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ZFIN is the Zebrafish Information Network database located at http://zfin.org/ZFIN. It is a powerful tool used by scientists worldwide. It stores, in searchable form, zebrafish data on mutants, wild-type stocks, genes, gene expression, map markers, genetic maps, mapping panels, publications, people, laboratories, and suppliers. It provides information and links on zebrafish genomics, anatomical atlases, nomenclature, zebrafish-related meetings, jobs, services provided by the Zebrafish International Resource Center, and links to news sources, and other sites of interest.

• When was ZFIN "born" and why?
• What features of the site do scientists find most useful?
• How often is the site updated and what kind of information is usually added?
• Are there any plans to add any new features to the site in the near future?

* When was ZFIN "born" and why?

The ZFIN web site began in 1994. The first public release of the relational database was in 1997 and included community information. Zebrafish mutants, genes, and genetic and radiation hybrid maps were added in the following years. 

The zebrafish has emerged as a premiere organism to study vertebrate development and genetics. Powerful techniques allow efficient generation and recovery of zebrafish mutations affecting genes that regulate developmental patterning, organogenesis, physiology and behavior. The functions of these genes are conserved among vertebrates, Thus, analysis of zebrafish mutations provides insights into gene function in other vertebrates, including humans. Although the use of the zebrafish in genetic research is relatively new, the number of laboratories and the amount of data generated by these laboratories are increasing at a phenomenal rate. The information far exceeds the ability of individual scientists to track and organize it. 

ZFIN was established as a centralized database for the zebrafish research community. It provides integrated support of zebrafish informatics including the full range of genetic, genomic, developmental, and research community data.

Development of the Zebrafish Database is generously supported by the W.M. Keck Foundation. The Resource Center is funded by the National Institutes of Health (RR/HD12546). 

* What features of the site do scientists find most useful?

Mutant, gene and mapping data queries are among the most frequent. ZFIN also provides access to the on-line version of The Zebrafish Book; A Guide for the Laboratory Use of Zebrafish which is very popular. They are also able to search zebrafish research-related publications and directly contact researchers and authors by email links and other contact information.

* How often is the site updated and what kind of information is usually added?

Our site is updated daily by our scientific curators who annotate records with data derived from literature and by other curators who maintain publication records and information on individual researchers, labs, and companies. Uploads of large sets of mapping data and gene expression patterns from contributing laboratories occurs periodically. Registered users may also update data in ZFIN directly. Software enhancements are ongoing.

* Are there any plans to add any new features to the site in the near future?