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Burato A, Legname G. Comparing Prion Proteins Across Species: Is Zebrafish a Useful Model? Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z. [PMID: 38918277 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the considerable body of research dedicated to the field of neurodegeneration, the gap in knowledge on the prion protein and its intricate involvement in brain diseases remains substantial. However, in the past decades, many steps forward have been taken toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the physiological role of the prion protein and the misfolding event converting it into its pathological counterpart, the prion. This review aims to provide an overview of the main findings regarding this protein, highlighting the advantages of many different animal models that share a conserved amino acid sequence and/or structure with the human prion protein. A particular focus will be given to the species Danio rerio, a compelling research organism for the investigation of prion biology, thanks to its conserved orthologs, ease of genetic manipulation, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput experimentation. We will explore its potential in filling some of the gaps on physiological and pathological aspects of the prion protein, with the aim of directing the future development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burato
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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2
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Pan SW, Wang HD, Hsiao HY, Hsu PJ, Tseng YC, Liang WC, Jong YJ, Yuh CH. Creatine and L-carnitine attenuate muscular laminopathy in the LMNA mutation transgenic zebrafish. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12826. [PMID: 38834813 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lamin A/C gene (LMNA) mutations contribute to severe striated muscle laminopathies, affecting cardiac and skeletal muscles, with limited treatment options. In this study, we delve into the investigations of five distinct LMNA mutations, including three novel variants and two pathogenic variants identified in patients with muscular laminopathy. Our approach employs zebrafish models to comprehensively study these variants. Transgenic zebrafish expressing wild-type LMNA and each mutation undergo extensive morphological profiling, swimming behavior assessments, muscle endurance evaluations, heartbeat measurement, and histopathological analysis of skeletal muscles. Additionally, these models serve as platform for focused drug screening. We explore the transcriptomic landscape through qPCR and RNAseq to unveil altered gene expression profiles in muscle tissues. Larvae of LMNA(L35P), LMNA(E358K), and LMNA(R453W) transgenic fish exhibit reduced swim speed compared to LMNA(WT) measured by DanioVision. All LMNA transgenic adult fish exhibit reduced swim speed compared to LMNA(WT) in T-maze. Moreover, all LMNA transgenic adult fish, except LMNA(E358K), display weaker muscle endurance than LMNA(WT) measured by swimming tunnel. Histochemical staining reveals decreased fiber size in all LMNA mutations transgenic fish, excluding LMNA(WT) fish. Interestingly, LMNA(A539V) and LMNA(E358K) exhibited elevated heartbeats. We recognize potential limitations with transgene overexpression and conducted association calculations to explore its effects on zebrafish phenotypes. Our results suggest lamin A/C overexpression may not directly impact mutant phenotypes, such as impaired swim speed, increased heart rates, or decreased muscle fiber diameter. Utilizing LMNA zebrafish models for drug screening, we identify L-carnitine treatment rescuing muscle endurance in LMNA(L35P) and creatine treatment reversing muscle endurance in LMNA(R453W) zebrafish models. Creatine activates AMPK and mTOR pathways, improving muscle endurance and swim speed in LMNA(R453W) fish. Transcriptomic profiling reveals upstream regulators and affected genes contributing to motor dysfunction, cardiac anomalies, and ion flux dysregulation in LMNA mutant transgenic fish. These findings faithfully mimic clinical manifestations of muscular laminopathies, including dysmorphism, early mortality, decreased fiber size, and muscle dysfunction in zebrafish. Furthermore, our drug screening results suggest L-carnitine and creatine treatments as potential rescuers of muscle endurance in LMNA(L35P) and LMNA(R453W) zebrafish models. Our study offers valuable insights into the future development of potential treatments for LMNA-related muscular laminopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Pan
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Dar Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - He-Yun Hsiao
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jui Hsu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, MacKay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Tseng
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organism Biology, Academia Sinica, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chen Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Translational Research Center of Neuromuscular Diseases, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Jyh Jong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Translational Research Center of Neuromuscular Diseases, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Chiou-Hwa Yuh
