101
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Diekmann H, Stuermer CAO. Zebrafish neurolin-a and -b, orthologs of ALCAM, are involved in retinal ganglion cell differentiation and retinal axon pathfinding. J Comp Neurol 2009; 513:38-50. [PMID: 19107846 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurolin-a and Neurolin-b (also called alcam and nlcam, respectively) are zebrafish orthologs of human ALCAM, an adhesion protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily with functions in axon growth and guidance. Within the developing zebrafish retina, onset and progression of Neurolin-a expression parallels the pattern of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation. By using a morpholino-based knockdown approach, we show that Neurolin-a (but not Neurolin-b) is necessary for a crucial step in RGC differentiation. Without Neurolin-a, a large proportion of RGCs fail to develop, and RGC axons are absent or reduced in number. Subsequently, Neurolin-a is required for RGC survival and for the differentiation of all other retinal neurons. Neurolin-b is expressed later in well-differentiated RGCs and is required for RGC axon pathfinding. Without Neurolin-b, RGC axons grow in highly aberrant routes along the optic tract and/or fail to reach the optic tectum. Thus, the zebrafish Neurolin paralogs are involved in distinct steps of retinotectal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Diekmann
- Department of Biology, Universität Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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102
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Abstract
Chemical mutagenesis using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea is the current method of choice for dense mutagenesis in zebrafish. Methods are available for both pre-meiotic and post-meiotic sperm mutagenesis; in this chapter, pre-meiotic mutagenesis is described. Mutated males are crossed with untreated females to create an F1 generation that is heterozygous for the mutations. The F1 females can be screened directly by making haploid embryos using in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated sperm. This approach requires substantially fewer fish and less aquarium space than the classical F2 generation screen and is feasible for a small research group. Production of haploid embryos is described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith E Layton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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103
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Sun C, Wu Z, Jia F, Wang Y, Li T, Zhao M. Identification of zebrafish LPTS: a gene with similarities to human LPTS/PinX1 that inhibits telomerase activity. Gene 2008; 420:90-8. [PMID: 18583067 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2008.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2008] [Revised: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human LPTS/PinX1 is a newly identified telomerase inhibitory protein. Overexpression of the LPTS/PinX1 gene suppresses telomerase activity, results in shortened telomeres. To investigate the role of the LPTS gene in zebrafish, we cloned the homologous gene, zLPTS, which encodes a protein of 355 amino acids. Sequence analysis revealed that, like human LPTS/PinX1, the zLPTS protein has a conserved G-patch domain at its N-terminus and a lysine-rich domain at its C-terminus. Bioinformatics analysis showed the evolutionary conservation of zLPTS. Using RT-PCR and northern blot, we found that zLPTS was expressed in all zebrafish tissues with higher level in ovary, and in all embryonic developmental stages examined. Whole mount in situ hybridization revealed that zLPTS was expressed in all regions of early developmental embryos. The subcellular localization of zLPTS protein was showed in the nucleolus and telomeres. We also cloned the gene for zebrafish Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (zTERT), a catalytic subunit of telomerase, and demonstrated that zLPTS protein can interact with zTERT through the TR-binding domain of zTERT. Further, we verified that zLPTS could inhibit telomerase activities in zebrafish embryos and human cancer cell line by TRAP assay. Our results clearly demonstrate that zLPTS is ubiquitously expressed in tissues and embryos and plays a function of inhibiting telomerase activity. This study may provide a useful system for further investigating the mechanism of telomere length regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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104
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Fu X, Wang Y, Schetle N, Gao H, Pütz M, von Gersdorff G, Walz G, Kramer-Zucker AG. The subcellular localization of TRPP2 modulates its function. J Am Soc Nephrol 2008; 19:1342-51. [PMID: 18417723 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2007070730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPP2, also known as polycystin-2, is a calcium permeable nonselective cation channel that is mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease but has also been implicated in the regulation of cardiac development, renal tubular differentiation, and left-to-right (L-R) axis determination. For obtaining further insight into how TRPP2 exerts tissue-specific functions, this study took advantage of PACS-dependent trafficking of TRPP2 in zebrafish larvae. PACS proteins recognize an acidic cluster within the carboxy-terminal domain of TRPP2 that undergoes phosphorylation and mediate retrieval of TRPP2 to the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The interaction of human TRPP2 with PACS proteins can be inhibited by a Ser812Ala mutation (TRPP2(S812A)), thereby allowing TRPP2 to reach other subcellular compartments, and enhanced by a Ser812Asp mutation (TRPP2(S812D)), thereby trapping TRPP2 in the ER. It was found that the TRPP2(S812A) mutant rescued cyst formation of TRPP2-deficient zebrafish larvae to the same degree as wild-type TRPP2, whereas the TRPP2(S812D) mutant was significantly more effective in normalizing the distorted body axis of TRPP2-deficient fish. Surprisingly, the TRPP2(S812D) mutant rescued the abnormalities of L-R asymmetry more effectively than either wild-type or TRPP2(S812A), suggesting that the ER localization of TRPP2 plays an important role in the development of normal L-R asymmetry. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that TRPP2 assumes distinct subcellular localizations to exert tissue-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- Renal Division, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
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105
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Kienle C, Köhler HR, Filser J, Gerhardt A. Effects of nickel chloride and oxygen depletion on behaviour and vitality of zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton, 1822) (Pisces, Cypriniformes) embryos and larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 152:612-20. [PMID: 17720287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2007] [Accepted: 06/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We examined acute (2 h exposure of 5-day-old larvae) and subchronic (exposure from fertilization up to an age of 11 days) effects of NiCl(2).6H2O on embryos and larvae of zebrafish (Danio rerio), both alone and in combination with oxygen depletion. The following endpoints were recorded: acute exposure: locomotory activity and survival; subchronic exposure: hatching rate, deformations, locomotory activity (at 5, 8 and 11 days) and mortality. In acute exposures nickel chloride (7.5-15 mg Ni/L) caused decreasing locomotory activity. Oxygen depletion (<or=2.45+/-0.16 mg O2/L) also resulted in significantly reduced locomotory activity. In the subchronic test, exposure to >or=10 mg Ni/L resulted in delayed hatching at an age of 96 h, in decreased locomotory activity at an age of 5 days, and increased mortality at an age of 11 days (LC20=9.5 mg Ni/L). The observed LOEC for locomotory activity (7.5 mg Ni/L) is in the range of environmentally relevant concentrations. Since locomotory activity was already affected by acute exposure, this parameter is recommended to supplement commonly recorded endpoints of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Kienle
- Department of Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Strasse 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany.
