Proteomic Approaches on Neurodegenerative Disease Models in Zebrafish

Proteins are important actors in cellular processes, and significant changes in their amounts and modifications can indicate various pathological conditions. Mass spectrometers, which provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins on a global scale, have an important place in understanding how biological processes are regulated at the protein level. With rapid advances in mass spectrometry–based proteomic approaches, the process of characterization of proteomes in biological samples has also become easier. As is known, a wide variety of chemical agents that can cause environmental pollution, such as industrial wastes, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and polluting gases, can have harmful effects on the central nervous system. In this context, many studies have been carried out using proteomic technologies to shed light on the molecular basis, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, there has been an increasing trend in the use of zebrafish in proteomic studies examining the effects of neurotoxic agents on the central nervous system. This chapter focuses on studies using zebrafish models and bottom-up proteomics approaches to investigate neurodegenerative diseases. In these studies, comprehensive protein profiles of tissues, organs, and cellular structures of zebrafish at different developmental stages were revealed. Additionally, new perspectives on the pathophysiology of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases have been presented through neurotoxicity and ecotoxicity studies.