Zebrafish could hold the key to the causes of leukaemia

Deakin University scientists are enlisting the services of some unlikely research partners to help find the causes of leukaemia. The humble zebrafish, with its rapid breeding cycle and transparent skin, could hold the key to the genetic causes of the disease.

Leukemia is cancer caused by a proliferation of white blood cells, and to understand and help prevent the disease, the research team is looking for the responsible genes.

Led by Dr Alister Ward, the team is introducing random mutations into zebrafish that have been engineered to contain white blood cells that glow under ultraviolet light. The fluorescence of the white blood cells, coupled with the transparency of the zebrafish, make them easy to trace as they multiply and act as pointers to the underlying genetic causes of leukaemia.

Dr Ward said zebrafish represent an emerging and cost-effective technology that can enhance the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. "We are engaged in a leading-edge project that exploits this technology and is part of an effort to establish an integrated facility to serve as a local hub for zebrafish research and biotechnology applications."

Item provided courtesy of Deakin University