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106
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Hossain MS, Larsson A, Scherbak N, Olsson PE, Orban L. Zebrafish Androgen Receptor: Isolation, Molecular, and Biochemical Characterization1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:361-9. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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107
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Lucitt MB, Price TS, Pizarro A, Wu W, Yocum AK, Seiler C, Pack MA, Blair IA, Fitzgerald GA, Grosser T. Analysis of the zebrafish proteome during embryonic development. Mol Cell Proteomics 2008; 7:981-94. [PMID: 18212345 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m700382-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) is particularly amenable to studies deciphering regulatory genetic networks in vertebrate development, biology, and pharmacology. Unraveling the functional dynamics of such networks requires precise quantitation of protein expression during organismal growth, which is incrementally challenging with progressive complexity of the systems. In an approach toward such quantitative studies of dynamic network behavior, we applied mass spectrometric methodology and rigorous statistical analysis to create comprehensive, high quality profiles of proteins expressed at two stages of zebrafish development. Proteins of embryos 72 and 120 h postfertilization (hpf) were isolated and analyzed both by two-dimensional (2D) LC followed by ESI-MS/MS and by 2D PAGE followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF protein identification. We detected 1384 proteins from 327,906 peptide sequence identifications at 72 and 120 hpf with false identification rates of less than 1% using 2D LC-ESI-MS/MS. These included only approximately 30% of proteins that were identified by 2D PAGE-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Roughly 10% of all detected proteins were derived from hypothetical or predicted gene models or were entirely unannotated. Comparison of proteins expression by 2D DIGE revealed that proteins involved in energy production and transcription/translation were relatively more abundant at 72 hpf consistent with faster synthesis of cellular proteins during organismal growth at this time compared with 120 hpf. The data are accessible in a database that links protein identifications to existing resources including the Zebrafish Information Network database. This new resource should facilitate the selection of candidate proteins for targeted quantitation and refine systematic genetic network analysis in vertebrate development and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret B Lucitt
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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108
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Holder
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College, London, UK
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109
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Currie PD, Schilling TF, Ingham PW. Small-scale marker-based screening for mutations in zebrafish development. Methods Mol Biol 2008; 461:493-512. [PMID: 19030819 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-483-8_34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Currie
- Muscle Development Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
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110
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Sivasubbu S, Balciunas D, Amsterdam A, Ekker SC. Insertional mutagenesis strategies in zebrafish. Genome Biol 2007; 8 Suppl 1:S9. [PMID: 18047701 PMCID: PMC2106850 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2007-8-s1-s9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We review here some recent developments in the field of insertional mutagenesis in zebrafish. We highlight the advantages and limitations of the rich body of retroviral methodologies, and we focus on the mechanisms and concepts of new transposon-based mutagenesis approaches under development, including prospects for conditional 'gene trapping' and 'gene breaking' approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Sivasubbu
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
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111
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Spence R, Gerlach G, Lawrence C, Smith C. The behaviour and ecology of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2007; 83:13-34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2007.00030.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 699] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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112
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Bai Q, Garver JA, Hukriede NA, Burton EA. Generation of a transgenic zebrafish model of Tauopathy using a novel promoter element derived from the zebrafish eno2 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:6501-16. [PMID: 17897967 PMCID: PMC2095798 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to isolate cis-acting regulatory elements for the generation of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration. Zebrafish enolase-2 (eno2) showed neuronal expression increasing from 24 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) and persisting through adulthood. A 12 kb eno2 genomic fragment, extending from 8 kb upstream of exon 1 to exon 2, encompassing intron 1, was sufficient to drive neuronal reporter gene expression in vivo over a similar time course. Five independent lines of stable Tg(eno2 : GFP) zebrafish expressed GFP widely in neurons, including populations with relevance to neurodegeneration, such as cholinergic neurons, dopaminergic neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. We replaced the exon 2-GFP fusion gene with a cDNA encoding the 4-repeat isoform of the human microtubule-associated protein Tau. The first intron of eno2 was spliced with high fidelity and efficiency from the chimeric eno2-Tau transcript. Tau was expressed at approximately 8-fold higher levels in Tg(eno2 : Tau) zebrafish brain than normal human brain, and localized to axons, neuropil and ectopic neuronal somatic accumulations resembling neurofibrillary tangles. The 12 kb eno2 promoter drives high-level transgene expression in differentiated neurons throughout the CNS of stable transgenic zebrafish. This regulatory element will be useful for the construction of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Bai
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica A. Garver
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neil A. Hukriede
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edward A. Burton
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System and Division of Movement Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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113
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Hwang M, Yong C, Moretti L, Lu B. Zebrafish as a model system to screen radiation modifiers. Curr Genomics 2007; 8:360-9. [PMID: 19412436 PMCID: PMC2671721 DOI: 10.2174/138920207783406497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2007] [Revised: 09/12/2007] [Accepted: 09/15/2007] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a bona fide vertebrate model system for understanding human diseases. It allows the transparent visualization of the effects of ionizing radiation and the convenient testing of potential radioprotectors with morpholino-modified oligonucleotides (MO) knockdown. Furthermore, various reverse and forward genetic methods are feasible to decipher novel genetic modifiers of radioprotection. Examined in the review are the radioprotective effects of the proposed radiomodifiers Nanoparticle DF-1 (C-Sixty, Inc., Houston, TX) and Amifostine (WR-2721, Ethyol), the DNA repair proteins Ku80 and ATM, as well as the transplanted hematopoietic stem cells in irradiated zebrafish. The presence of any of these sufficiently rescued the radiation-induced damages in zebrafish, while its absence resulted in mutagenic phenotypes as well as an elevation of time- and dose-dependent radiation-induced apoptosis. Radiosensitizers Flavopiridol and AG1478, both of which block progression into the radioresistant S phase of the cell cycle, have also been examined in zebrafish. Zebrafish has indeed become a favorite model system to test for radiation modifiers that can potentially be used for radiotherapeutic purposes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bo Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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114
