas:
    Epilepsy Models: We investigate seizure mechanisms using seizure models and genetic epilepsy models in zebrafish, and evaluate the efficacy of new antiepileptic compounds.
    Parkinson's Disease Models: We investigate dopaminergic neuron loss, motor behavior changes, and potential neuroprotective compounds in Parkinson-like models induced by neurotoxins.
    Metabolic Disease Models: We elucidate metabolic pathways through non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and diabetes models; and evaluate the therapeutic potential of herbal extracts and new molecules.
    Drug Development Studies: We test the bioactivity, toxicity, therapeutic potential, and efficacy of chemical libraries in vivo, accompanied by in silico studies. We accelerate drug discovery processes by combining computational approaches with experimental validation.
    Non-Invasive Interventions and Photobiomodulation: We investigate the efficacy of applicable therapeutic approaches without tissue damage in zebrafish models for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to drug treatments. We evaluate the effects of non-invasive methods such as photobiomodulation (PBM / low-level light therapy - LLLT), low-intensity laser, LED-based red and near-infrared (NIR) light applications, ultrasound, and electromagnetic field interventions on neuronal regeneration, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, mitochondrial activity, and neuroprotective responses under in vivo conditions.

     

     

     


     

     

     


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