1
|
Wilson CA, Postlethwait JH. A maternal-to-zygotic-transition gene block on the zebrafish sex chromosome. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae050. [PMID: 38466753 PMCID: PMC11075544 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Wild zebrafish (Danio rerio) have a ZZ/ZW chromosomal sex-determination system with the major sex locus on the right arm of chromosome-4 (Chr4R) near the largest heterochromatic block in the genome, suggesting that Chr4R transcriptomics might differ from the rest of the genome. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an RNA-seq analysis of adult ZW ovaries and ZZ testes in the Nadia strain and identified 4 regions of Chr4 with different gene expression profiles. Unique in the genome, protein-coding genes in a 41.7 Mb section (Region-2) were expressed in testis but silent in ovary. The AB lab strain, which lacks sex chromosomes, verified this result, showing that testis-biased gene expression in Region-2 depends on gonad biology, not on sex-determining mechanism. RNA-seq analyses in female and male brains and livers validated reduced transcripts from Region-2 in somatic cells, but without sex specificity. Region-2 corresponds to the heterochromatic portion of Chr4R and its content of genes and repetitive elements distinguishes it from the rest of the genome. Region-2 lacks protein-coding genes with human orthologs; has zinc finger genes expressed early in zygotic genome activation; has maternal 5S rRNA genes, maternal spliceosome genes, a concentration of tRNA genes, and a distinct set of repetitive elements. The colocalization of (1) genes silenced in ovaries but not in testes that are (2) expressed in embryos briefly at the onset of zygotic genome activation; (3) maternal-specific genes for translation machinery; (4) maternal-specific spliceosome components; and (5) adjacent genes encoding miR-430, which mediates maternal transcript degradation, suggest that this is a maternal-to-zygotic-transition gene regulatory block.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilson CA, Postlethwait JH. A maternal-to-zygotic-transition gene block on the zebrafish sex chromosome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570431. [PMID: 38106184 PMCID: PMC10723407 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Wild zebrafish (Danio rerio) have a ZZ/ZW chromosomal sex determination system with the major sex locus on the right arm of chromosome-4 (Chr4R) near the largest heterochromatic block in the genome, suggesting the hypothesis that the Chr4R transcriptome might be different from the rest of the genome. We conducted an RNA-seq analysis of adult ZW ovaries and ZZ testes and identified four regions of Chr4 with different gene expression profiles. Unique in the genome, protein-coding genes in a 41.7 Mb section (Region-2) were expressed in testis but silent in ovary. The AB lab strain, which lacks sex chromosomes, verified this result, showing that testis-biased gene expression in Region-2 depends on gonad biology, not on sex-determining mechanism. RNA-seq analyses in female and male brain and liver validated few transcripts from Region-2 in somatic cells, but without sex-specificity. Region-2 corresponds to the heterochromatic portion of Chr4R and its content of genes and repetitive elements distinguishes it from the rest of the genome. In Region-2, protein-coding genes lack human orthologs; it has zinc finger genes expressed early in zygotic genome activation; it has maternal 5S rRNA genes, maternal spliceosome genes, a concentration of tRNA genes, and an distinct set of repetitive elements. The colocalization of 1) genes silenced in ovaries but not in testes that are 2) expressed in embryos briefly at the onset of zygotic genome activation; 3) maternal-specific genes for translation machinery; 4) maternal-specific spliceosome components; and 4) adjacent genes encoding miR-430, which mediates maternal transcript degradation, suggest that this is a Maternal-to-Zygotic-Transition Gene Regulatory Block.
Collapse
|
3
|
Xi L, Lu Q, Liu Y, Gong Y, Liu H, Jin J, Zhang Z, Yang Y, Zhu X, Han D, Xie S. Study on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). AQUACULTURE NUTRITION 2023; 2023:1397508. [PMID: 37901279 PMCID: PMC10611541 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1397508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Excessive carbohydrate intake leads to metabolic disorders in fish. However, few literatures have reported the appropriate carbohydrate level for zebrafish, and the metabolic response to dietary carbohydrate remains largely unknown in zebrafish. This study assessed the responses of zebrafish and zebrafish liver cell line (ZFL) to different carbohydrate levels. In vivo results showed that ≥30% dietary dextrin levels significantly increased the plasma glucose content, activated the expression of hepatic glycolysis-related genes, and inhibited the expression of hepatic gluconeogenesis-related genes in zebrafish. Oil red O staining, triglyceride content, and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining results showed that dietary dextrin levels of ≥30% significantly increased lipid accumulation and liver damage, as well as processes related to glycolipid metabolism and inflammation in zebrafish. In ZFL, the transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c signal intensity, 4,4-difluoro-1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY 493/503) signal intensity, and triglyceride content were also significantly increased when incubated in high glucose, along with abnormal glycolipid metabolism and increased inflammation-related genes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the maximum dietary carbohydrate level in adult zebrafish should be less than 30%. Excess dietary carbohydrates (30%-50%) caused hepatic steatosis and damage to zebrafish, similar to that seen in aquaculture species. Thus, this study assessed responses to different carbohydrate levels in zebrafish and illustrated that zebrafish is an optimal model for investigating glucose metabolism in some aquatic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longwei Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qisheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yulong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Junyan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhimin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yunxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Dong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shouqi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gora AH, Rehman S, Dias J, Fernandes JMO, Olsvik PA, Sørensen M, Kiron V. Protective mechanisms of a microbial oil against hypercholesterolemia: evidence from a zebrafish model. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1161119. [PMID: 37435570 PMCID: PMC10332275 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1161119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A Western diet elevates the circulating lipoprotein and triglyceride levels which are the major risk factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can stall the disease progression. Although these fatty acids can significantly impact the intestine under a hypercholesterolemic condition, the associated changes have not been studied in detail. Therefore, we investigated the alterations in the intestinal transcriptome along with the deviations in the plasma lipids and liver histomorphology of zebrafish offered DHA- and EPA-rich oil. Fish were allocated to 4 dietary treatments: a control group, a high cholesterol group and microbial oil groups with low (3.3%) and high (6.6%) inclusion levels. We quantified the total cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in the plasma. In addition, we assessed the liver histology, intestinal transcriptome and plasma lipidomic profiles of the study groups. The results suggested that higher levels of dietary microbial oil could control the CVD risk factor indices in zebrafish plasma. Furthermore, microbial oil-fed fish had fewer liver vacuoles and higher mRNA levels of genes involved in β-oxidation and HDL maturation. Analyses of the intestine transcriptome revealed that microbial oil supplementation could influence the expression of genes altered by a hypercholesterolemic diet. The plasma lipidomic profiles revealed that the higher level of microbial oil tested could elevate the long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid content of triglyceride species and lower the concentration of several lysophosphatidylcholine and diacylglycerol molecules. Our study provides insights into the effectiveness of microbial oil against dyslipidemia in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adnan H. Gora
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Saima Rehman
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | | | - Pål A. Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Viswanath Kiron
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nuthikattu S, Milenkovic D, Norman JE, Rutledge J, Villablanca A. The Brain’s Microvascular Response to High Glycemia and to the Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Is Sexually Dimorphic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173451. [PMID: 36079709 PMCID: PMC9460226 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex and a high glycemic diet (HGD) contribute to dementia, yet little is known about the operative molecular mechanisms. Our goal was to understand the differences between males and females in the multi-genomic response of the hippocampal microvasculature to the HGD, and whether there was vasculoprotection via the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEHI). Adult wild type mice fed high or low glycemic diets for 12 weeks, with or without an sEHI inhibitor (t-AUCB), had hippocampal microvessels isolated by laser-capture microdissection. Differential gene expression was determined by microarray and integrated multi-omic bioinformatic analyses. The HGD induced opposite effects in males and females: the HGD-upregulated genes were involved in neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation in males, whereas in females they downregulated the same pathways, favoring neuroprotection. In males, the HGD was associated with a greater number of clinical diseases than in females, the sEHI downregulated genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases to a greater extent with the HGD and compared to females. In females, the sEHI downregulated genes involved in endothelial cell functions to a greater extent with the LGD and compared to males. Our work has potentially important implications for sex-specific therapeutic targets for vascular dementia and cardiovascular diseases in males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Norman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - John Rutledge
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Amparo Villablanca
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Correspondence: mail:; Tel.: +1-530-752-0718; Fax: +1-530-752-3264
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou L, Yang R, Tian H, Qin X, Ye C, Shi X, Xia C, Cai T, Xie Y, Jia Y, Hu G. Sexual dimorphism in Odontobutis sinensis brain-pituitary-gonad axis and liver highlighted by histological and transcriptomic approach. Gene 2022; 819:146264. [PMID: 35114283 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, sexual dimorphism in Chinese dark sleeper (Odontobutis sinensis) brain-pituitary-gonad axis and liver was highlighted by histological and transcriptomic approach. The results showed that there were two significant differences between males and females. Firstly, males grew larger and faster than females. Transcriptomic analysis and qPCR validation indicated that two key growth genes, insulin-like growth factor (igf) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha hydroxylase (cyp27b), were more highly detected in male liver than that in female liver. Secondly, histological analysis displayed that the liver in males showed an obvious ivory fatty phenomenon with more fat vacuoles and lipid droplet aggregation compared to that in females. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the transcript level of vitellogenin (vtg) in male liver were significantly lower than that in female liver. After 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment of primary cultured hepatocytes, the vtg mRNA expression was induced significantly, while dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment had little effect on it. Generally, this study will provide some ideas for further exploring the mechanism of sexual dimorphism in Odontobutis sinensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhou
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ruibin Yang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hua Tian
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hubei Engineering Research Center of Hydroecology Protection and Restoration, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xiangfeng Qin
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Cheng Ye
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chuanhui Xia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tianyi Cai
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yunyi Xie
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yongyi Jia
- Agriculture Ministry Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Key Laboratory of Fish Health and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China.
