Zebrafish to help identify genes that cause scarring

A new research programme has been launched that will use zebrafish to help identify the genes that cause scarring.

The five-year £1.5 million project, funded by The Scar Free Foundation and led by the University of Bristol, will study the translucent tropical fish that originates from Southeast Asia.

Live imaging and genetic analysis of the zebrafish – which has the ability to repair its own heart and shares a high degree of genetic similarity with humans – will be used to model healing and scar formation.

The study will also look at the genetic make-up of scarring by analysing DNA data from large groups of people, including those with BCG vaccination scarring, children with cleft lip surgery and women with Caesarean section scarring.