Abstract

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model for studying hematopoiesis. The major advantages of this system include robust experimental techniques in both genetics and embryology, which have been utilized to model many aspects of human development and disease. Although much is known about the transcription factors involved in the terminal differentiation of peripheral blood lineages, little is known about the development and maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). This review will focus on the current knowledge of the transcriptional regulation of the HSC in the context of the zebrafish. Future studies using new technologies in the zebrafish model will enhance our understanding of the molecular networks regulating HSC pluripotency and differentiation.