| | - Guangfu Hu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faal M, Manouchehri H, Changizi R, Bootorabi F, Khorramizadeh MR. Assessment of resveratrol on diabetes of zebrafish ( Danio rerio). J Diabetes Metab Disord 2022; 21:823-833. [PMID: 35673499 PMCID: PMC9167402 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00964-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an established model for studying various metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol as a natural polyphenol on reducing inflammation caused by hyperglycemia (diabetes) and its effect on digestive tissue as well as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and INL1β genes in zebrafish. Methods Within a 20-day period, the research was performed on 120 adult zebrafish, which were randomly classified into eight groups: two experimental treatments (induced glucose = +G) and (without glucose = -G), where each main group was as follows: CTRL = control and RSV resveratrol with doses 10, 20, and 30 μmol/L. At the end of the period, the blood glucose level was measured using glucose test strip, staining of intestinal tissue was done by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and expression of INF-γ, IL1-β, and TNF-α genes extracted from the intestinal was measured via internal method RT-PCR. Data analysis in this study was performed using SPSS software version 21. One-way ANOVA and mean comparison of treatments by Duncan test were used for data analysis. All statistical analyses were performed at a significant level (P < 0.5) where the mean data were presented with standard deviation. Results According to the results, the lowest blood sugar level at the end of the experiment belonged to the group (G-RSV20) where no significant difference was observed between treatments (P > 0.05). The highest expression of IL1-β gene belonged to the (G + CTRL) group (P < 0.05), while the (G + RSV20) group showed the lowest expression of the INF-γ gene and had a significant difference with other groups (P < 0.05). In (G + RSV10) treatment, the lowest expression of TNF-α gene was observed and there was no significant difference with other treatments (P > 0.05). Resveratrol would improve the absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tissue by increasing the number of goblet cells as well as the width and height of the villi. Conclusion Collectively, this study indicated that treatment with resveratrol could improve metabolic-mediated performances by reducing blood glucose, increasing food absorption in the intestine tissue, and reducing the expression of inflammatory genes in type 2 diabetic zebrafish model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Faal
- Department of Aquaculture Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Hamed Manouchehri
- Department of Aquaculture Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Reza Changizi
- Department of Aquaculture Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bootorabi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mohammad Reza Khorramizadeh
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Zebra fish core Facility (ZFIN ID: ZDB-LAB-1901172), Endocrinology and Metabolism research Institute, Tehran university of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fowler LA, Powers AD, Williams MB, Davis JL, Barry RJ, D’Abramo LR, Watts SA. The effects of dietary saturated fat source on weight gain and adiposity are influenced by both sex and total dietary lipid intake in zebrafish. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257914. [PMID: 34679092 PMCID: PMC8535427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of saturated fat intake on obesity and cardiovascular health remain inconclusive, likely due in part to their varied nature and interactions with other nutrients. Investigating the synergistic effects of different saturated fat sources with other dietary lipid components will help establish more accurate nutritional guidelines for dietary fat intake. Over the past two decades, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been established as an attractive model system to address questions regarding contributions of dietary lipid intake to diet-induced obesity in humans. The goal of the present study was to assess interactions of three different saturated fat sources (milk fat, palm oil, and coconut oil) with sex and total dietary lipid intake on weight gain and body composition in adult zebrafish. Larvae were raised on live feeds until 28 days post fertilization, and then fed a formulated maintenance diet until three months of age. An eight-week feeding trial was then initiated, in which zebrafish were fed nine experimental low- and high-fat diets varying in saturated fatty acid and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, in addition to a low-fat and high-fat control diet. At termination of the feeding trial, each treatment was evaluated according to body mass, moisture content, and adiposity. Sex and diet significantly interacted in their effects on body mass (P = 0.026), moisture content (P = 0.044), and adiposity (P = 0.035). The influence of saturated fat source on body mass was observed to be dependent on intake of total dietary lipid. In females, all three saturated fat sources had similar effects on adiposity. From these observations, we hypothesize that impacts of saturated fat intake on energy allocation and obesity-related phenotypes are influenced by both sex and intake of other dietary lipid components. Our results suggest that current nutritional guidelines for saturated fat intake may need to be re-evaluated and take sex-specific recommendations into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Fowler
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Audrey D. Powers
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Michael B. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - James L. Davis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Barry
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Louis R. D’Abramo
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Stephen A. Watts
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Keskus AG, Tombaz M, Arici BI, Dincaslan FB, Nabi A, Shehwana H, Konu O. Functional analysis of co-expression networks of zebrafish ace2 reveals enrichment of pathways associated with development and disease. Genome 2021; 65:57-74. [PMID: 34606733 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation and SARS-CoV-2 entry. ACE2 has a highly conserved, one-to-one ortholog (ace2) in zebrafish, which is an important model for human diseases. However, the zebrafish ace2 expression profile has not yet been studied during early development, between genders, across different genotypes, or in disease. Moreover, a network-based meta-analysis for the extraction of functionally enriched pathways associated with differential ace2 expression is lacking in the literature. Herein, we first identified significant development-, tissue-, genotype-, and gender-specific modulations in ace2 expression via meta-analysis of zebrafish Affymetrix transcriptomics datasets (ndatasets = 107); and the correlation analysis of ace2 meta-differential expression profile revealed distinct positively and negatively correlated local functionally enriched gene networks. Moreover, we demonstrated that ace2 expression was significantly modulated under different physiological and pathological conditions related to development, tissue, gender, diet, infection, and inflammation using additional RNA-seq datasets. Our findings implicate a novel translational role for zebrafish ace2 in organ differentiation and pathologies observed in the intestines and liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Gokce Keskus
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Melike Tombaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcin Irem Arici
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Afshan Nabi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabancı University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huma Shehwana
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ozlen Konu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valenzuela L, Pacheco S, Rincón G, Pavez L, Lam N, Hernández AJ, Dantagnan P, González F, Jilberto F, Ravanal MC, Ramos C, Garcia H, Araneda C, Ulloa PE. Intestinal Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Enrichment of Genes Associated with Immune and Lipid Mechanisms, Favoring Soybean Meal Tolerance in High-Growth Zebrafish ( Danio Rerio). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050700. [PMID: 34066767 PMCID: PMC8151431 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying fish tolerance to soybean meal (SBM) remain unclear. Identifying these mechanisms would be beneficial, as this trait favors growth. Two fish replicates from 19 experimental families were fed fishmeal-(100FM) or SBM-based diets supplemented with saponin (50SBM + 2SPN) from juvenile to adult stages. Individuals were selected from families with a genotype-by-environment interaction higher (HG-50SBM + 2SPN, 170 ± 18 mg) or lower (LG-50SBM + 2SPN, 76 ± 10 mg) weight gain on 50SBM + 2SPN for intestinal transcriptomic analysis. A histological evaluation confirmed middle intestinal inflammation in the LG- vs. HG-50SBM + 2SPN group. Enrichment analysis of 665 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified pathways associated with immunity and lipid metabolism. Genes linked to intestinal immunity were downregulated in HG fish (mpx, cxcr3.2, cftr, irg1l, itln2, sgk1, nup61l, il22), likely dampening inflammatory responses. Conversely, genes involved in retinol signaling were upregulated (rbp4, stra6, nr2f5), potentially favoring growth by suppressing insulin responses. Genes associated with lipid metabolism were upregulated, including key components of the SREBP (mbtps1, elov5l, elov6l) and cholesterol catabolism (cyp46a1), as well as the downregulation of cyp7a1. These results strongly suggest that transcriptomic changes in lipid metabolism mediate SBM tolerance. Genotypic variations in DEGs may become biomarkers for improving early selection of fish tolerant to SMB or others plant-based diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Valenzuela
- Omics Lab, Villavicencio 378, Oficina 32, Santiago 8320164, Chile;
| | - Sebastian Pacheco
- Programa de Doctorado en Inmunología y Microbiología, Universidad San Sebastian, Lota 2465, Santiago 7510157, Chile;
| | - Gonzalo Rincón
- Zoetis, VMRD Genetics R&D, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA;
| | - Leonardo Pavez
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de Las Américas, Avenida Manuel Montt 948, Santiago 7500975, Chile; (L.P.); (F.G.); (C.R.)