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Goessling
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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115
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Choi TY, Kim JH, Ko DH, Kim CH, Hwang JS, Ahn S, Kim SY, Kim CD, Lee JH, Yoon TJ. Zebrafish as a new model for phenotype-based screening of melanogenic regulatory compounds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 20:120-7. [PMID: 17371438 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.2007.00365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although many hypo-pigmenting agents are currently available, the demand for novel whitening agents is increasing, in part due to the weak effectiveness and unwanted side effects of currently available compounds. To screen for novel hypo-pigmenting agents, many methodologies such as cell culture and enzymatic assays are routinely used. However, these models have disadvantages in terms of physiological and economic relevance. In this study, we validated zebrafish as a whole-animal model for phenotype-based screening of melanogenic inhibitors or stimulators. We used both the well-known melanogenic inhibitors (1-phenyl-2-thiourea, arbutin, kojic acid, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole) and newly developed small molecule compounds (haginin, YT16i). All the tested compounds produced inhibitory effects on the pigmentation of zebrafish, most likely due to their inhibitory potential on tyrosinase activity. In simultaneous in vivo toxicity tests, a newly developed melanogenic inhibitor YT16i showed massive abnormalities in terms of deformed morphologies and cardiac function. Together, these results provide a rationale in screening and evaluating the putative melanogenic regulatory compounds. We suggest that the zebrafish system is a novel alternative to mammalian models, with several advantages including the rapidity, cost-effectiveness, and physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Choi
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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116
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Parker B, Connaughton VP. Effects of Nicotine on Growth And Development in Larval Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2007; 4:59-68. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2006.9994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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117
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Similarities Between Angiogenesis and Neural Development: What Small Animal Models Can Tell Us. Curr Top Dev Biol 2007; 80:1-55. [DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(07)80001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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118
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Saitoh K, Sado T, Mayden RL, Hanzawa N, Nakamura K, Nishida M, Miya M. Mitogenomic Evolution and Interrelationships of the Cypriniformes (Actinopterygii: Ostariophysi): The First Evidence Toward Resolution of Higher-Level Relationships of the World’s Largest Freshwater Fish Clade Based on 59 Whole Mitogenome Sequences. J Mol Evol 2006; 63:826-41. [PMID: 17086453 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-005-0293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2005] [Accepted: 07/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fishes of the order Cypriniformes are almost completely restricted to freshwater bodies and number > 3400 species placed in 5 families, each with poorly defined subfamilies and/or tribes. The present study represents the first attempt toward resolution of the higher-level relationships of the world's largest freshwater-fish clade based on whole mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences from 53 cypriniforms (including 46 newly determined sequences) plus 6 outgroups. Unambiguously aligned, concatenated mt genome sequences (14,563 bp) were divided into 5 partitions (first, second, and third codon positions of the protein-coding genes, rRNA genes, and tRNA genes), and partitioned Bayesian analyses were conducted, with protein-coding genes being treated in 3 different manners (all positions included; third codon positions converted into purine [R] and pyrimidine [Y] [RY-coding]; third codon positions excluded). The resultant phylogenies strongly supported monophyly of the Cypriniformes as well as that of the families Cyprinidae, Catostomidae, and a clade comprising Balitoridae + Cobitidae, with the 2 latter loach families being reciprocally paraphyletic. Although all of the data sets yielded nearly identical tree topologies with regard to the shallower relationships, deeper relationships among the 4 major clades (the above 3 major clades plus Gyrinocheilidae, represented by a single species Gyrinocheilus aymonieri in this study), were incongruent depending on the data sets. Treatment of the rapidly saturated third codon-position transitions appeared to be a source of such incongruities, and we advocate that RY-coding, which takes only transversions into account, effectively removes this likely "noise" from the data set and avoids the apparent lack of signal by retaining all available positions in the data set.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Saitoh
- Tohoku National Fisheries Research Institute, Miyagi, 985-0001, Japan
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119
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Biga PR, Goetz FW. Zebrafish and giant danio as models for muscle growth: determinate vs. indeterminate growth as determined by morphometric analysis. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2006; 291:R1327-37. [PMID: 16741137 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00905.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish has become an important genetic model, but their small size makes them impractical for traditional physiological studies. In contrast, the closely related giant danio is larger and can be utilized for physiological studies that can also make use of the extensive zebrafish genomic resources. In addition, the giant danio and zebrafish appear to exhibit different growth types, indicating the potential for developing a comparative muscle growth model system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare and characterize the muscle growth pattern of zebrafish and giant danio. Morphometric analyses demonstrated that giant danio exhibit an increased growth rate compared with zebrafish, starting as early as 2 wk posthatch. Total myotome area, mean fiber area, and total fiber number all exhibited positive correlations with larvae length in giant danio but not in zebrafish. Morphometric analysis of giant danio and zebrafish larvae demonstrated faster, more efficient growth in giant danio larvae. Similar to larger teleosts, adult giant danio exhibited increased growth rates in response to growth hormone, suggesting that giant danio exhibit indeterminate growth. In contrast, adult zebrafish do not exhibit mosaic hyperplasia, nor do they respond to growth hormone, suggesting they exhibit determinate growth like mammals. These results demonstrate that giant danio and zebrafish can be utilized as a direct comparative model system for muscle growth studies, with zebrafish serving as a model organism for determinate growth and giant danio for indeterminate growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Biga
- Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Great Lakes WATER Institute, 600 E. Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA.