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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3
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Alnassar N, Hillman C, Fontana BD, Robson SC, Norton WHJ, Parker MO. angptl4 gene expression as a marker of adaptive homeostatic response to social isolation across the lifespan in zebrafish. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 131:209-221. [PMID: 37690345 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation has detrimental health effects, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of 2 weeks of isolation on behavior and gene expression in the central nervous system at different life stages of zebrafish. Results showed that socially deprived young adult zebrafish experienced increased anxiety, accompanied by changes in gene expression. Most gene expression patterns returned to normal within 24 hours of reintroduction to a social environment, except angptl4, which was upregulated after reintroduction, suggesting an adaptive mechanism. Similarly, aging zebrafish displayed heightened anxiety and increased central nervous system expression of angptl4 during isolation, but effects were reversed upon reintroduction to a social group. The findings imply that angptl4 plays a homeostatic role in response to social isolation, which varies across the lifespan. The study emphasizes the importance of social interactions for psychological well-being and highlights the negative consequences of isolation, especially in older individuals. Further research may unravel how social isolation affects angptl4 expression and its developmental and aging effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Alnassar
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Courtney Hillman
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
| | | | - Samuel C Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK.
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4
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The Zebrafish, an Outstanding Model for Biomedical Research in the Field of Melatonin and Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137438. [PMID: 35806441 PMCID: PMC9267299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish has become an excellent model for the study of human diseases because it offers many advantages over other vertebrate animal models. The pineal gland, as well as the biological clock and circadian rhythms, are highly conserved in zebrafish, and melatonin is produced in the pineal gland and in most organs and tissues of the body. Zebrafish have several copies of the clock genes and of aanat and asmt genes, the latter involved in melatonin synthesis. As in mammals, melatonin can act through its membrane receptors, as with zebrafish, and through mechanisms that are independent of receptors. Pineal melatonin regulates peripheral clocks and the circadian rhythms of the body, such as the sleep/wake rhythm, among others. Extrapineal melatonin functions include antioxidant activity, inducing the endogenous antioxidants enzymes, scavenging activity, removing free radicals, anti-inflammatory activity through the regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and a homeostatic role in mitochondria. In this review, we introduce the utility of zebrafish to analyze the mechanisms of action of melatonin. The data here presented showed that the zebrafish is a useful model to study human diseases and that melatonin exerts beneficial effects on many pathophysiological processes involved in these diseases.
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Haynes EM, Ulland TK, Eliceiri KW. A Model of Discovery: The Role of Imaging Established and Emerging Non-mammalian Models in Neuroscience. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:867010. [PMID: 35493325 PMCID: PMC9046975 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.867010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents have been the dominant animal models in neurobiology and neurological disease research over the past 60 years. The prevalent use of rats and mice in neuroscience research has been driven by several key attributes including their organ physiology being more similar to humans, the availability of a broad variety of behavioral tests and genetic tools, and widely accessible reagents. However, despite the many advances in understanding neurobiology that have been achieved using rodent models, there remain key limitations in the questions that can be addressed in these and other mammalian models. In particular, in vivo imaging in mammals at the cell-resolution level remains technically difficult and demands large investments in time and cost. The simpler nervous systems of many non-mammalian models allow for precise mapping of circuits and even the whole brain with impressive subcellular resolution. The types of non-mammalian neuroscience models available spans vertebrates and non-vertebrates, so that an appropriate model for most cell biological questions in neurodegenerative disease likely exists. A push to diversify the models used in neuroscience research could help address current gaps in knowledge, complement existing rodent-based bodies of work, and bring new insight into our understanding of human disease. Moreover, there are inherent aspects of many non-mammalian models such as lifespan and tissue transparency that can make them specifically advantageous for neuroscience studies. Crispr/Cas9 gene editing and decreased cost of genome sequencing combined with advances in optical microscopy enhances the utility of new animal models to address specific questions. This review seeks to synthesize current knowledge of established and emerging non-mammalian model organisms with advances in cellular-resolution in vivo imaging techniques to suggest new approaches to understand neurodegeneration and neurobiological processes. We will summarize current tools and in vivo imaging approaches at the single cell scale that could help lead to increased consideration of non-mammalian models in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Haynes