| | - Natalia Lam
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.L.); (F.J.); (C.A.)
| | - Adrián J. Hernández
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Fisiología de Peces, Núcleo de Investigación en Producción Alimentaria, Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (A.J.H.); (P.D.)
| | - Patricio Dantagnan
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Fisiología de Peces, Núcleo de Investigación en Producción Alimentaria, Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile; (A.J.H.); (P.D.)
| | - Felipe González
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de Las Américas, Avenida Manuel Montt 948, Santiago 7500975, Chile; (L.P.); (F.G.); (C.R.)
| | - Felipe Jilberto
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.L.); (F.J.); (C.A.)
| | - M. Cristina Ravanal
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (ICYTAL), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Alimentarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Avda. Julio Sarrazín s/n, Isla Teja, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Cecilia Ramos
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de Las Américas, Avenida Manuel Montt 948, Santiago 7500975, Chile; (L.P.); (F.G.); (C.R.)
| | - Héctor Garcia
- Laboratorios Diagnofruit Ltd.a., Depto. Fitopatología Molecular, Santiago 7770273, Chile;
| | - Cristian Araneda
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.L.); (F.J.); (C.A.)
| | - Pilar E. Ulloa
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de Las Américas, Avenida Manuel Montt 948, Santiago 7500975, Chile; (L.P.); (F.G.); (C.R.)
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11315, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (N.L.); (F.J.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-222-531-129
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brenes-Soto A, Tye M, Esmail MY. The Role of Feed in Aquatic Laboratory Animal Nutrition and the Potential Impact on Animal Models and Study Reproducibility. ILAR J 2020; 60:197-215. [PMID: 33094819 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed plays a central role in the physiological development of terrestrial and aquatic animals. Historically, the feeding practice of aquatic research species derived from aquaculture, farmed, or ornamental trades. These diets are highly variable, with limited quality control, and have been typically selected to provide the fastest growth or highest fecundity. These variations of quality and composition of diets may affect animal/colony health and can introduce confounding experimental variables into animal-based studies that impact research reproducibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Brenes-Soto
- Department of Animal Science, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marc Tye
- Zebrafish Core Facility, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Michael Y Esmail
- Tufts Comparative Medicine Services, Tufts University Health Science Campus, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fowler LA, Dennis-Cornelius LN, Dawson JA, Barry RJ, Davis JL, Powell ML, Yuan Y, Williams MB, Makowsky R, D'Abramo LR, Watts SA. Both Dietary Ratio of n-6 to n-3 Fatty Acids and Total Dietary Lipid Are Positively Associated with Adiposity and Reproductive Health in Zebrafish. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa034. [PMID: 32258992 PMCID: PMC7108797 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversial findings have been reported in human and animal studies regarding the influence of n-6 (ω-6) to n-3 (ω-3) fatty acid ratios on obesity and health. Two confounding factors may be related to interactions with other dietary lipid components or sex-specific differences in fatty acid metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study investigated main and interactive effects of total dietary lipid, ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids, and sex on growth, adiposity, and reproductive health in wild-type zebrafish. METHODS Male and female zebrafish (3 wk old) were fed 9 diets consisting of 3 ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (1.4:1, 5:1, and 9.5:1) varied within 3 total lipid amounts (80, 110, and 140 g/kg) for 16 wk. Data were then collected on growth, body composition (determined by chemical carcass analysis), and female reproductive success (n = 32 breeding events/diet over 4 wk). Main and interactive effects of dietary lipid and sex were evaluated with regression methods. Significant differences within each dietary lipid component were relative to the intercept/reference group (80 g/kg and 1.4:1 ratio). RESULTS Dietary lipid and sex interacted in their effects on body weight (P = 0.015), total body length (P = 0.003), and total lipid mass (P = 0.029); thus, these analyses were stratified by sex. Female spawning success decreased as dietary total lipid and fatty acid ratio increased (P = 0.030 and P = 0.026, respectively). While total egg production was not associated with either dietary lipid component, females fed the 5:1 ratio produced higher proportions of viable embryos compared with the 1.4:1 ratio [median (95% CI): 0.915 (0.863, 0.956) vs 0.819 (0.716, 0.876); P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Further characterization of dietary lipid requirements will help define healthy balances of dietary lipid, while the sex-specific responses to dietary lipid identified in this study may partially explain sex disparities in the development of obesity and its comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Fowler
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - John A Dawson
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Barry
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James L Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mickie L Powell
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael B Williams
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Louis R D'Abramo
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stephen A Watts
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li C, Barton C, Henke K, Daane J, Treaster S, Caetano-Lopes J, Tanguay RL, Harris MP. celsr1a is essential for tissue homeostasis and onset of aging phenotypes in the zebrafish. eLife 2020; 9:50523. [PMID: 31985398 PMCID: PMC7010407 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of genetics has been invaluable in defining the complex mechanisms of aging and longevity. Zebrafish, while a prominent model for vertebrate development, have not been used systematically to address questions of how and why we age. In a mutagenesis screen focusing on late developmental phenotypes, we identified a new mutant that displays aging phenotypes at young adult stages. We find that the phenotypes are due to loss-of-function in the non-classical cadherin celsr1a. The premature aging is not associated with increased cellular senescence or telomere length but is a result of a failure to maintain progenitor cell populations. We show that celsr1a is essential for maintenance of stem cell progenitors in late stages. Caloric restriction can ameliorate celsr1a aging phenotypes. These data suggest that celsr1a function helps to mediate stem cell maintenance during maturation and homeostasis of tissues and thus regulates the onset or expressivity of aging phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Li
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Carrie Barton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Corvallis, United States
| | - Katrin Henke
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Jake Daane
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Stephen Treaster
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Joana Caetano-Lopes
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Corvallis, United States
| | - Matthew P Harris
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States.,Department of Orthopedics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tu W, Martínez R, Navarro-Martin L, Kostyniuk DJ, Hum C, Huang J, Deng M, Jin Y, Chan HM, Mennigen JA. Bioconcentration and Metabolic Effects of Emerging PFOS Alternatives in Developing Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:13427-13439. [PMID: 31609598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The novel PFOS alternatives, 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) and sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), are emerging in the Chinese market, but little is known about their ecological risks. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to PFOS, F-53B, and OBS to evaluate their bioconcentration and acute metabolic consequences. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) accumulated in larvae in the order of F-53B > PFOS > OBS, with the bioconcentration factors ranging from 20 to 357. Exposure to F-53B and PFOS, but not OBS, increased energy expenditure, and reduced feed intake in a concentration-dependent manner and the expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways at the transcriptional and translational levels. Molecular docking revealed that the binding affinities of PFASs to glucokinase were decreased in the following order: F-53B > PFOS > OBS. Finally, the results of Point of Departure (PoD) indicate that metabolic end points at the molecular and organismal level are most sensitive to F-53B followed by PFOS and OBS. Collectively, F-53B has the highest bioconcentration potential and the strongest metabolism-disrupting effects, followed by PFOS and OBS. Our findings have important implications for the assessment of early developmental metabolic effects of PFOS alternatives F-53B and OBS in wildlife and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Tu
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake , Jiangxi Academy of Sciences , Nanchang 330012 , China
| | - Rubén Martínez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry , Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC , Jordi Girona, Barcelona 18-26 08034 , Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology , Universitat de Barcelona (UB) , Barcelona 585 08007 , Spain
| | - Laia Navarro-Martin
- Department of Environmental Chemistry , Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC , Jordi Girona, Barcelona 18-26 08034 , Spain
| | - Daniel J Kostyniuk
- Department of Biology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1N 6N5 , Canada
| | - Christine Hum
- Department of Biology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1N 6N5 , Canada
| | - Jing Huang
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake , Jiangxi Academy of Sciences , Nanchang 330012 , China
| | - Mi Deng
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake , Jiangxi Academy of Sciences , Nanchang 330012 , China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering , Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou , 310032 , China
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario K1N 6N5 , Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Optimizing the Use of Zebrafish Feeding Trials for the Safety Evaluation of Genetically Modified Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061472. [PMID: 30909578 PMCID: PMC6471220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, the toxicological safety of genetically modified (GM) crops is routinely evaluated using rodent feeding trials, originally designed for testing oral toxicity of chemical compounds. We aimed to develop and optimize methods for advancing the use of zebrafish feeding trials for the safety evaluation of GM crops, using maize as a case study. In a first step, we evaluated the effect of different maize substitution levels. Our results demonstrate the need for preliminary testing to assess potential feed component-related effects on the overall nutritional balance. Next, since a potential effect of a GM crop should ideally be interpreted relative to the natural response variation (i.e., the range of biological values that is considered normal for a particular endpoint) in order to assess the toxicological relevance, we established natural response variation datasets for various zebrafish endpoints. We applied equivalence testing to calculate threshold equivalence limits (ELs) based on the natural response variation as a method for quantifying the range within which a GM crop and its control are considered equivalent. Finally, our results illustrate that the use of commercial control diets (CCDs) and null segregant (NS) controls (helpful for assessing potential effects of the transformation process) would be valuable additions to GM safety assessment strategies.
