Welcome to the NICHD Zebrafish Core
The core's goal is to help researchers of any expertise perform zebrafish experiments aimed at illuminating basic biology and human disease mechanisms, thereby advancing the NIH and NICHD 's research missions. A typical research question might investigate the function or regulation of a zebrafish gene and/or its ortholog from humans or another species. We are also happy to offer consultation for any other zebrafish-related projects you may be considering. The core is equipped to assist with the following methodologies:
Gene expression and regulation studies
- In situ RNA hybridization and immunohistochemistry to characterize developmental expression patterns of zebrafish genes and proteins
- Zebrafish nucleic acid collection for downstream genomic and molecular applications
Gain of gene function studies
- RNA and DNA microinjection
- Transgenic animal production*
Loss of gene function studies
- Design, synthesis and microinjection of CRISPR-Cas9 reagents to generate germ-line genetic mutants*
- Design and microinjection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides for transient loss of function or TALENs to generate germ-line genetic mutants*
Other methodologies
- Cryopreservation of transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines
- Importation of existing zebrafish lines
- Characterization of phenotypes by time-lapse photography
*To avoid redundant efforts, please check whether a suitable zebrafish line is already available through existing databases.