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Tyler K. Ulland
- Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kevin W. Eliceiri
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, United States
- Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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6
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Li E, Wang Y, Li Q, Li L, Wei L. Protective Effects of Sal B on Oxidative Stress-Induced Aging by Regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Zebrafish. Molecules 2021; 26:5239. [PMID: 34500674 PMCID: PMC8434535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The models of oxidative damage-induced aging were established by adding ethanol (C2H5OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to zebrafish embryos in this research. To find effective protective drugs/foods, Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) was added after the embryos were treated by these oxidative reagents. After being treated with ethanol, H2O2 and 6-OHDA, the morphological changes were obvious and the deformities included spinal curvature, heart bleeding, liver bleeding, yolk sac deformity and pericardial edema, and the expression of oxidative stress-related genes Nrf2b, sod1 and sod2 and aging-related genes myl2a and selenbp1 were significantly up-regulated compared to the control group. While after adding 0.05 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL Sal B to the ethanol-treated group, death rates and MDA levels decreased, the activity of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px) changed and Nrf2b, sod1, sod2, myl2a, selenbp1, p53 and p21 were down-regulated compared to the ethanol-treated group. The bioinformatics analysis also showed that oxidative stress-related factors were associated with a variety of cellular functions and physiological pathways. In conclusion, Sal B can protect against aging through regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway as well as antioxidative genes and enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzhuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Instituted of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Yunhao Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Instituted of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Instituted of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Li Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Instituted of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.)
| | - Lijun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China;
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Instituted of Technology, Harbin 150001, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.)
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7
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Pataki B, Roberta BI, Gazsi G, Urbányi B, Kollár T, Horváth Á. Effect of age on the mercury sensitivity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) sperm. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:687-695. [PMID: 32939612 PMCID: PMC8225523 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The effect of age on the sensitivity of zebrafish sperm against mercury exposure was investigated in the present study. Although results of the use of sperm from mature individuals for toxicity tests have been published, there is no information about the exact age of the fish in some cases, which can affect the results. During the experiments, pooled sperm was stripped from males of 7, 12, or 18 months of age, divided into 5 sub-groups, diluted with different concentrations of Hg (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/L Hg), and incubated for 240 min. The motility parameters of sperm (progressive motility (%), curvilinear velocity (VCL)) were measured by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system, at 30, 120, and 240 min of exposure. Regarding the age, significant differences were found in PMOT (p = 0.0267) as well as in VCL (p = 0.0004) among the three different age groups. The different concentrations of Hg also caused significant differences. The most significant differences in PMOT were between the 7- and 18-month-old groups; these differences were observed at 0.5, 1 and 2.5 mg/L Hg at 30 min, at 0.5 and 1 mg/L at 120 min, as well as at 0.5 mg/L at 240 min. In VCL the most significant differences were found between the 7- and 12-month-old groups; significant differences were found at each tested concentration at 30 min as well as at 0.5 and 2.5 mg/L at 240 min. According to the results, the age of zebrafish negatively influences the sensitivity of its sperm. This may concern not only toxicology tests but many techniques in fish breeding where the sperm is treated before use (cryopreservation, pressure shock, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Pataki
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary.
