Developing zebrafish models for the study of Wnt-related central nervous system pathologies.

The wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and pathology of the central nervous system (CNS), modulating neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and cell fate determination. Dysregulation of this pathway is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of several CNS disorders. Recognizing the growing importance of the Wnt signaling in the brain, here we provide novel insights into experimental animal models studying this mechanism, with a particular emphasis on zebrafish (Danio rerio), including CNS development, and high-throughput drug screening of compounds that modulate Wnt signaling. Despite certain limitations, zebrafish provide a promising and powerful model system to increase our understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in CNS function, and to foster the development of novel therapies for brain disorders associated with this signaling pathway.