A zebrafish gene which can promote heart regeneration

A tiny freshwater fish named ‘Zebrafish’, barely 2-3 cm long can efficiently regenerate its damaged heart within a short time period. Scientists at Pune-based Agharkar Research Institute have used this tiny animal model and identified genes that can promote heart regeneration.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

As reported in the high-impact Development journal, scientists have sought to decode the heart regeneration processes using this animal model.

Zebrafish is found in the tropical and subtropical regions.

 The fish is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains, where they are mostly found in the paddy fields and even in stagnant water and streams.

It is a popular aquarium fish, frequently sold under the trade name Danio.