| | - Berta Izabella Roberta
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
| | - Gyöngyi Gazsi
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
| | - Béla Urbányi
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
| | - Tímea Kollár
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
| | - Ákos Horváth
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, H-2100, Hungary
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8
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Riddle MR, Hu CK. Fish models for investigating nutritional regulation of embryonic development. Dev Biol 2021; 476:101-111. [PMID: 33831748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, biologist have focused on the spatiotemporal regulation and function of genes to understand embryogenesis. It is clear that maternal diet impacts fetal development but how nutrients, like lipids and vitamins, modify developmental programs is not completely understood. Fish are useful research organisms for such investigations. Most species of fish produce eggs that develop outside the mother, dependent on a finite amount of yolk to form and grow. The developing embryo is a closed system that can be readily biochemically analyzed, easily visualized, and manipulated to understand the role of nutrients in tissue specification, organogenesis, and growth. Natural variation in yolk composition observed across fish species may be related to unique developmental strategies. In this review, we discuss the reasons that teleost fishes are powerful models to understand nutritional control of development and highlight three species that are particularly valuable for future investigations: the zebrafish, Danio rerio, the African Killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri, and the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus. This review is a part of a special issue on nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic drivers of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty R Riddle
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Chi-Kuo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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9
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Chen X, Li Y, Yao T, Jia R. Benefits of Zebrafish Xenograft Models in Cancer Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:616551. [PMID: 33644052 PMCID: PMC7905065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.616551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising in vivo tool for cancer research, zebrafish have been widely applied in various tumor studies. The zebrafish xenograft model is a low-cost, high-throughput tool for cancer research that can be established quickly and requires only a small sample size, which makes it favorite among researchers. Zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models provide promising evidence for short-term clinical treatment. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and advantages of zebrafish, such as their transparent and translucent features, the use of vascular fluorescence imaging, the establishment of metastatic and intracranial orthotopic models, individual pharmacokinetics measurements, and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we introduce how these characteristics and advantages are applied other in tumor studies. Finally, we discuss the future direction of the use of zebrafish in tumor studies and provide new ideas for the application of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengteng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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10
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Cleal M, Fontana BD, Double M, Mezabrovschi R, Parcell L, Redhead E, Parker MO. Dopaminergic modulation of working memory and cognitive flexibility in a zebrafish model of aging-related cognitive decline. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 102:1-16. [PMID: 33676049 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Healthy aging is associated with a decline in memory and executive function, which have both been linked with aberrant dopaminergic signaling. We examined the relationship between cognitive performance and dopamine function of young and aging zebrafish (Danio rerio). We revealed age-related decreases in working memory and cognitive flexibility in the Free-Movement Pattern (FMP) Y-maze. An increase in drd5 gene expression in aging adults coincided with a decrease in cognitive performance. Treatment with a D1/D5 receptor agonist (SKF-38393, 35 µM) 30 minutes prior to behavioral assessment resulted in improved working memory in aging zebrafish, but no effect in younger adults. However, an "overdosing" effect caused by agonist treatment resulted in downregulation of dat expression in 6-month old, treated zebrafish. The translational relevance of these findings was tested in humans by analyzing exploratory behavior in young-adult, 18-35-year olds, and aged adults, 70+ year olds, in a virtual FMP Y-maze. Our findings revealed similar age-related decline in working memory. Thus, strongly supporting zebrafish as a translational model of aging and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Cleal
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Molly Double
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Roxana Mezabrovschi
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Leah Parcell
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | | | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Lab, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
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11
