Abstract
In recent decades, the increase in human longevity has made it increasingly important to expand our knowledge on aging. To accomplish this, the use of animal models is essential, with the most common being mouse (phylogenetically similar to humans, and a model with a long life expectancy) and Caenorhabditis elegans (an invertebrate with a short life span, but quite removed from us in evolutionary terms). However, some sort of model is needed to bridge the differences between those mentioned above, achieving a balance between phylogenetic distance and life span. Fish of the genus Nothobranchius were suggested 10 years ago as a possible alternative for the study of the aging process. In the meantime, numerous studies have been conducted at different levels: behavioral (including the study of the rest-activity rhythm), populational, histochemical, biochemical and genetic, among others, with very positive results. This review compiles what we know about Nothobranchius to date, and examines its future prospects as a true alternative to the classic models for studies on aging.
Highlights
Aging is a multifactorial process that involves numerous mechanisms that operate during the normal life cycle of an organism, triggering a progressive, irreversible deterioration that leads to its death
In terms of life expectancy and phylogenetic distance from humans, halfway between the mouse and C. elegans we find a group of vertebrates with the potential to be used as models in aging studies: fish
Fish are sensitive to variations in environmental temperature, which makes it relatively easy to manipulate their rate of aging
Summary
Another commonly used model in aging studies is Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode measuring 1 mm in length, with a maximum life expectancy of 2 to 3 weeks. Guppy populations have demonstrated different mortality rates depending on factors such as geographic location and co-existence with predators, with sexual maturity being a key factor in determining their life expectancy [10] It is another species, the zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822), the one that has undergone exponential growth in terms of its use as an experimental model in recent decades. Maximum life expectancies have been reported that range from 3 (N. furzeri) to 28 months (N. guentheri) [24, 25] This peculiar characteristic is what makes them especially attractive for aging studies, combined with the fact that they are small vertebrates, requiring no large laboratory equipment. Some authors have administered treatments intended to increase the life expectancy of different species of Nothobranchius, such as calorie restriction [32], lowering the water temperature [44, 45] or using exogenous substances such as resveratrol [33, 46, 47], which have been suggested as possible treatments against aging [48]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
