CRISPR/Cas9-Based Mutagenesis Strategies for Efficient Biallelic Gene Inactivation and Consistent Phenotypic Detection in F0 Zebrafish

The zebrafish is a valuable animal model for investigating the genetic basis of vertebrate evolution, development, behavior, and regeneration. However, the existence of numerous gene paralogs in the zebrafish genome represents a major challenge, complicating functional genomic research using reverse-genetics approaches. To facilitate reverse genetics-based phenotypic screens, we recently presented simple methods that enable efficient induction of biallelic gene disruptions in F0 zebrafish, providing a rapid avenue for screening potential gene functions through consistent phenotypic detection. Here, we describe detailed protocols for these CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis strategies to achieve highly effective biallelic gene inactivation in F0 zebrafish. The high consistency of these strategies, combined with a streamlined workflow, offers a robust phenotypic screening platform for a quick and reliable functional assessment of genes of interest, both individually and in a scalable manner. These strategies enhance the efficacy of successful F0 zebrafish phenotypic screening, thereby accelerating functional genetic studies using this powerful model organism.