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Colombi A, Scianna M, Preziosi L. Collective migration and patterning during early development of zebrafish posterior lateral line. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190385. [PMID: 32713304 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of zebrafish posterior lateral line (PLL) is a good predictive model largely used in biology to study cell coordinated reorganization and collective migration regulating pathologies and human embryonic processes. PLL development involves the formation of a placode formed by epithelial cells with mesenchymal characteristics which migrates within the animal myoseptum while cyclically assembling and depositing rosette-like clusters (progenitors of neuromast structures). The overall process mainly relies on the activity of specific diffusive chemicals, which trigger collective directional migration and patterning. Cell proliferation and cascade of phenotypic transitions play a fundamental role as well. The investigation on the mechanisms regulating such a complex morphogenesis has become a research topic, in the last decades, also for the mathematical community. In this respect, we present a multiscale hybrid model integrating a discrete approach for the cellular level and a continuous description for the molecular scale. The resulting numerical simulations are then able to reproduce both the evolution of wild-type (i.e. normal) embryos and the pathological behaviour resulting form experimental manipulations involving laser ablation. A qualitative analysis of the dependence of these model outcomes from cell-cell mutual interactions, cell chemical sensitivity and internalization rates is included. The aim is first to validate the model, as well as the estimated parameter values, and then to predict what happens in situations not tested yet experimentally. This article is part of the theme issue 'Multi-scale analysis and modelling of collective migration in biological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Colombi
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Scianna
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Luigi Preziosi
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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Long Exposure to a Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality and Progeny Survival in the Zebrafish Model. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080338. [PMID: 31382562 PMCID: PMC6724062 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present experiment is to study the effects of oral ingestion of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria on sperm quality and progenies. Three homogeneous groups of juvenile zebrafish were created. Once having reached adulthood (3 months postfertilization; mpf), each group received different feeding regimens: a standard diet (control), a maltodextrin-supplemented diet (vehicle control), or a probiotic-supplemented diet (a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347). The feeding regime lasted 4.5 months. Growth parameters (weight and length) were determined at 3, 5, and 7.5 mpf. Sperm motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis at 5 and 7.5 mpf. Progeny survival, hatching rate, and malformation rate were also evaluated. Results showed that probiotic-supplemented diet improved growth parameters compared with the standard diet. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa was reported in the probiotic-fed group. Concomitantly, the percentage of fast sperm subpopulation was significantly lower in samples derived from control males. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in progeny survival between the probiotic-fed group and the control group at three developmental times (24 hours postfertilization (hpf), 5 days postfertilization (dpf) and 7 dpf). In conclusion, in zebrafish, prolonged ingestion of a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 has positive effects on growth, sperm quality, and progeny survival.
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14
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Liang ST, Audira G, Juniardi S, Chen JR, Lai YH, Du ZC, Lin DS, Hsiao CD. Zebrafish Carrying pycr1 Gene Deficiency Display Aging and Multiple Behavioral Abnormalities. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050453. [PMID: 31091804 PMCID: PMC6562453 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a natural process that internal gene control and external stimuli mediate. Clinical data pointed out that homozygotic or heterozygotic mutation in the pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) gene in humans caused cutis laxa (ARCL) disease, with progeroid appearance, lax and wrinkled skin, joint laxity, osteopenia, and mental retardation phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to generate pycr1 knockout (KO) zebrafish and carried out biochemical characterizations and behavior analyses. Marked apoptosis and senescence were detected in pycr1 KO zebrafish, which started from embryos/larvae stage. Biochemical assays showed that adult pycr1 KO fish have significantly reduced proline and extracellular matrix contents, lowered energy, and diminished superoxide dismutase (SOD) and telomerase activity when compared to the wild type fish, which suggested the pycr1 KO fish may have dysfunction in mitochondria. The pycr1 KO fish were viable; however, displayed progeria-like phenotype from the 4 months old and reach 50% mortality around six months old. In adult stage, we found that pycr1 KO fish showed reduced locomotion activity, aggression, predator avoidance, social interaction interest, as well as dysregulated color preference and circadian rhythm. In summary, we have identified multiple behavioral alterations in a novel fish model for aging with pycr1 gene loss-of-function by behavioral tests. This animal model may not only provide a unique vertebrate model to screen potential anti-aging drugs in the future, but also be an excellent in vivo model towards a better understanding of the corresponding behavioral alterations that accompany aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Tzu Liang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
| | - Gilbert Audira
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
| | - Stevhen Juniardi
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
| | - Jung-Ren Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan.
| | - Zheng-Cai Du
- Guangxi Scientific Experimental Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Efficacy Study on Chinese Materia Medica, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China.
| | - Dar-Shong Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 252, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 252, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei 252, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
- Center for Nanotechnology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 32023, Taiwan.