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120
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Tay TL, Lin Q, Seow TK, Tan KH, Hew CL, Gong Z. Proteomic analysis of protein profiles during early development of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Proteomics 2006; 6:3176-88. [PMID: 16622891 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200600030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, profiles of protein expression were examined during early development of zebrafish, an increasingly popular experimental model in vertebrate development and human diseases. By 2-DE, an initial increase in protein spots from 6 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 8-10 hpf was observed. There was no dramatic change in protein profiles up to 18 hpf, but significant changes occurred in subsequent stages. Interestingly, 49% of the proteins detected at 6 hpf remained detectable by 1 week of age. To map the protein expression patterns in 2-D gels, MALDI-TOF/TOF MS was employed to identify selected protein spots from early embryos. 108 protein spots were found to match known proteins and they were derived from 55 distinct genes. Interestingly, 11 (20%) of them produced multiple protein isoforms or distinct cleavage products. Although deyolked embryos were used in the analysis, a large number of vitellogenin derivatives remained prominently present in the embryos. Other than these, most of the identified proteins are cytosolic, cytoskeletal and nuclear proteins, which are involved in diversified functions such as metabolism, cytoskeleton, translation, protein degradation, etc. Some of the proteins with interesting temporal expression profiles during development are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Leng Tay
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260
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121
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Goda T, Abu-Daya A, Carruthers S, Clark MD, Stemple DL, Zimmerman LB. Genetic screens for mutations affecting development of Xenopus tropicalis. PLoS Genet 2006; 2:e91. [PMID: 16789825 PMCID: PMC1475704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We present here the results of forward and reverse genetic screens for chemically-induced mutations in Xenopus tropicalis. In our forward genetic screen, we have uncovered 77 candidate phenotypes in diverse organogenesis and differentiation processes. Using a gynogenetic screen design, which minimizes time and husbandry space expenditures, we find that if a phenotype is detected in the gynogenetic F2 of a given F1 female twice, it is highly likely to be a heritable abnormality (29/29 cases). We have also demonstrated the feasibility of reverse genetic approaches for obtaining carriers of mutations in specific genes, and have directly determined an induced mutation rate by sequencing specific exons from a mutagenized population. The Xenopus system, with its well-understood embryology, fate map, and gain-of-function approaches, can now be coupled with efficient loss-of-function genetic strategies for vertebrate functional genomics and developmental genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Goda
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Abu-Daya
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Carruthers
- Vertebrate Development and Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Clark
- Vertebrate Development and Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Derek L Stemple
- Vertebrate Development and Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (DLS); (LBZ)
| | - Lyle B Zimmerman
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (DLS); (LBZ)
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Chakraborty C, Saha G, Sarkar B, Pal S, Chatterjee TK, Sadhu AK. Caspase-3 Induced Apoptosis in Transgenic Zebrafish. Biotechnol Lett 2006; 28:189-96. [PMID: 16489497 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-005-5334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 11/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is an attractive model organism for studying apoptosis development because of its genetic accessibility. Here we describe the induction of clonally derived apoptosis in transgenic zebrafish expressing mouse caspase-3 (CASP3) under control of the zebrafish beta-actin promoter (betap). Visualization of apoptotic cells, expressing a chimeric transgene encoding CASP3 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, revealed that apoptosis arose in the thymus, spread locally into gill arches and retro-orbital soft tissue, and then disseminated into abdominal organs like testis, kidney. This transgenic model provides a platform for over-expression of caspase-3 induced extensive apoptosis in embryos and adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Biotechnology Department, Institute of Applied Medicines and Research, Delhi-Meerat Road, 9th Mile Stone, Ghaziabad, UP, India.
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Abstract
The basic vertebrate body plan of the zebrafish embryo is established in the first 10 hours of development. This period is characterized by the formation of the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes, the development of the three germ layers, the specification of organ progenitors, and the complex morphogenetic movements of cells. During the past 10 years a combination of genetic, embryological, and molecular analyses has provided detailed insights into the mechanisms underlying this process. Maternal determinants control the expression of transcription factors and the location of signaling centers that pattern the blastula and gastrula. Bmp, Nodal, FGF, canonical Wnt, and retinoic acid signals generate positional information that leads to the restricted expression of transcription factors that control cell type specification. Noncanonical Wnt signaling is required for the morphogenetic movements during gastrulation. We review how the coordinated interplay of these molecules determines the fate and movement of embryonic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Schier
- Developmental Genetics Program, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016-6497, USA.
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124
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Cox JA, Kucenas S, Voigt MM. Molecular characterization and embryonic expression of the family of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit genes in the zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2006; 234:756-66. [PMID: 16123982 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the cloning of 10 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits from the zebrafish. These subunits fall into five subtypes, each containing two paralogous genes. Thus, we report two NMDAR1 genes (NR1.1 and NR1.2), and eight NMDAR2 genes, designated NR2A.1 and NR2A.2, NR2B.1 and NR2B.2, NR2C.1 and NR2C.2, and NR2D.1 and NR2D.2. The predicted sequences of the NR1 paralogs display 90% identity to the human protein. The NR2 subunits show less identity, differing most at the N- and C-termini. The NR1 genes are both expressed embryonically, although in a nonidentical manner. NR1.1 is found in brain, retina, and spinal cord at 24 hours postfertilization (hpf). NR1.2 is expressed in the brain at 48 hpf but not in the spinal cord. NR2 developmental gene expression varies: both paralogs of the NR2A are expressed at 48 hpf in the retina, only one paralog of the NR2B is expressed at low levels in the heart at 48 hpf. Neither of the NR2C is expressed embryonically. Both paralogs of the NR2D are expressed: 2D.1 is in the forebrain, retina, and spinal cord at 24 hpf, whereas the 2D.2 is only found in the retina. Our findings demonstrate that the zebrafish can serve as a useful model system for investigating the role of NMDA receptors in the development of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Cox
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA.
