Kanza M. Khan

Bio: Kanza M. Khan is an academic researcher from University of Southern Mississippi. The author has contributed to research in topics: Psychology & Neuroscience. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 8 publications receiving 179 citations.

Zebrafish Models in NeuroPsychopharmacology and CNS Drug Discovery

Abstract: Despite the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, their aetiology and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful animal model in neuropharmacology research and in vivo drug screening. Collectively, this makes zebrafish a useful tool for drug discovery and the identification of disordered molecular pathways. Here, we discuss zebrafish models of selected human neuropsychiatric disorders and drug-induced phenotypes. As well as covering a broad range of brain disorders (from anxiety and psychoses to neurodegeneration), we also summarize recent developments in zebrafish genetics and small molecule screening, which markedly enhance the disease modelling and the discovery of novel drug targets.

Zebrafish and conditioned place preference: A translational model of drug reward

Abstract: Addiction and substance abuse are found ubiquitously throughout human society. In the United States, these disorders are responsible for amassing hundreds of billions of dollars in annual costs associated with healthcare, crime and lost productivity. Efficacious treatments remain few in number, the development of which will be facilitated by comprehension of environmental, genetic, pharmacological and neurobiological mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of addiction. Animal models such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio) have gained momentum within various domains of translational research, and as a model of complex brain disorders (e.g., drug abuse). Behavioral quantification within the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm serves as a measure of the rewarding qualities of a given substance. If the animal develops an increase in preference for the drug paired environment, it is inferred that the drug has positive-reinforcing properties. This paper discusses the utility of the zebrafish model in conjunction with the CPP paradigm and reports CPP behavior following acute exposure to 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00% alcohol, and 0 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 150 mg/L caffeine.

Feeling Fishy: Trait Differences in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

Abstract: Personality in humans refers to the behavioral, affective, and cognitive traits that persist through time and across context. However, specific definitions and methods of quantifying personality vary depending on the specific approach that researchers emphasize. The trait approach allows clinicians to make informed diagnoses about their patients, and demonstrates predictive validity regarding health (e.g., longevity) and personal (e.g., occupational success) outcomes. The trait approach has also been applied to study personality development and personality disorders in nonhuman species. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely used neurobehavioral model organism that demonstrates tremendous translational potential with humans. Zebrafish exhibit several traits that remain consistent with time and across situations and, thus, have some personality traits like those of humans. Many behavioral and genetic differences have been observed between laboratory bred and wild-type zebrafish, which are largely attributable to a decrease in selection pressures in the laboratory setting. Selective breeding of zebrafish allows for the study of particular phenotypes (e.g., anxiety) to gain a deeper understanding of behavioral phenotypes, and provides a model for testing novel drug treatments. Here, we discuss the five major traits exhibited by zebrafish (boldness, exploration, activity, aggression, and sociability), and population (strain) differences in these traits. The use of zebrafish as neurobehavioral models of personality, and potential for the development of drug therapies for personality disorders is discussed.

Towards a Better Understanding of Zebrafish Sleep Behavior

Abstract: ....................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iv DEDICATION .................................................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... viii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ............................................................................................. ix CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 1 Sleep-Regulatory Systems .............................................................................................. 2 Alterations to Sleep and Waking .................................................................................... 3 The Zebrafish Model....................................................................................................... 6 Sleep Research in the Zebrafish .................................................................................. 7 Manipulating Sleep Cycles ......................................................................................... 8 Susceptibility of the System to Drug Manipulations ................................................ 10 Anxiety in Zebrafish ................................................................................................. 11 CHAPTER II – MATERIALS AND METHODS ............................................................ 14 Animal Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 14 Sleep Deprivation Paradigm ......................................................................................... 15 Sleep Recording & Behavior Tracking ..................................................................... 16 Anxiety Testing ............................................................................................................. 17 Novel Tank Test ........................................................................................................ 17 vii Open Field Task ........................................................................................................ 18 CHAPTER III – RESULTS .............................................................................................. 20 Swim Activity ............................................................................................................... 20 Sleep Activity................................................................................................................ 22 Novel Tank Test ............................................................................................................ 24 Open Field Task ............................................................................................................ 27 CHAPTER IV – DISCUSSION........................................................................................ 29 APPENDIX A – IAUC Approval Letter ........................................................................... 34 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 35

Molecular psychiatry of zebrafish.

Abstract: Due to their well-characterized neural development and high genetic homology to mammals, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful model organism in the field of biological psychiatry. Here, we discuss the molecular psychiatry of zebrafish, and its implications for translational neuroscience research and modeling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In particular, we outline recent genetic and technological developments allowing for in vivo examinations, high-throughput screening and whole-brain analyses in larval and adult zebrafish. We also summarize the application of these molecular techniques to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disease, outlining the potential of zebrafish for modeling complex brain disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggression, post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. Critically evaluating the advantages and limitations of larval and adult fish tests, we suggest that zebrafish models become a rapidly emerging new field in modern molecular psychiatry research.