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15
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Diet Supplemented with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Probiotics Improves Sperm Quality after Only One Spermatogenic Cycle in Zebrafish Model. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040843. [PMID: 31013929 PMCID: PMC6549425 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a medical concern worldwide and could also have economic consequences in farmed animals. Developing an efficient diet supplement with immediate effects on sperm quality is a promising tool for human reproduction and for domesticated animal species. This study aims at elucidating the effect of a short-time probiotic supplementation consisting of a mixture of two probiotic bacteria with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on zebrafish sperm quality and male behavior. For this purpose, three homogeneous groups of males in terms of motility (<60%) were established. The control group was fed with a normal standard diet. The other received supplements: One group (vehicle control) was fed with maltodextrin and the other received a probiotic preparation based on a mixture (1:1) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347. The feeding regime was 21 days corresponding with a single spermatogenesis in zebrafish. The preparation did not modify animal weight, positively affected the number of fluent males, increased sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and fast spermatozoa subpopulations. Moreover, the animals fed with the supplement showed different behavior patterns compared to control groups. Our results suggest a diet-related modulation on the exploration activity indicating a lower stress-like conduct. The studied formulation described here should be considered as advantageous in male reproductive biotechnology.
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16
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Napolitano G, Venditti P, Fasciolo G, Esposito D, Uliano E, Agnisola C. Acute hypoxia/reoxygenation affects muscle mitochondrial respiration and redox state as well as swimming endurance in zebrafish. J Comp Physiol B 2018; 189:97-108. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-018-1198-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Khan AH, Zou Z, Xiang Y, Chen S, Tian XL. Conserved signaling pathways genetically associated with longevity across the species. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:1745-1755. [PMID: 31109448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced age is an independent risk factor for natural death and common diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and cancers, which are life-threatening and cause disabilities. On the other hand, individual with healthy longevity is a plausible model for successful aging. Thus, search for longevity-associated genes and pathways likely provides a unique approach to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying aging and healthspan, and emerging evidence from model organisms has highlighted the significance of genetic components in longevity. Here we reviewed the uses of model organisms including yeast, ciliate, nematode, arthropod, fish, rodent, and primate as well as human to identify the genetic determinants of longevity and discussed the genetic contributions of conserved longevity pathways, such as adrenergic system, AMPK, insulin/IGF-1, and mTOR signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Haseeb Khan
- Human population genetics, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI), Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China; School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China
| | - Zhiwen Zou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Human population genetics, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI), Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China; School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China
| | - Shenghan Chen
- Human population genetics, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI), Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China; School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China
| | - Xiao-Li Tian
- Human population genetics, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI), Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China; School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Xuefu Rd 999, Honggutan New District, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330031, China.
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18
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Hu CK, Brunet A. The African turquoise killifish: A research organism to study vertebrate aging and diapause. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12757. [PMID: 29573324 PMCID: PMC5946070 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The African turquoise killifish has recently gained significant traction as a new research organism in the aging field. Our understanding of aging has strongly benefited from canonical research organisms—yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Many characteristics that are essential to understand aging—for example, the adaptive immune system or the hypothalamo‐pituitary axis—are only present in vertebrates (zebrafish and mice). However, zebrafish and mice live more than 3 years and their relatively long lifespans are not compatible with high‐throughput studies. Therefore, the turquoise killifish, a vertebrate with a naturally compressed lifespan of only 4–6 months, fills an essential gap to understand aging. With a recently developed genomic and genetic toolkit, the turquoise killifish not only provides practical advantages for lifespan and longitudinal experiments, but also allows more systematic characterizations of the interplay between genetics and environment during vertebrate aging. Interestingly, the turquoise killifish can also enter a long‐term dormant state during development called diapause. Killifish embryos in diapause already have some organs and tissues, and they can last in this state for years, exhibiting exceptional resistance to stress and to damages due to the passage of time. Understanding the diapause state could give new insights into strategies to prevent the damage caused by aging and to better preserve organs, tissues, and cells. Thus, the African turquoise killifish brings two interesting aspects to the aging field—a compressed lifespan and a long‐term resistant diapause state, both of which should spark new discoveries in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Kuo Hu
