A rapid, high content, in vivo model of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a major clinical problem given the widespread use of steroids and limited efficacy of biphosphonates. Existing animal models of GIOP are both slow and expensive. Hence, there is a need both for adjunctive modelling systems, as well as more efficacious therapies for the treatment of GIOP. We have addressed this issue through the creation of a zebrafish model of GIOP, which can be used for 96‐well plate in vivo screening with an assay time of 5 days. The model demonstrates key similarities to human GIOP including a partial response to bisphosphonates. The ability to extract detailed pharmacological data, including concentration‐response analyses, enables the screening and ranking of candidate therapeutic compounds. In addition, the zebrafish model is highly relevant for pathway dissection through genetic knockdown and overexpression studies.