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125
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Aleström P, Holter JL, Nourizadeh-Lillabadi R. Zebrafish in functional genomics and aquatic biomedicine. Trends Biotechnol 2006; 24:15-21. [PMID: 16309768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2005.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2005] [Revised: 09/01/2005] [Accepted: 11/10/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has many features that make it an ideal model for the study of developmental biology. It is small and easy to contain, it has transparent embryos, it is easy to breed and its early development is well characterized; these same characteristics have also made it an ideal vertebrate model in the areas of biomedicine and biotechnology. In aquaculture, the need for a well-characterized fish model has been satisfied by the zebrafish owing to the availability of functional genomics and molecular biology data to facilitate studies of growth, reproduction, meat quality and disease biology, with the corresponding development of vaccines and therapies. Zebrafish are also increasingly used in toxicogenomics to analyze the effects of toxins and pollutants in the environment, and for creating biomonitors that emit alarm signals when a toxic compound is detected. As detailed in this review, the zebrafish is a versatile and well-characterized model with applications in many fields of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aleström
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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126
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Pinto JP, Conceição NM, Viegas CSB, Leite RB, Hurst LD, Kelsh RN, Cancela ML. Identification of a new pebp2alphaA2 isoform from zebrafish runx2 capable of inducing osteocalcin gene expression in vitro. J Bone Miner Res 2005; 20:1440-53. [PMID: 16007341 DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.050318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Revised: 01/19/2005] [Accepted: 03/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The zebrafish runx2b transcription factor is an ortholog of RUNX2 and is highly conserved at the structural level. The runx2b pebp2alphaA2 isoform induces osteocalcin gene expression by binding to a specific region of the promoter and seems to have been selectively conserved in the teleost lineage. INTRODUCTION RUNX2 (also known as CBFA1/Osf2/AML3/PEBP2alphaA) is a transcription factor essential for bone formation in mammals, as well as for osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation, through regulation of expression of several bone- and cartilage-related genes. Since its discovery, Runx2 has been the subject of intense studies, mainly focused in unveiling regulatory targets of this transcription factor in high vertebrates. However, no single study has been published addressing the role of Runx2 in bone metabolism of low vertebrates. While analyzing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) runx2 gene, we identified the presence of two orthologs of RUNX2, which we named runx2a and runx2b and cloned a pebp2alphaA-like transcript of the runx2b gene, which we named pebp2alphaA2. MATERIALS AND METHODS Zebrafish runx2b gene and cDNA were isolated by RT-PCR and sequence data mining. The 3D structure of runx2b runt domain was modeled using mouse Runx1 runt as template. The regulatory effect of pebp2alphaA2 on osteocalcin expression was analyzed by transient co-transfection experiments using a luciferase reporter gene. Phylogenetic analysis of available Runx sequences was performed with TREE_PUZZLE 5.2. and MrBayes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We showed that the runx2b gene structure is highly conserved between mammals and fish. Zebrafish runx2b has two promoter regions separated by a large intron. Sequence analysis suggested that the runx2b gene encodes three distinct isoforms, by a combination of alternative splicing and differential promoter activation, as described for the human gene. We have cloned a pebp2alphaA-like transcript of the runx2b gene, which we named pebp2alphaA2, and showed its high degree of sequence similarity with the mammalian pebp2alphaA. The cloned zebrafish osteocalcin promoter was found to contain three putative runx2-binding elements, and one of them, located at -221 from the ATG, was capable of mediating pebp2alphaA2 transactivation. In addition, cross-species transactivation was also confirmed because the mouse Cbfa1 was able to induce the zebrafish osteocalcin promoter, whereas the zebrafish pebp2alphaA2 activated the murine osteocalcin promoter. These results are consistent with the high degree of evolutionary conservation of these proteins. The 3D structure of the runx2b runt domain was modeled based on the runt domain of mouse Runx1. Results show a high degree of similarity in the 3D configuration of the DNA binding regions from both domains, with significant differences only observed in non-DNA binding regions or in DNA-binding regions known to accommodate considerable structure flexibility. Phylogenetic analysis was used to clarify the relationship between the isoforms of each of the two zebrafish Runx2 orthologs and other Runx proteins. Both zebrafish runx2 genes clustered with other Runx2 sequences. The duplication event seemed, however, to be so old that, whereas Runx2b clearly clusters with the other fish sequences, it is unclear whether Runx2a clusters with Runx2 from higher vertebrates or from other fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge P Pinto
- CCMAR, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
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127
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Spence R, Smith C. Male territoriality mediates density and sex ratio effects on oviposition in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Anim Behav 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2004.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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128
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Lein P, Silbergeld E, Locke P, Goldberg AM. In vitro and other alternative approaches to developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2005; 19:735-744. [PMID: 21783550 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2004.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To address the growing need for scientifically valid and humane alternatives to developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT), we propose that basic research scientists in developmental neurobiology be brought together with mechanistic toxicologists and policy analysts to develop the science and policy for DNT alternatives that are based on evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of neurodevelopment. In this article we briefly review in vitro and other alternative models and present our rationale for proposing that resources be focused on adapting alternative simple organism systems for DNT. We recognize that alternatives to DNT will not completely replace a DNT paradigm that involves in vivo testing in mammals. However, we believe that alternatives will be of great value in prioritizing chemicals and in identifying mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity, which in turn will be useful in refining and reducing in vivo mammalian tests for exposures most likely to be hazardous to the developing human nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Lein
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health and Science University, CROET/L606, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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129
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Furutani-Seiki M, Sasado T, Morinaga C, Suwa H, Niwa K, Yoda H, Deguchi T, Hirose Y, Yasuoka A, Henrich T, Watanabe T, Iwanami N, Kitagawa D, Saito K, Asaka S, Osakada M, Kunimatsu S, Momoi A, Elmasri H, Winkler C, Ramialison M, Loosli F, Quiring R, Carl M, Grabher C, Winkler S, Del Bene F, Shinomiya A, Kota Y, Yamanaka T, Okamoto Y, Takahashi K, Todo T, Abe K, Takahama Y, Tanaka M, Mitani H, Katada T, Nishina H, Nakajima N, Wittbrodt J, Kondoh H. A systematic genome-wide screen for mutations affecting organogenesis in Medaka, Oryzias latipes. Mech Dev 2005; 121:647-58. [PMID: 15210174 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2004.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2004] [Revised: 03/22/2004] [Accepted: 04/21/2004] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A large-scale mutagenesis screen was performed in Medaka to identify genes acting in diverse developmental processes. Mutations were identified in homozygous F3 progeny derived from ENU-treated founder males. In addition to the morphological inspection of live embryos, other approaches were used to detect abnormalities in organogenesis and in specific cellular processes, including germ cell migration, nerve tract formation, sensory organ differentiation and DNA repair. Among 2031 embryonic lethal mutations identified, 312 causing defects in organogenesis were selected for further analyses. From these, 126 mutations were characterized genetically and assigned to 105 genes. The similarity of the development of Medaka and zebrafish facilitated the comparison of mutant phenotypes, which indicated that many mutations in Medaka cause unique phenotypes so far unrecorded in zebrafish. Even when mutations of the two fish species cause a similar phenotype such as one-eyed-pinhead or parachute, more genes were found in Medaka than in zebrafish that produced the same phenotype when mutated. These observations suggest that many Medaka mutants represent new genes and, therefore, are important complements to the collection of zebrafish mutants that have proven so valuable for exploring genomic function in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Furutani-Seiki
- Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Kondoh Differentiation Signaling Project, Kawaaracho 14, Yoshida, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8305, Japan.