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University; Stanford CA USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics; Stanford University; Stanford CA USA
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging; Stanford CA USA
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19
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Successful optic nerve regeneration in the senescent zebrafish despite age-related decline of cell intrinsic and extrinsic response processes. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 60:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Influence of aging on brain and web characteristics of an orb web spider. J ETHOL 2017; 36:85-91. [PMID: 30679883 PMCID: PMC6323080 DOI: 10.1007/s10164-017-0530-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In animals, it is known that age affects the abilities of the brain. In spiders, we showed that aging affects web characteristics due to behavioral alterations during web building. In this study, we investigated the effects of age on the associations between morphological changes to the spider brain and changes in web characteristics. The orb web spider Zygiella x-notata (Araneae, Araneidae) was used to test these relationships. Experiments were conducted on young (19 ± 2 days after adult molt, N = 13) and old (146 ± 32 days, N = 20) virgin females. The brain volume decreased with age (by 10%). Age also had an impact on the number of anomalies in the capture area generated during web building. The statistical relationships between the volume of the brain and web characteristics showed that there was an effect of age on both. Our results showed that in spiders, aging affects the brain volume and correlates with characteristics (anomalies) of the web. As web building is the result of complex behavioral processes, we suggest that aging affects spider behavior by causing some brain alterations.
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21
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Mason T, Snell K, Mittge E, Melancon E, Montgomery R, McFadden M, Camoriano J, Kent ML, Whipps CM, Peirce J. Strategies to Mitigate a Mycobacterium marinum Outbreak in a Zebrafish Research Facility. Zebrafish 2017; 13 Suppl 1:S77-87. [PMID: 27351618 PMCID: PMC4931754 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2011, the zebrafish research facility at the University of Oregon experienced an outbreak of Mycobacterium marinum that affected both research fish and facility staff. A thorough review of risks to personnel, the zebrafish veterinary care program, and zebrafish husbandry procedures at the research facility followed. In the years since 2011, changes have been implemented throughout the research facility to protect the personnel, the fish colony, and ultimately the continued success of the zebrafish model research program. In this study, we present the history of the outbreak, the changes we implemented, and recommendations to mitigate pathogen outbreaks in zebrafish research facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Mason
- 1 Aquatic Animal Care Services, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | - Kathy Snell
- 1 Aquatic Animal Care Services, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | - Erika Mittge
- 2 Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | - Ellie Melancon
- 3 Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | | | - Marcie McFadden
- 1 Aquatic Animal Care Services, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | - Javier Camoriano
- 1 Aquatic Animal Care Services, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
| | - Michael L Kent
- 4 Department of Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Christopher M Whipps
- 5 SUNY-ESF, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry , Syracuse, New York
| | - Judy Peirce
- 3 Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon , Eugene, Oregon
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22
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Mason T, Snell K, Mittge E, Melancon E, Montgomery R, McFadden M, Camoriano J, Kent ML, Whipps CM, Peirce J. Strategies to Mitigate a Mycobacterium marinumOutbreak in a Zebrafish Research Facility. Zebrafish 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1218.rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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23
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Geary B, Magee K, Cash P, Young IS, Whitfield PD, Doherty MK. Determining synthesis rates of individual proteins in zebrafish (Danio rerio
) with low levels of a stable isotope labelled amino acid. Proteomics 2016; 16:1398-406. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Geary
- Division of Health Research; University of the Highlands and Islands; Inverness UK
| | - Kieran Magee
- Institute of Integrative Biology; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Phillip Cash
- Division of Applied Medicine; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
| | - Iain S. Young
- Institute of Integrative Biology; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Phillip D. Whitfield
- Division of Health Research; University of the Highlands and Islands; Inverness UK
| | - Mary K. Doherty
- Division of Health Research; University of the Highlands and Islands; Inverness UK
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24
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Bellipanni G, Cappello F, Scalia F, Conway de Macario E, Macario AJ, Giordano A. Zebrafish as a Model for the Study of Chaperonopathies. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:2107-14. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Bellipanni
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Biology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST); Palermo Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST); Palermo Italy