Collapse
|
16
|
Li S, Sang C, Zhang J, Chen N, Li Z, Jin P, Huang X. Effects of acute hyperglycemia stress on plasma glucose, glycogen content, and expressions of glycogen synthase and phosphorylase in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 44:1185-1196. [PMID: 29790091 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-018-0508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂), a typical carnivorous fish, was chosen as a model to investigate the regulation of glycogen metabolism owning to its characteristic of glucose intolerance. The variation of plasma glucose concentration, glycogen content, and expressions of glycogen metabolism-related genes under acute hyperglycemia stress were measured. Following glucose administration, plasma glucose concentration increased immediately, and the glucose level remained elevated for at least 12 h. The prolonged glucose clearance and hyperglycemia revealed glucose intolerance of this fish species. Meanwhile, the glycogen content in both liver and muscle changed significantly during the clearance of plasma glucose. However, the peak value of hepatic glycogen (1 and 12 h post injection) appeared much earlier than muscle (3 and 24 h post injection). To investigate the regulation of glycogen metabolism from molecular aspect, the complete coding sequence (CDS) of glycogen synthase (GS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) in both liver and muscle types were obtained, encoding a polypeptide of 704, 711, 853, and 842 amino acid residues, respectively. The results of gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of liver type and muscle type GS was significantly higher than other time points at 12 and 24 h post glucose injection, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest expressions of GP in both liver and muscle types occurred at 24 h post glucose injection. The response of GS and GP to glucose load may account for the variation of glycogen content at the transcriptional level to some extent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Li
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chunyan Sang
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jiacan Zhang
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Naisong Chen
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
- Research Centre of the Agriculture Ministry on Environmental Ecology and Fish Nutrition, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 20136, China.
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Ziqiang Li
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Pengfei Jin
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xuxiong Huang
- National Demonstration Center on Experiment Teaching of Fisheries Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The Impact of Two Different Cold-Extruded Feeds and Feeding Regimens on Zebrafish Survival, Growth and Reproductive Performance. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6030015. [PMID: 29933588 PMCID: PMC6162542 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6030015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the top model organisms used in biomedical research. Therefore, it is fundamental that zebrafish facilities continuously improve husbandry methods to provide fish with the best physiological and welfare conditions that suit each experimental purpose. Nutrition is a husbandry aspect that needs further optimization, as it greatly affects growth, reproduction, health and behaviour. Here, we have compared the impact of different feeding regimens on zebrafish survival, growth and reproductive performance. Mutant and wild-type zebrafish were raised using several combinations of two cold-extruded processed feeds—Skretting®GemmaMicro and Sparos®Zebrafeed—and one live feed (rotifers). Zebrafeed® outperformed GemmaMicro® in terms of survival rate, and embryo viability was also higher when the spawners were fed with Zebrafeed® either from larval stage or upon sexual maturation. In contrast, GemmaMicro® favoured growth, both in size and weight. The use of rotifers until 60 days post-fertilization improved survival of fish co-fed with GemmaMicro®, while delaying their growth. Zebrafeed® performance was not affected by co-feeding rotifers. Overall, we showed that different nutritional formulas affect physiological parameters, allowing for the establishment of feeding protocols adapted to the objectives of each facility. At the same time, we validated Skretting®GemmaMicro and Sparos®Zebrafeed as two commercially available feeds that are well suited for zebrafish nutrition in a laboratory environment.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dimitriadi A, Beis D, Arvanitidis C, Adriaens D, Koumoundouros G. Developmental temperature has persistent, sexually dimorphic effects on zebrafish cardiac anatomy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8125. [PMID: 29802254 PMCID: PMC5970236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25991-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the next century, climate change of anthropogenic origin is a major threat to global biodiversity. We show here that developmental temperature can have significant effects on zebrafish cardiac anatomy and swimming performance. Zebrafish embryos were subjected to three developmental temperature treatments (TD = 24, 28 or 32 °C) up to metamorphosis and then all maintained under common conditions (28 °C) to adulthood. We found that developmental temperature affected cardiac anatomy of juveniles and adults even eight months after the different thermal treatments had been applied. The elevation of TD induced a significant increase of the ventricle roundness in juvenile (10% increase) and male (22% increase), but not in female zebrafish. The aerobic exercise performance of adult zebrafish was significantly decreased as TD elevated from 24 to 32 °C. Gene expression analysis that was performed at the end of the temperature treatments revealed significant up-regulation of nppa, myh7 and mybpc3 genes at the colder temperature. Our work provides the first evidence for a direct link between developmental temperature and cardiac form at later life-stages. Our results also add to the emerging rationale for understanding the potential effects of global warming on how fish will perform in their natural environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitris Beis
- Developmental Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Arvanitidis
- Institute for Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dominique Adriaens
- Research Group Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tsang B, Zahid H, Ansari R, Lee RCY, Partap A, Gerlai R. Breeding Zebrafish: A Review of Different Methods and a Discussion on Standardization. Zebrafish 2017; 14:561-573. [PMID: 28873037 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a rapidly increasing number of scientific papers have been published that utilize zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an alternative model organism in the study of a wide range of biological phenomena from cancer to behavior. This is, in large part, due to the prolific nature, relative ease of maintenance, and sufficiently high genetic homology of zebrafish to humans. With the surge of zebrafish use in animal research, the variations in methodologies of breeding and husbandry of this species have also increased. Investigators usually focus on the development and implementation of rigorous laboratory control that is specific to their studies. We suggest that the same scrutiny and attention may be required for the methods of breeding and housing of zebrafish. This article reviews a variety of zebrafish husbandry and breeding techniques and conditions employed around the world. It discusses factors ranging from numerous aspects of rearing/housing conditions through the sex ratio of the breeding group to the composition of the diet of zebrafish that may vary across laboratories. It provides some feedback on the potential pros and cons of the different methods. It argues that there is a substantial need for systematic analysis of these methods, that is, the effects of environmental factors on zebrafish health and breeding. It also discusses the question as to whether some degree of standardization of these methods is needed to enhance cross-laboratory comparability of results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Hifsa Zahid
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Rida Ansari
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | | | - Aman Partap
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rose E, Flanagan SP, Jones AG. The Effects of Synthetic Estrogen Exposure on the Sexually Dimorphic Liver Transcriptome of the Sex-Role-Reversed Gulf Pipefish. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139401. [PMID: 26448558 PMCID: PMC4598134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Species exhibiting sex-role reversal provide an unusual perspective on the evolution of sex roles and sex differences. However, the proximate effects of sex-role reversal are largely unknown. Endocrine disruptors provide an experimental mechanism to address hormonal regulation of sexually dimorphic gene expression in sex-role-reversed taxa. Here, we investigate gene expression patterns in the liver of the sex-role-reversed Gulf pipefish, because the liver is known to be sexually dimorphic and estrogen-regulated in species with conventional sex roles. Using next-generation RNA-sequencing technology (RNA-seq), we detected sexually dimorphic hepatic gene expression patterns, with a total of 482 differentially expressed genes between the sexes in Gulf pipefish. Two-thirds of these genes were over-expressed in females, and the sex-specific transcriptomes of this sex-role-reversed pipefish’s liver were superficially similar to those of fishes with conventional sex-roles. We exposed females, pregnant males, and non-pregnant males to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) at ecologically relevant concentrations of 5ng/L and compared gene expression patterns in the livers of exposed fish to control fish. Several genes that were up-regulated in EE2-exposed males relative to control males were also found to be female-biased in control animals. These genes included several of the classic estrogen biomarkers, such as vitellogenin, choriogenin, and zona pellucida. Thus, estrogen exposure induced feminization of the male liver transcriptome in a sex-role-reversed pipefish. These results suggest that the ancestral state of estrogen-regulated female reproductive physiology has been retained in all sex-role-reversed vertebrates thus far studied, despite substantial evolution of the hormonal regulation of ornamentation and mating behavior in these interesting taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rose
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, Texas, 77845, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah P. Flanagan
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, Texas, 77845, United States of America
| | - Adam G. Jones