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130
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Hill AJ, Teraoka H, Heideman W, Peterson RE. Zebrafish as a Model Vertebrate for Investigating Chemical Toxicity. Toxicol Sci 2005; 86:6-19. [PMID: 15703261 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfi110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 862] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been a prominent model vertebrate in a variety of biological disciplines. Substantial information gathered from developmental and genetic research, together with near-completion of the zebrafish genome project, has placed zebrafish in an attractive position for use as a toxicological model. Although still in its infancy, there is a clear potential for zebrafish to provide valuable new insights into chemical toxicity, drug discovery, and human disease using recent advances in forward and reverse genetic techniques coupled with large-scale, high-throughput screening. Here we present an overview of the rapidly increasing use of zebrafish in toxicology. Advantages of the zebrafish both in identifying endpoints of toxicity and in elucidating mechanisms of toxicity are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Hill
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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131
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Amsterdam A, Becker TS. Transgenes as screening tools to probe and manipulate the zebrafish genome. Dev Dyn 2005; 234:255-68. [PMID: 16127723 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish, originally an object of study as an inexpensive and prolific vertebrate embryological model with a plethora of genetic tricks, has over the past decade moved to large-scale chemical mutagenesis and recently came of age as a high throughput transgenic model with a sequenced genome nearing completion. Insertional mutagenesis, gene trapping and enhancer detection are all contributing to the increasing speed with which research in this biomedical model is progressing. We review here some of the recent developments in the emerging field of zebrafish developmental genomics and transgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Amsterdam
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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132
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Abstract
Insertional mutagenesis is a method for identifying genes essential for a given biological process by using the integration of DNA as the mutagen, thereby facilitating the cloning of the mutated gene. The use of retrovirus-mediated insertional mutagenesis in zebrafish has led to the mutation and rapid identification of hundreds of genes required for embryonic development and cell viability and growth, revealing the diversity of gene products required for the development of this vertebrate. Here, I will review the methodology of this approach and the results to date, as well as other potential ways to use insertional mutagenesis for genetic screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Amsterdam
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
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133
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Amsterdam A, Sadler KC, Lai K, Farrington S, Bronson RT, Lees JA, Hopkins N. Many ribosomal protein genes are cancer genes in zebrafish. PLoS Biol 2004; 2:E139. [PMID: 15138505 PMCID: PMC406397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2003] [Accepted: 03/10/2004] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated several hundred lines of zebrafish (Danio rerio), each heterozygous for a recessive embryonic lethal mutation. Since many tumor suppressor genes are recessive lethals, we screened our colony for lines that display early mortality and/or gross evidence of tumors. We identified 12 lines with elevated cancer incidence. Fish from these lines develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and in some cases also other tumor types, with moderate to very high frequencies. Surprisingly, 11 of the 12 lines were each heterozygous for a mutation in a different ribosomal protein (RP) gene, while one line was heterozygous for a mutation in a zebrafish paralog of the human and mouse tumor suppressor gene, neurofibromatosis type 2. Our findings suggest that many RP genes may act as haploinsufficient tumor suppressors in fish. Many RP genes might also be cancer genes in humans, where their role in tumorigenesis could easily have escaped detection up to now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Amsterdam
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Kirsten C Sadler
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Kevin Lai
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Sarah Farrington
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Roderick T Bronson
- 2Department of Pathology, Tufts University School of Veterinary MedicineBoston, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Jacqueline A Lees
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Nancy Hopkins
- 1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
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134
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Lele Z, Krone PH. The zebrafish as a model system in developmental, toxicological and transgenic research. Biotechnol Adv 2004; 14:57-72. [PMID: 14536924 DOI: 10.1016/0734-9750(96)00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish has long been used as a model system in fisheries biology and toxicology. More recently, it has also become the focus of a major research effort into understanding the molecular and cellular events which dictate the development of vertebrate embryos. As well, the zebrafish has proven attractive in studies examining the factors which affect the creation of transgenic fish and the expression of transgenes. The advances which have been made in these areas have firmly established this small aquarium fish as a major model system in biological and biotechnological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Lele
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Services Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5E5
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135
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Affiliation(s)
- Erno Wienholds
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Center for Biomedical Genetics, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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136
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Tropepe V, Sive HL. Can zebrafish be used as a model to study the neurodevelopmental causes of autism? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2003; 2:268-81. [PMID: 14606692 DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-183x.2003.00038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish has proven to be an excellent model for analyzing issues of vertebrate development. In this review we ask whether the zebrafish is a viable model for analyzing the neurodevelopmental causes of autism. In developing an answer to this question three topics are considered. First, the general attributes of zebrafish as a model are discussed, including low cost maintenance, rapid life cycle and the multitude of techniques available. These techniques include large-scale genetic screens, targeted loss and gain of function methods, and embryological assays. Second, we consider the conservation of zebrafish and mammalian brain development, structure and function. Third, we discuss the impressive use of zebrafish as a model for human disease, and suggest several strategies by which zebrafish could be used to dissect the genetic basis for autism. We conclude that the zebrafish system could be used to make important contributions to understanding autistic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tropepe
