The Functional Molecular Vision research group has established Western Australia’s first and only ocular screening platform using zebrafish as a model of myopia.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a freshwater species belonging to the minnow family (Cyprinidae) and have emerged as an increasingly popular model for vertebrate developmental research, involving gene function analysis, disease modelling and mutagenesis. As a result of their rapid and transparent embryogenesis, large eye, genetic similarity to humans and ability to genetically manipulate with ease, the zebrafish is a prime candidate organism for studying both the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with myopia.
The Functional Molecular Vision research group uses a host of live imaging techniques (fluorescence and optical coherence tomography) as well as testing behavioural optokinetic response to visual stimuli to determine how loss of gene function results in structural and functional changes in the developing eye.
By studying which of the human genes associated with myopia development are responsible for altering the shape and function of the developing zebrafish eye, we aim to establish novel gene therapy and/or pharmaceutical drug testing to treat myopia and prevent the progression to high myopia.