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, Texas, 77845, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Glucose metabolism and gene expression in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) challenged with a high carbohydrate diet: effects of an acute glucose stimulus during late embryonic life. Br J Nutr 2015; 113:403-13. [PMID: 25609020 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514003869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge on the role of early nutritional stimuli as triggers of metabolic pathways in fish is extremely scarce. The objective of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of glucose injection in the yolk (early stimulus) on carbohydrate metabolism and gene regulation in zebrafish juveniles challenged with a high-carbohydrate low-protein (HC) diet. Eggs were microinjected at 1 d post-fertilisation (dpf) with either glucose (2 M) or saline solutions. Up to 25 dpf, fish were fed a low-carbohydrate high-protein (LC) control diet, which was followed by a challenge with the HC diet. Survival and growth of 35 dpf juveniles were not affected by injection or the HC diet. Glucose stimulus induced some long-term metabolic changes in the juveniles, as shown by the altered expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism. On glycolysis, the expression levels of hexokinase 1 (HK1) and phosphofructokinase-6 (6PFK) were up-regulated in the visceral and muscle tissues, respectively, of juveniles exposed to the glucose stimulus, indicating a possible improvement in glucose oxidation. On gluconeogenesis, the inhibition of the expression levels of PEPCK in fish injected with glucose suggested lower production of hepatic glucose. Unexpectedly, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) expression was induced and 6PFK expression reduced by glucose stimulus, leaving the possibility of a specific regulation of the FBP-6PFK metabolic cycle. Glucose metabolism in juveniles was estimated using a [¹⁴C]glucose tracer; fish previously exposed to the stimulus showed lower retention of [¹⁴C]glucose in visceral tissue (but not in muscle tissue) and, accordingly, higher glucose catabolism, in comparison with the saline group. Globally, our data suggest that glucose stimulus at embryo stage has the potential to alter particular steps of glucose metabolism in zebrafish juveniles.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ulloa PE, Peña AA, Lizama CD, Araneda C, Iturra P, Neira R, Medrano JF. Growth response and expression of muscle growth-related candidate genes in adult zebrafish fed plant and fishmeal protein-based diets. Zebrafish 2013; 10:99-109. [PMID: 23590402 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to examine the effects of a plant protein- vs. fishmeal-based diet on growth response in a population of 24 families, as well as expression of growth-related genes in the muscle of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Each family was split to create two fish populations with similar genetic backgrounds, and the fish were fed either fishmeal (FM diet) or plant protein (PP diet) as the unique protein source in their diets from 35 to 98 days postfertilization (dpf). To understand the effect of the PP diet on gene expression, individuals from three families, representative of the mean weight in both populations, were selected. To understand the effect of familiar variation on gene expression, the same families were evaluated separately. At 98 dpf, growth-related genes Igf1a, Igf2a, mTOR, Pld1a, Mrf4, Myod, Myogenin, and Myostatin1b were evaluated. In males, Myogenin, Mrf4, and Igf2a showed changes attributable to the PP diet. In females, the effect of the PP diet did not modulate the expression in any of the eight genes studied. The effect of familiar variation on gene expression was observed among families. This study shows that PP diet and family variation have effects on gene expression in fish muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar E Ulloa
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Ingeniería y Administración, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Watts SA, Powell M, D'Abramo LR. Fundamental approaches to the study of zebrafish nutrition. ILAR J 2013; 53:144-60. [PMID: 23382346 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.53.2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The value of the zebrafish model has been well established. However, culture variability within and among laboratories remains a concern, particularly as it relates to nutrition. Investigators using rodent models addressed this concern several decades ago and have developed strict nutritional regimes to which their models adhere. These investigators decreased the variability associated with nutrition in most studies by developing standardized reference and open formulation diets. Zebrafish investigators have not embraced this approach. In this article, we address the problems associated with the lack of nutritional information and standardization in the zebrafish research community. Based on the knowledge gained from studies of other animals, including traditional research models, other fish species, domesticated and companion animals, and humans, we have proposed an approach that seeks to standardize nutrition research in zebrafish. We have identified a number of factors for consideration in zebrafish nutrition studies and have suggested a number of proposed outcomes. The long term-goal of nutrition research will be to identify the daily nutritional requirements of the zebrafish and to develop appropriate standardized reference and open formulation diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Watts
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Benner MJ, Settles ML, Murdoch GK, Hardy RW, Robison BD. Sex-specific transcriptional responses of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain selenoproteome to acute sodium selenite supplementation. Physiol Genomics 2013; 45:653-66. [PMID: 23737534 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00030.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential benefits of selenium (Se) supplementation are currently under investigation for prevention of certain cancers and treatment of neurological disorders. However, little is known concerning the response of the brain to increased dietary Se under conditions of Se sufficiency, despite the majority of Se supplementation trials occurring in healthy, Se sufficient subjects. We evaluated the transcriptional response of Se-dependent genes, selenoproteins and the genes necessary for their synthesis (the selenoproteome), in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain to supplementation with nutritionally relevant levels of dietary Se (sodium selenite) during conditions of assumed Se sufficiency. We first used a microarray approach to analyze the response of the brain selenoproteome to dietary Se supplementation for 14 days and then assessed the immediacy and time-scale transcriptional response of the brain selenoproteome to 1, 7, and 14 days of Se supplementation by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The microarray approach did not indicate large-scale influences of Se on the brain transcriptome as a whole or the selenoproteome specifically; only one nonselenoproteome gene (si:ch73-44m9.2) was significantly differentially expressed. Our qRT-PCR results, however, indicate that increases of dietary Se cause small, but significant transcriptional changes within the brain selenoproteome, even after only 1 day of supplementation. These responses were dynamic over a short period of supplementation in a manner highly dependent on sex and the duration of Se supplementation. In nutritional intervention studies, it may be necessary to utilize methods such as qRT-PCR, which allow larger sample sizes, for detecting subtle transcriptional changes in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maia J Benner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho83844-3051, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Seiliez I, Médale F, Aguirre P, Larquier M, Lanneretonne L, Alami-Durante H, Panserat S, Skiba-Cassy S. Postprandial regulation of growth- and metabolism-related factors in zebrafish. Zebrafish 2013; 10:237-48. [PMID: 23659367 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been proposed as a possible model organism for nutritional physiology. However, this potential has not yet been realized and studies on the field remain scarce. In this work, we investigated in this species the effect of a single meal as well as that of an increase in the ratio of dietary carbohydrates/proteins on the postprandial expression of several hepatic and muscle metabolism-related genes and proteins. Fish were fed once either a commercial diet (experiment 1) or one of two experimental diets (experiment 2) containing different protein and carbohydrate levels after 72 h of starvation. Refeeding induced the postprandial expression of genes of glycolysis (GK, HK1) and lipogenesis (FAS, G6PDH, ACCa) and inhibited those of gluconeogenesis (cPEPCK) and beta-oxidation (CPT1b) in the viscera. In the muscle, refeeding increased transcript levels of myogenesis (Myf5, Myogenin), inhibited those of Ub-proteasomal proteolytic system (Atrogin1, Murf1a, Murf1b), and induced the activation of key signaling factors of protein synthesis (Akt, 4EBP1, S6K1, S6). However, diet composition had a low impact on the studied factors. Together, these results highlight some specificity of the zebrafish metabolism and demonstrate the interest and the limits of this species as a model organism for nutritional physiology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iban Seiliez
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique , UR1067 Nutrition Métabolisme Aquaculture, St-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Smith DL, Barry RJ, Powell ML, Nagy TR, D'Abramo LR, Watts SA. Dietary protein source influence on body size and composition in growing zebrafish. Zebrafish 2013; 10:439-46. [PMID: 23656299 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2012.0864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of nutritional components on growth and body composition outcomes has been demonstrated in multiple model organisms. Although zebrafish (Danio rerio) have an established role in research laboratories for its utility in understanding developmental biology and genetics, the influence of diet composition on basic growth outcomes is less well demonstrated. In the current study, four protein sources were tested in isolation using isonitrogenous diets or combined using a defined lab diet. Fish (n≈60/group) were group housed (n≤10 fish/1.8 L tank) and fed ad libitum three times daily for 12 weeks. Fish were assessed for effects on length, body weight, and body composition (lean and fat mass). Individuals fed wheat gluten protein were significantly shorter in length, with significantly lower body weight and lean mass in both male and female fish, although percent body fat was high compared with other diets. Casein-fed fish similarly had significantly reduced body length, body weight, and lean and fat mass in both male and female fish, with a low percent body fat compared with other diets (leanest). Fish protein hydrolysate-fed fish had significantly lower lean mass and a high percent body fat, whereas soy protein isolate diet performed similarly to a mixed-protein control diet for all measured outcomes. These results suggest that the protein source, with accompanying amino acid ratios or additional protein source differences, has a significant impact on growth and body composition outcomes in zebrafish when fed in a semipurified, defined diet background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Smith