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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137
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Hsiao CD, Tsai HJ. Transgenic zebrafish with fluorescent germ cell: a useful tool to visualize germ cell proliferation and juvenile hermaphroditism in vivo. Dev Biol 2003; 262:313-23. [PMID: 14550794 DOI: 10.1016/s0012-1606(03)00402-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile zebrafish are hermaphroditic; undifferentiated gonads first develop into ovary-like tissues, which then either become ovaries and produce oocytes (female) or degenerate and develop into testes (male). In order to fully capture the dynamic processes of germ cells' proliferation and juvenile hermaphroditism in zebrafish, we established transgenic lines TG(beta-actin:EGFP), harboring an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by a medaka beta-actin promoter. In TG(beta-actin:EGFP), proliferating germ cells and female gonads strongly expressed EGFP, but fluorescence was only dimly detected in male gonads. Based on the fluorescent (+) or nonfluorescent (-) appearance of germ cells seen in living animals, three distinct groups were evident among TG(beta-actin:EGFP). Transgenics in ++ group (44%) were females, had fluorescent germ cells as juveniles, and female gonads continuously fluoresced throughout sexual maturation. Transgenics in +- (23%) and -- (33%) groups were males. Fluorescent germ cells were transiently detected in +- transgenics from 14 to 34 days postfertilization (dpf), but were not detected in -- transgenics throughout their life span. Histological analyses showed that 26-dpf-old transgenics in ++, +-, and -- groups all developed ovary-like tissues: Germ cells in -- group juveniles arrested at the gonocyte stage and accumulated low quantities of EGFP, while those in ++ group juveniles highly proliferated into diplotene to perinucleolar stages and accumulated high quantities of EGFP. In +- group juveniles, degenerating oocytes, gonocytes, and spermatogonia were coexistent in transiently fluorescent gonads. Therefore, the fluorescent appearance of gonads in this study was synchronous with the differentiation of ovary-like tissues. Thus, TG(beta-actin:EGFP) can be used to visualize germ cells' proliferation and juvenile hermaphroditism in living zebrafish for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Der Hsiao
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, and Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Road, Section 4, 106, Taipei, Taiwan
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138
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Abstract
Primordial germ cells follow a characteristic developmental path that is manifested in the specialized regulation of basic cell functions and behaviour. Recent studies in zebrafish have greatly enhanced our understanding of the mode of specification of primordial germ cells, cell-fate maintenance and the migration of these cells towards their target, the gonad, where they differentiate into gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erez Raz
- Germ Cell Development, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37070 Goettingen, Germany.
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139
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Tidyman WE, Sehnert AJ, Huq A, Agard J, Deegan F, Stainier DYR, Ordahl CP. In vivo regulation of the chicken cardiac troponin T gene promoter in zebrafish embryos. Dev Dyn 2003; 227:484-96. [PMID: 12889057 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.10328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The chicken cardiac troponin T (cTnT) gene is representative of numerous cardiac and skeletal muscle-specific genes that contain muscle-CAT (MCAT) elements within their promoters. We examined the regulation of the chicken cTnT gene in vivo in zebrafish embryos, and in vitro in cardiomyocyte, myoblast, and fibroblast cultures. Defined regions of the cTnT promoter were linked to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene for in vivo analysis, and the luciferase gene for in vitro analysis. Injection of the cTnT promoter constructs into fertilized zebrafish eggs resulted in GFP expression in both heart and skeletal muscle cells reproducing the pattern of expression of the endogenous cTnT gene in the chicken embryo. Promoter deletion analysis revealed that the cis-regulatory regions responsible for cardiac and skeletal muscle-specific expression functioned in an equivalent manner in both in vitro and in vivo environments. In addition, we show that mutation of the poly-ADP ribose polymerase-I (PARP-I) binding site adjacent to the distal MCAT element in the chicken cTnT promoter produced a non-cell-specific promoter in vitro and in the zebrafish. Thus, the PARP-I transcriptional regulatory mechanism that governs muscle specificity of the chicken cTnT promoter is conserved across several chordate classes spanning at least 350 million years of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Tidyman
- Department of Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 94143, USA
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140
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141
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Spitsbergen JM, Kent ML. The state of the art of the zebrafish model for toxicology and toxicologic pathology research--advantages and current limitations. Toxicol Pathol 2003; 31 Suppl:62-87. [PMID: 12597434 PMCID: PMC1909756 DOI: 10.1080/01926230390174959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now the pre-eminent vertebrate model system for clarification of the roles of specific genes and signaling pathways in development. The zebrafish genome will be completely sequenced within the next 1-2 years. Together with the substantial historical database regarding basic developmental biology, toxicology, and gene transfer, the rich foundation of molecular genetic and genomic data makes zebrafish a powerful model system for clarifying mechanisms in toxicity. In contrast to the highly advanced knowledge base on molecular developmental genetics in zebrafish, our database regarding infectious and noninfectious diseases and pathologic lesions in zebrafish lags far behind the information available on most other domestic mammalian and avian species, particularly rodents. Currently, minimal data are available regarding spontaneous neoplasm rates or spontaneous aging lesions in any of the commonly used wild-type or mutant lines of zebrafish. Therefore, to fully utilize the potential of zebrafish as an animal model for understanding human development, disease, and toxicology we must greatly advance our knowledge on zebrafish diseases and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Spitsbergen
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Marine/Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA.
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142
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Grunwald DJ, Eisen JS. Headwaters of the zebrafish -- emergence of a new model vertebrate. Nat Rev Genet 2002; 3:717-24. [PMID: 12209146 DOI: 10.1038/nrg892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 491] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of vertebrate development has advanced considerably in recent years, primarily due to the study of a few model organisms. The zebrafish, the newest of these models, has risen to prominence because both genetic and experimental embryological methods can be easily applied to this animal. The combination of approaches has proven powerful, yielding insights into the formation and function of individual tissues, organ systems and neural networks, and into human disease mechanisms. Here, we provide a personal perspective on the history of zebrafish research, from the assembly of the first genetic and embryological tools through to sequencing of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jonah Grunwald
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.
