Intravital Imaging of Hair-Cell Development and Regeneration in the Zebrafish

The study utilized high-resolution intravital imaging to investigate hair-cell development and regeneration in zebrafish, focusing on the lateral line system. Zebrafish were chosen due to their ability to regenerate hair cells, unlike mammals. The research identified progenitor cells and their interactions with supporting cells, showing that hair cells regenerate rapidly, beginning within 12 hours and completing in 72 hours, through trans-differentiation or mitosis. The study employed transgenic zebrafish lines and advanced imaging techniques, such as SPIM and confocal microscopy, to observe these processes, providing insights into neuromast epithelium compartmentalization and potential stem-cell-based therapies for sensory dysfunctions in humans. Despite the high cost and challenges of long-term studies, zebrafish proved to be an excellent model for understanding hair-cell physiology and regeneration.