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zheng W, Xu H, Lam SH, Luo H, Karuturi RKM, Gong Z. Transcriptomic analyses of sexual dimorphism of the zebrafish liver and the effect of sex hormones. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53562. [PMID: 23349717 PMCID: PMC3547925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is one of the most sex-dimorphic organs in both oviparous and viviparous animals. In order to understand the molecular basis of the difference between male and female livers, high-throughput RNA-SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression) sequencing was performed for zebrafish livers of both sexes and their transcriptomes were compared. Both sexes had abundantly expressed genes involved in translation, coagulation and lipid metabolism, consistent with the general function of the liver. For sex-biased transcripts, from in addition to the high enrichment of vitellogenin transcripts in spawning female livers, which constituted nearly 80% of total mRNA, it is apparent that the female-biased genes were mostly involved in ribosome/translation, estrogen pathway, lipid transport, etc, while the male-biased genes were enriched for oxidation reduction, carbohydrate metabolism, coagulation, protein transport and localization, etc. Sexual dimorphism on xenobiotic metabolism and anti-oxidation was also noted and it is likely that retinol x receptor (RXR) and liver x receptor (LXR) play central roles in regulating the sexual differences of lipid and cholesterol metabolisms. Consistent with high ribosomal/translational activities in the female liver, female-biased genes were significantly regulated by two important transcription factors, Myc and Mycn. In contrast, Male livers showed activation of transcription factors Ppargc1b, Hnf4a, and Stat4, which regulate lipid and glucose metabolisms and various cellular activities. The transcriptomic responses to sex hormones, 17β-estradiol (E2) or 11-keto testosterone (KT11), were also investigated in both male and female livers and we found that female livers were relatively insensitive to sex hormone disturbance, while the male livers were readily affected. E2 feminized male liver by up-regulating female-biased transcripts and down-regulating male-biased transcripts. The information obtained in this study provides comprehensive insights into the sexual dimorphism of zebrafish liver transcriptome and will facilitate further development of the zebrafish as a human liver disease model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Hong Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huaien Luo
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang X, Ung CY, Lam SH, Ma J, Chen YZ, Zhang L, Gong Z, Li B. Toxicogenomic analysis suggests chemical-induced sexual dimorphism in the expression of metabolic genes in zebrafish liver. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51971. [PMID: 23272195 PMCID: PMC3525581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential gene expression in two sexes is widespread throughout the animal kingdom, giving rise to sex-dimorphic gene activities and sex-dependent adaptability to environmental cues, diets, growth and development as well as susceptibility to diseases. Here, we present a study using a toxicogenomic approach to investigate metabolic genes that show sex-dimorphic expression in the zebrafish liver triggered by several chemicals. Our analysis revealed that, besides the known genes for xenobiotic metabolism, many functionally diverse metabolic genes, such as ELOVL fatty acid elongase, DNA-directed RNA polymerase, and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, were also sex-dimorphic in their response to chemical treatments. Moreover, sex-dimorphic responses were also observed at the pathway level. Pathways belonging to xenobiotic metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism were enriched with sex-dimorphically expressed genes. We also observed temporal differences of the sex-dimorphic responses, suggesting that both genes and pathways are differently correlated during different periods of chemical perturbation. The ubiquity of sex-dimorphic activities at different biological hierarchies indicate the importance and the need of considering the sex factor in many areas of biological researches, especially in toxicology and pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhang
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (XZ); (ZG)
| | - Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Mathematics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Hong Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Ma
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Zong Chen
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louxin Zhang
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Mathematics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (XZ); (ZG)
| | - Baowen Li
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Meyer BM, Froehlich JM, Galt NJ, Biga PR. Inbred strains of zebrafish exhibit variation in growth performance and myostatin expression following fasting. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 164:1-9. [PMID: 23047051 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been widely utilized as a model organism for several decades, there is little information available on physiological variation underlying genetic variation among the most commonly used inbred strains. This study evaluated growth performance using physiological and molecular markers of growth in response to fasting in six commonly used zebrafish strains [AB, TU, TL, SJA, WIK, and petstore (PET) zebrafish]. Fasting resulted in a standard decrease in whole blood glucose levels, a typical vertebrate glucose metabolism pattern, in AB, PET, TL, and TU zebrafish strains. Alternatively, fasting did not affect glucose levels in SJA and WIK zebrafish strains. Similarly, fasting had no effect on myostatin mRNA levels in AB, PET, TU, and WIK zebrafish strains, but decreased myostatin-1 and -2 mRNA levels in SJA zebrafish. Consistent with previous work, fasting increased myostatin-2 mRNA levels in TL zebrafish. These data demonstrate that variation is present in growth performance between commonly used inbred strains of zebrafish. These data can help future research endeavors by highlighting the attributes of each strain with regard to growth performance so that the most fitting strain may be utilized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben M Meyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Drew RE, Settles ML, Churchill EJ, Williams SM, Balli S, Robison BD. Brain transcriptome variation among behaviorally distinct strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio). BMC Genomics 2012; 13:323. [PMID: 22817472 PMCID: PMC3434030 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domesticated animal populations often show profound reductions in predator avoidance and fear-related behavior compared to wild populations. These reductions are remarkably consistent and have been observed in a diverse array of taxa including fish, birds, and mammals. Experiments conducted in common environments indicate that these behavioral differences have a genetic basis. In this study, we quantified differences in fear-related behavior between wild and domesticated zebrafish strains and used microarray analysis to identify genes that may be associated with this variation. RESULTS Compared to wild zebrafish, domesticated zebrafish spent more time near the water surface and were more likely to occupy the front of the aquarium nearest a human observer. Microarray analysis of the brain transcriptome identified high levels of population variation in gene expression, with 1,749 genes significantly differentially expressed among populations. Genes that varied among populations belonged to functional categories that included DNA repair, DNA photolyase activity, response to light stimulus, neuron development and axon guidance, cell death, iron-binding, chromatin reorganization, and homeobox genes. Comparatively fewer genes (112) differed between domesticated and wild strains with notable genes including gpr177 (wntless), selenoprotein P1a, synaptophysin and synaptoporin, and acyl-CoA binding domain containing proteins (acbd3 and acbd4). CONCLUSIONS Microarray analysis identified a large number of genes that differed among zebrafish populations and may underlie behavioral domestication. Comparisons with similar microarray studies of domestication in rainbow trout and canids identified sixteen evolutionarily or functionally related genes that may represent components of shared molecular mechanisms underlying convergent behavioral evolution during vertebrate domestication. However, this conclusion must be tempered by limitations associated with comparisons among microarray studies and the low level of population-level replication inherent to these studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Drew
- Department of Biological Sciences and Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Leung LY, Woo NYS. Influence of dietary carbohydrate level on endocrine status and hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in the marine fish Sparus sarba. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2012; 38:543-554. [PMID: 21701819 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-011-9534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Silver sea bream, Sparus sarba, were fed two diets of different carbohydrate levels (2 and 20% dextrin) for 4 weeks, and the effects on organ indices, liver composition, serum metabolite and hormone levels and gene expression profile of key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver were investigated. By using real-time PCR, mRNA expression levels of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes including glucokinase (GK, glycolysis), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase, gluconeogenesis), glycogen synthase (GS, glycogenesis), glycogen phosphorylase (GP, glycogenolysis) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH, pentose phosphate pathway) in liver of sea bream have been examined, and it was found that high dietary carbohydrate level increased mRNA level of GK but decreased mRNA levels of G6Pase and GP. However, mRNA levels of GS and G6PDH were not significantly influenced by dietary carbohydrate. Silver sea bream fed high dietary carbohydrate had higher hepatosomatic index (HSI), liver glycogen and protein, but there were no significant changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI), serum glucose and protein level, as well as liver lipid and moisture level. Pituitary growth hormone (GH) and hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) transcript abundance were assayed by real-time PCR, and it was found that both parameters remained unchanged in fish fed different dietary carbohydrate levels. Serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) were not significantly affected by dietary carbohydrate levels, but lower serum cortisol level was found in fish fed high dietary carbohydrate level. These results suggest that silver sea bream is able to adapt to a diet with high carbohydrate content (up to 20% dextrin), the consumption of which would lead to fundamental re-organization of carbohydrate metabolism resulting in hepatic glycogen deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Y Leung