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143
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Myers DC, Sepich DS, Solnica-Krezel L. Bmp activity gradient regulates convergent extension during zebrafish gastrulation. Dev Biol 2002; 243:81-98. [PMID: 11846479 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2001.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
During vertebrate gastrulation, a ventral to dorsal gradient of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) activity establishes cell fates. Concomitantly, convergent extension movements narrow germ layers mediolaterally while lengthening them anteroposteriorly. Here, by measuring movements of cell populations in vivo, we reveal the presence of three domains of convergent extension movements in zebrafish gastrula. Ventrally, convergence and extension movements are absent. Lateral cell populations converge and extend at increasing speed until they reach the dorsal domain where convergence speed slows but extension remains strong. Using dorsalized and ventralized mutants, we demonstrate that these domains are specified by the Bmp activity gradient. In vivo cell morphology and behavior analyses indicated that low levels of Bmp activity might promote extension with little convergence by allowing mediolateral cell elongation and dorsally biased intercalation. Further, single cell movement analyses revealed that the high ventral levels of Bmp activity promote epibolic migration of cells into the tailbud, increasing tail formation at the expense of head and trunk. We show that high Bmp activity limits convergence and extension by negatively regulating expression of the wnt11 (silberblick) and wnt5a (pipetail) genes, which are required for convergent extension but not cell fate specification. Therefore, during vertebrate gastrulation, a single gradient of Bmp activity, which specifies cell fates, also regulates the morphogenetic process of convergent extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina C Myers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 351634, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1634, USA
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144
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Singer A, Perlman H, Yan Y, Walker C, Corley-Smith G, Brandhorst B, Postlethwait J. Sex-specific recombination rates in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Genetics 2002; 160:649-57. [PMID: 11861568 PMCID: PMC1461993 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/160.2.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, the rate of genetic recombination is not uniform along the length of chromosomes or between sexes. To compare the relative recombination rates during meiosis in male and female zebrafish, we constructed a genetic map based on male meiosis. We developed a meiotic mapping panel of 94 androgenetic haploid embryos that were scored for genetic polymorphisms. The resulting male map was compared to female and sex-average maps. We found that the recombination rate in male meiosis is dramatically suppressed relative to that of female meiosis, especially near the centromere. These findings have practical applications for experimental design. The use of exclusively female meiosis in a positional cloning project maximizes the ratio of genetic map distance to physical distance. Alternatively, the use of exclusively male meiosis to localize a mutation initially to a linkage group or to maintain relationships of linked alleles minimizes recombination, thereby facilitating some types of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Singer
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
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145
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Abstract
Inventive genetic screens in zebrafish are revealing new genetic pathways that control vertebrate development, disease and behaviour. By exploiting the versatility of zebrafish, biological processes that had been previously obscured can be visualized and many of the responsible genes can be isolated. Coupled with gene knockdown and overexpression technologies, and small-molecule-induced phenotypes, genetic screens in zebrafish provide a powerful system by which to dissect vertebrate gene function and gene networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Patton
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital of Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders 750, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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146
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Hsiao CD, Hsieh FJ, Tsai HJ. Enhanced expression and stable transmission of transgenes flanked by inverted terminal repeats from adeno-associated virus in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2001; 220:323-36. [PMID: 11307166 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosaic expression of transgenes in the F0 generation severely hinders the study of transient expression in transgenic fish. To avoid mosaicism, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene cassettes were constructed and introduced into one-celled zebrafish embryos. These EGFP gene cassettes were flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) from adeno-associated virus (AAV) and driven by zebrafish alpha-actin (palpha-actin-EGFP-ITR) or medaka beta-actin promoters (pbeta-actin-EGFP-ITR). EGFP was expressed specifically and uniformly in the skeletal muscle of 56% +/- 8% of the palpha-actin-EGFP-ITR-injected survivors and in the entire body of 1.3% +/- 0.8% of the pbeta-actin-EGFP-ITR-injected survivors. Uniform transient expression never occurred in zebrafish embryos injected with EGFP genes that were not flanked by AAV-ITRs. In the F0 generation, uniformly distributed EGFP could mimic the stable expression in transgenic lines early in development. We established five transgenic lines derived from palpha-actin-EGFP-ITR-injected embryos crossed with wild-type fish and 11 transgenic lines derived from pbeta-actin-EGFP-ITR-injected embryos crossed with wild-type fish. None of these transgenic lines failed to express the transgene, a result confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Stable mendelian transmission of the transgenes was achieved in both alpha-actin and beta-actin transgenic lines without changing the patterns of expression and integration. Progeny inheritance test and Southern blot analysis results strongly suggest that transgenes flanked by AAV-ITRs were integrated randomly into the genome at a single locus with a concatamerized multiplier. Thus, incorporating AAV-ITRs into transgenes results in uniform gene expression in the F0 generation and stable transmission of transgenes in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Hsiao
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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147
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Detrich
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, USA
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148
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Abstract
Hematopoiesis in the vertebrate is characterized by the induction of ventral mesoderm to form hematopoietic stem cells and the eventual differentiation of these progenitors to form the peripheral blood lineages. Several genes have been implicated in the differentiation and development of hematopoietic and vascular progenitor cells, yet our understanding of the discrete steps involved in the induction of these cells from the ventral mesoderm is still incomplete. One method of delineating these processes is based on the use of lower vertebrates. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an especially robust vertebrate system for both isolating and characterizing genes involved in these processes. Hematopoietic mutants have been generated with defects in many of the steps of both the primitive and definitive hematopoietic programs. Cloning of the genes that underlie these mutations should yield valuable details of hematopoiesis and may have therapeutic implications for bone marrow transplantation and stem cell gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bahary
- Children's Hospital, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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149
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Abstract
Members of the T-box gene family have been identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates, where they play key roles in the regulation of embryonic development, and particularly in morphogenesis and the assignment of cell fate. T-box proteins act as transcription factors which regulate the expression of downstream effector genes. This review focuses on the identification of T-box target genes and the basis of T-box functional specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tada
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
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150
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Abstract
Forward-genetic analyses in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans have given us unprecedented insights into many developmental mechanisms. To study the formation of organs that contain cell types and structures not present in invertebrates, a vertebrate model system amenable to forward genetics would be very useful. Recent work shows that a newly initiated genetic approach in zebrafish is already making significant contributions to understanding the development of the vertebrate heart, an organ that contains several vertebrate-specific features. These and other studies point to the utility of the zebrafish system for studying a wide range of vertebrate-specific processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Y Stainier
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0448, San Francisco, California 94143-0448, USA.
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