Wastuti Hidayati Suriyah, Ayako Aziza Solachuddin, Ar Razi Ryoshi Solachuddin

ZEBRAFISH AS AN EMERGING IN VIVO MODEL IN DENTOMAXILLOFACIAL RESEARCH

Introduction

Zebrafish as an emerging in vivo model in dentomaxillofacial research. Zebrafish: an emerging in vivo model for dentomaxillofacial research. Covers craniofacial development, dental material toxicity, and oral cancer, offering a rapid, ethical, cost-effective complement.

Abstract

Animal models are vital in dental research for studying dentomaxillofacial anomalies, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Conventional models, such as those using rodents and higher mammals, provide valuable insights but raise ethical, financial, and translational challenges. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), widely established in biomedical sciences, offer distinctive advantages including genetic similarity to humans, transparent embryos, rapid development, and low maintenance costs. Despite their potential, their use in dental research remains relatively limited. This review evaluates current and emerging applications of zebrafish in dentistry based on peer‑reviewed literature and institutional resources. Research highlights three main areas. In tooth and craniofacial development, zebrafish contribute insights into odontogenesis, regeneration, and congenital anomalies through continuous tooth replacement and conserved pathways such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Hedgehog. In dental material studies, zebrafish embryos serve as sensitive models for assessing systemic and craniofacial toxicity of fluorides, nanoparticles, alloys, bioceramics, and resin-based monomers. In oral cancer research, transparent zebrafish lines and xenograft models enable real-time visualisation of tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment response, supporting high-throughput drug screening. Although limitations such as the absence of permanent dentition and anatomical differences restrict direct translation, zebrafish provide a rapid, ethical, and cost-effective complement to mammalian models—advances in genetics and imaging promise to expand their role in dental research and strengthen their translational relevance. DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2.p113-126

Review

This review article, "Zebrafish as an Emerging In Vivo Model in Dentomaxillofacial Research," addresses a critical need in dental research by exploring the potential of an underutilized animal model. The authors effectively highlight the inherent challenges associated with conventional mammalian models, such as ethical concerns, high costs, and translational hurdles, which often impede progress in studying dentomaxillofacial anomalies and diseases. By positioning zebrafish as a compelling alternative, the review immediately captures attention, emphasizing their key advantages including genetic homology to humans, transparent embryos, rapid development, and cost-effectiveness. The abstract clearly sets the stage for a comprehensive evaluation of zebrafish's utility, making a strong case for its increased adoption in the field. The strength of this review lies in its structured exploration of current and emerging applications across three critical domains of dental research. First, the article details zebrafish's contribution to understanding tooth and craniofacial development, particularly in areas like odontogenesis, regeneration, and congenital anomalies, leveraging their continuous tooth replacement and conserved developmental pathways such such as BMP and Hedgehog. Second, it highlights their utility in dental material studies, where the sensitive embryonic model allows for efficient assessment of systemic and craniofacial toxicity of various substances including fluorides, nanoparticles, and resin-based monomers. Third, in oral cancer research, the review underscores the value of transparent zebrafish lines and xenograft models for real-time visualization of tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment response, facilitating high-throughput drug screening—all aspects crucial for accelerating discovery. While acknowledging the limitations of zebrafish models, such as the absence of permanent dentition and anatomical differences that restrict direct translation, the review astutely frames them as a rapid, ethical, and cost-effective *complement* to traditional mammalian models. The authors conclude on a forward-looking note, suggesting that ongoing advancements in genetics and imaging technologies are poised to significantly expand the role of zebrafish in dental research. This perspective reinforces the model's growing translational relevance and underscores its potential to accelerate understanding and therapeutic development in dentomaxillofacial science. Overall, this article provides a valuable overview for researchers considering novel approaches to address complex challenges in dental biology and pathology.

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