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ung CY, Lam SH, Zhang X, Li H, Ma J, Zhang L, Li B, Gong Z. Existence of inverted profile in chemically responsive molecular pathways in the zebrafish liver. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27819. [PMID: 22140468 PMCID: PMC3226580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
How a living organism maintains its healthy equilibrium in response to endless exposure of potentially harmful chemicals is an important question in current biology. By transcriptomic analysis of zebrafish livers treated by various chemicals, we defined hubs as molecular pathways that are frequently perturbed by chemicals and have high degree of functional connectivity to other pathways. Our network analysis revealed that these hubs were organized into two groups showing inverted functionality with each other. Intriguingly, the inverted activity profiles in these two groups of hubs were observed to associate only with toxicopathological states but not with physiological changes. Furthermore, these inverted profiles were also present in rat, mouse, and human under certain toxicopathological conditions. Thus, toxicopathological-associated anti-correlated profiles in hubs not only indicate their potential use in diagnosis but also development of systems-based therapeutics to modulate gene expression by chemical approach in order to rewire the deregulated activities of hubs back to normal physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Department of Mathematics, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CYU); (ZG)
| | - Siew Hong Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Xun Zhang
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Department of Physics and Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jing Ma
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Department of Physics and Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Louxin Zhang
- Department of Mathematics, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Baowen Li
- Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Department of Physics and Centre for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- * E-mail: (CYU); (ZG)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Taboada X, Robledo D, Del Palacio L, Rodeiro A, Felip A, Martínez P, Viñas A. Comparative expression analysis in mature gonads, liver and brain of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) by cDNA-AFLPS. Gene 2011; 492:250-61. [PMID: 22037609 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Turbot is one of the most important farmed fish in Europe. This species exhibits a considerable sexual dimorphism in growth and sexual maturity that makes the all-female production recommended for turbot farming. Our knowledge about the genetic basis of sex determination and the molecular regulation of gonad differentiation in this species is still limited. Our goal was to identify and compare gene expression and functions between testes and ovaries in adults in order to ascertain the relationship between the genes that could be involved in the gonad differentiation or related to the sex determination system. The identification of differentially expressed sex related genes is an initial step towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of gonad differentiation. For this, we carried out a transcriptome analysis based on cDNA-AFLP technique which allowed us to obtain an initial frame on sex-specific gene expression that will facilitate further analysis especially along the critical gonad differentiating period. With the aim of widening the study on sex-biased gene expression we reproduced the same experiments in two somatic tissues: liver and brain. We have selected the liver because it is the most analyzed one regarding sexual dimorphic gene expression and due to its importance in steroid hormones metabolism and the brain because the functional relationship between brain and gonad is documented. We found slight but important differences between sexes which deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xoana Taboada
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología (CIBUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela Avda Lope Gómez de Marzoa, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Polakof S, Mommsen TP, Soengas JL. Glucosensing and glucose homeostasis: from fish to mammals. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 160:123-49. [PMID: 21871969 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review is focused on two topics related to glucose in vertebrates. In a first section devoted to glucose homeostasis we describe how glucose levels fluctuate and are regulated in different classes of vertebrates. The detection of these fluctuations is essential for homeostasis and for other physiological processes such as regulation of food intake. The capacity of that detection is known as glucosensing, and the different mechanisms through which it occurs are known as glucosensors. Different glucosensor mechanisms have been demonstrated in different tissues and organs of rodents and humans whereas the information obtained for other vertebrates is scarce. In the second section of the review we describe the present knowledge regarding glucosensor mechanisms in different groups of vertebrates, with special emphasis in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Polakof
- INRA, UMR, UNH, CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kaushik S, Georga I, Koumoundouros G. Growth and body composition of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae fed a compound feed from first feeding onward: toward implications on nutrient requirements. Zebrafish 2011; 8:87-95. [PMID: 21663450 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2011.0696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although zebrafish is used as a major model species for understanding a number of biological functions and mechanisms involved, there is practically no information on the nutritional requirements of this cyprinid. The rearing practices, especially with regard to feeds and feeding, also vary considerably. To obtain base line information on the nutrient requirements and to develop a standard diet, we initiated the present work of feeding zebrafish larvae with a formulated feed right from first feeding onward. Growth of zebrafish fed the compound feed was very good, reaching a total length of 23 ± 4 mm in 9 weeks with a survival rate of 89% ± 4%. We present the first ever published data on whole-body composition in terms of essential amino acids (ideal protein profile), total, neutral and polar fatty acid profiles, minerals, and trace elements. Results obtained here show clearly that zebrafish can be reared with formulated feed right from mouth opening without resorting to any live prey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadasivam Kaushik
- UR 1067 INRA, Nutrition, Metabolism, and Aquaculture, Saint Pée-sur-Nivelle, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The zebrafish has emerged over the past several decades to become a mainstream animal model. While the growth of the use of the fish in basic biomedical research has been characterized by innovation, the methods and tools for fish husbandry, management, and care have been slow to evolve beyond those conceived during the initial establishment of the model system. While these approaches and technologies have certainly served the purposes of the field, they must now be improved to better match the widening scope and scale of research being done in fish. Such advances are made possible by applying new scientific information to the development of more sophisticated approaches for fish husbandry and management, and by considering the lessons learned during the establishment of the rodent model system. This review highlights the recent progress made in various areas of fish husbandry and management and points out new directions for further improvements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lawrence
- Aquatic Resources Program, Children’s Hospital Boston, Karp Family Research Laboratories, One BlackfanCircle, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Benner MJ, Drew RE, Hardy RW, Robison BD. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) vary by strain and sex in their behavioral and transcriptional responses to selenium supplementation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2010; 157:310-8. [PMID: 20659579 PMCID: PMC3047475 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We used the Nadia, Gaighatta, Scientific Hatcheries, and TM1 zebrafish (Danio rerio) strains to test the hypothesis that variation among populations influences the behavioral and transcriptional responses to selenium supplementation. When fed a diet with control levels of selenium, zebrafish strains differed significantly in behavior, characterized as their mean horizontal and vertical swimming positions within the tank. The four strains also differed in brain expression of selenoprotein P1a (sepp1a), glutathione peroxidase 3 (gpx3), thioredoxin reductase 1 (txnrd1), and tRNA selenocysteine associated protein 1 (secp43). Iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (dio2) did not differ among strains but showed a sex-specific expression pattern. When supplemented with selenium, all strains spent a greater proportion of time near the front of the tank, but the response of vertical swimming depth varied by strain. Selenium supplementation also caused changes in selenoprotein expression in the brain that varied by strain for sepp1a, secp43, and dio2, and varied by strain and sex for txnrd1. Expression of gpx3 was unaffected by selenium. Our data indicate that selenium homeostasis in the brain may be a regulator of behavior in zebrafish, and the strain-specific effects of selenium supplementation suggest that genetic heterogeneity among populations can influence the results of selenium supplementation studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maia J. Benner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
