NIF Data Spotlight: Zebrafish Model Organism Database (ZFIN)

We have talked about ZIRC, Zebrafish International Resource Center, in NIF blog before (ZIRC Data Spotlight). ZIFN, Zebrafish Model Organism Database, is a sister organization of ZIRC.  ZIRC provides services and resources you need to run zebrafish experiments, whereas ZIFN offers an online database of genetic and developmental information. Contents offered by ZIFN includes genetic markers, BLAST, genome browser, gene expression, antibodies, ontological information, publications, and much more.

In NIF, ZIFN database can be accessed through specific gene like we did in ZIRC or it also can be accessed through brain region or neurons. For example, we will search for information about zebrafish's midbrain.


With above search syntax, NIF returns various information found in its Data Federation. ZIFN database can be found under Nervous System Level -> Genes -> ZIFN: Gene Expression, or under Data Type -> Genes -> ZIFN: Genes. Gene Expression tab will show gene, genotype, structure, start and end stage, and assay. Genes tab will show Genotype, stages, affected structure or process, publication, phenotype, and environment.


For full tutorial on ZIFN please visit here.

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The NIF Data Spotlight is a weekly blog post highlighting the databases, information, and resources curated by the Neuroscience Information Framework. For comments, questions or concerns feel free to drop us a line at curation@neuinfo.org.