Zebrafish is a powerful model organism, particularly for understanding vertebrate development owing to its optical transparency in the early stages of development and the availability of new technologies for dissecting gene function. The study of the thyroid consists of a chain of events beginning with the morphogenesis of the gland and followed by maturation of the follicles, acquisition of functionality, and formation of the vascular network. These processes should be carefully characterized and documented in such a way that they can be accurately reproduced and standardized for cross-comparison of results coming from different experiments, mutant genotypes, and treatment conditions. Recent advances in imaging technologies permit detailed and sequential observation of even small-sized models like the zebrafish (Marelli et al., 2021).

Marelli, F., Rurale, G., & Persani, L. (2021). From Endoderm to Progenitors: An Update on the Early Steps of Thyroid Morphogenesis in the Zebrafish