| | - Robert E. Drew
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
| | - Ronald W. Hardy
- Aquaculture Research Institute, Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, University of Idaho, 3059 National Fish Hatchery Road # F, Hagerman, ID 83332-5851, USA
| | - Barrie D. Robison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Initiative for Bioinformatics in Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gómez-Requeni P, Conceição LEC, Olderbakk Jordal AE, Rønnestad I. A reference growth curve for nutritional experiments in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and changes in whole body proteome during development. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2010; 36:1199-1215. [PMID: 20432063 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-010-9400-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish is one of the most used vertebrate model organisms in molecular and developmental biology, recently gaining popularity also in medical research. However, very little work has been done to assess zebrafish as a model species in nutritional studies in aquaculture in order to utilize the methodological toolbox that this species represents. As a starting point to acquire some baseline data for further nutritional studies, growth of a population of zebrafish was followed for 15 weeks. Furthermore, whole body proteome was screened during development by means of bi-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Fish were reared under best practice laboratory conditions from hatching until 103 days post-fertilization (dpf) and regularly fed ad libitum with Artemia nauplii from 12 dpf. A growth burst occurred within 9-51 dpf, reaching a plateau after 65 dpf. Fork length and body weight were significantly lower in males than in females from 58 dpf onwards. Proteomics analysis showed 28 spot proteins differently expressed through development and according to sex. Of these proteins, 20 were successfully identified revealing proteins involved in energy production, muscle development, eye lens differentiation, and sexual maturation. In summary, zebrafish exhibited a rapid growth until approximately 50 dpf, when most individuals started to allocate part of the dietary energy intake for sexual maturation. However, proteomic analysis revealed that some individuals reached sexual maturity earlier and already from 30 dpf onwards. Thus, in order to design nutritional studies with zebrafish fed Artemia nauplii, it is recommended to select a period between 20 and 40 dpf, when fish allocate most of the ingested energy for non-reproductive growth purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Gómez-Requeni
- Department of Biology, High Technology Center, University of Bergen, 5008, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Eames SC, Philipson LH, Prince VE, Kinkel MD. Blood sugar measurement in zebrafish reveals dynamics of glucose homeostasis. Zebrafish 2010; 7:205-13. [PMID: 20515318 PMCID: PMC2882991 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2009.0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult zebrafish has the potential to become an important model for diabetes-related research. To realize this potential, small-scale methods for analyzing pancreas function are required. The measurement of blood glucose level is a commonly used method for assessing beta-cell function, but the small size of the zebrafish presents challenges both for collecting blood samples and for measuring glucose. We have developed methods for collecting microsamples of whole blood and plasma for the measurement of hematocrit and blood glucose. We demonstrate that two hand-held glucose meters designed for use by human diabetics return valid results with zebrafish blood. Additionally, we present methods for fasting and for performing postprandial glucose and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. We find that the dynamics of zebrafish blood glucose homeostasis are consistent with patterns reported for other omnivorous teleost fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefani C. Eames
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Louis H. Philipson
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Victoria E. Prince
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary D. Kinkel
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Small CM, Carney GE, Mo Q, Vannucci M, Jones AG. A microarray analysis of sex- and gonad-biased gene expression in the zebrafish: evidence for masculinization of the transcriptome. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:579. [PMID: 19958554 PMCID: PMC2797025 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In many taxa, males and females are very distinct phenotypically, and these differences often reflect divergent selective pressures acting on the sexes. Phenotypic sexual dimorphism almost certainly reflects differing patterns of gene expression between the sexes, and microarray studies have documented widespread sexually dimorphic gene expression. Although the evolutionary significance of sexual dimorphism in gene expression remains unresolved, these studies have led to the formulation of a hypothesis that male-driven evolution has resulted in the masculinization of animal transcriptomes. Here we use a microarray assessment of sex- and gonad-biased gene expression to test this hypothesis in zebrafish. Results By using zebrafish Affymetrix microarrays to compare gene expression patterns in male and female somatic and gonadal tissues, we identified a large number of genes (5899) demonstrating differences in transcript abundance between male and female Danio rerio. Under conservative statistical significance criteria, all sex-biases in gene expression were due to differences between testes and ovaries. Male-enriched genes were more abundant than female-enriched genes, and expression bias for male-enriched genes was greater in magnitude than that for female-enriched genes. We also identified a large number of genes demonstrating elevated transcript abundance in testes and ovaries relative to male body and female body, respectively. Conclusion Overall our results support the hypothesis that male-biased evolutionary pressures have resulted in male-biased patterns of gene expression. Interestingly, our results seem to be at odds with a handful of other microarray-based studies of sex-specific gene expression patterns in zebrafish. However, ours was the only study designed to address this specific hypothesis, and major methodological differences among studies could explain the discrepancies. Regardless, all of these studies agree that transcriptomic sex differences in D. rerio are widespread despite the apparent absence of heterogamety. These differences likely make important contributions to phenotypic sexual dimorphism in adult zebrafish; thus, from an evolutionary standpoint, the precise roles of sex-specific selection and sexual conflict in the evolution of sexually dimorphic gene expression are very important. The results of our study and others like it set the stage for further work aimed at directly addressing this exciting issue in comparative genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clayton M Small
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Differential expression of vitellogenin and oestrogen receptor genes in the liver of zebrafish, Danio rerio. Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 396:625-30. [PMID: 19789858 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-3112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental oestrogens are responsible for adverse effects in fish that affect reproduction. Availability of model fish to study the differential effects of endogenous and exogenous oestrogens and to test for oestrogenic activity of chemicals would be advantageous. Zebrafish could provide such a model, but the organisation and expression of vitellogenins (VTGs) and oestrogen receptors (ERs) are not completely understood. VTGs are synthesised in the liver and provide a sensitive biomarker of oestrogenic activity since they are thought to be under the regulation of the ER. There are multiple genes for VTGs and an in silico analysis of their distribution in the Zebrafish genome has identified six genes: VTG-1, VTG-2, VTG-4, VTG-5, VTG-7 located on chromosome 22 and VTG-3 on chromosome 11. VTG-specific, quantitative, real-time, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays were developed and used to measure differential expression in the livers of mature male and female zebrafish. Following normalisation in female fish, relative expression of VTG-5 mRNA is highest and is 1.3x, 1.6x and 2x higher than VTG-4, VTG-2 and VTG-1, respectively, while expression of VTG-3 and VTG-7 is very low. Expression of VTGs in male fish was either undetectable or very low (VTG-4 and VTG-5). ERalpha and ERbeta2 were expressed at higher levels than ERbeta1 in females, but only ERbeta2 was expressed in appreciable quantity in males. Expression of ERalpha in males was significant but only at the limit of detection (<0.1% of female fish), while ERbeta1 could not be detected. The very low level of expression of ERalpha in males raises questions about the accepted mechanism of oestrogenic induction of VTG in male fish.
Collapse
|
42
|
Drew RE, Rodnick KJ, Settles M, Wacyk J, Churchill E, Powell MS, Hardy RW, Murdoch GK, Hill RA, Robison BD. Effect of starvation on transcriptomes of brain and liver in adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio). Physiol Genomics 2008; 35:283-95. [PMID: 18728227 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.90213.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We used microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses in adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio) to identify metabolic pathways regulated by starvation in the liver and brain. The transcriptome of whole zebrafish brain showed little response to 21 days of starvation. Only agouti-related protein 1 (agrp1) significantly responded, with increased expression in brains of starved fish. In contrast, a 21-day period of starvation significantly downregulated 466 and upregulated 108 transcripts in the liver, indicating an overall decrease in metabolic activity, reduced lipid metabolism, protein biosynthesis, proteolysis, and cellular respiration, and increased gluconeogenesis. Starvation also regulated expression of many components of the unfolded protein response, the first such report in a species other than yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and mice (Mus musculus). The response of the zebrafish hepatic transcriptome to starvation was strikingly similar to that of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and less similar to mouse, while the response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) differed considerably from the other three species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Drew
- Department of Biological Sciences and Initiative for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|