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience; University of Palermo; Palermo Italy
| | - Federica Scalia
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience; University of Palermo; Palermo Italy
| | - Everly Conway de Macario
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore and IMET; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Alberto J.L. Macario
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST); Palermo Italy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore and IMET; Baltimore Maryland
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Biology; College of Science and Technology, Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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25
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Lee SJ, Choi W, Seo E, Yeom E. Association of Early Atherosclerosis with Vascular Wall Shear Stress in Hypercholesterolemic Zebrafish. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142945. [PMID: 26561854 PMCID: PMC4643039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease, the role of hemodynamic information has become more important. Low and oscillating wall shear stress (WSS) that changes its direction is associated with the early stage of atherosclerosis. Several in vitro and in vivo models were proposed to reveal the relation between the WSS and the early atherosclerosis. However, these models possess technical limitations in mimicking real physiological conditions and monitoring the developmental course of the early atherosclerosis. In this study, a hypercholesterolaemic zebrafish model is proposed as a novel experimental model to resolve these limitations. Zebrafish larvae are optically transparent, which enables temporal observation of pathological variations under in vivo condition. WSS in blood vessels of 15 days post-fertilisation zebrafish was measured using a micro particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique, and spatial distribution of lipid deposition inside the model was quantitatively investigated after feeding high cholesterol diet for 10 days. Lipids were mainly deposited in blood vessel of low WSS. The oscillating WSS was not induced by the blood flows in zebrafish models. The present hypercholesterolaemic zebrafish would be used as a potentially useful model for in vivo study about the effects of low WSS in the early atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Joon Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang 790–784, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Woorak Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang 790–784, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseok Seo
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Dalseong, Daegu 711–873, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseop Yeom
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang 790–784, Republic of Korea
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26
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Van houcke J, De Groef L, Dekeyster E, Moons L. The zebrafish as a gerontology model in nervous system aging, disease, and repair. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 24:358-68. [PMID: 26538520 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Considering the increasing number of elderly in the world's population today, developing effective treatments for age-related pathologies is one of the biggest challenges in modern medical research. Age-related neurodegeneration, in particular, significantly impacts important sensory, motor, and cognitive functions, seriously constraining life quality of many patients. Although our understanding of the causal mechanisms of aging has greatly improved in recent years, animal model systems still have much to tell us about this complex process. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have gained enormous popularity for this research topic over the past decade, since their life span is relatively short but, like humans, they are still subject to gradual aging. In addition, the extensive characterization of its well-conserved molecular and cellular physiology makes the zebrafish an excellent model to unravel the underlying mechanisms of aging, disease, and repair. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in zebrafish gerontology, with special emphasis on nervous system aging. We review the evidence that classic hallmarks of aging can also be recognized within this small vertebrate, both at the molecular and cellular level. Moreover, we illustrate the high level of similarity with age-associated human pathologies through a survey of the functional deficits that arise as zebrafish age.
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27
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Vargas RA, Sarmiento K, Vásquez IC. Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Potential Model for Toxinological Studies. Zebrafish 2015. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Antonio Vargas
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karen Sarmiento
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Isabel Cristina Vásquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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28
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Fernandes Y, Rampersad M, Gerlai AR. Impairment of social behaviour persists two years after embryonic alcohol exposure in zebrafish: A model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Res 2015; 292:102-108. [PMID: 26097005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish naturally form social groups called shoals. Previously, we have shown that submerging zebrafish eggs into low concentrations of alcohol (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 vol/vol% external bath concentration) during development (24h post-fertilization) for two hours resulted in impaired shoaling response in seven month old young adult zebrafish. Here we investigate whether this embryonic alcohol exposure induced behavioural deficit persists to older age. Zebrafish embryos were exposed either to fresh system water (control) or to 1% alcohol for two hours, 24h after fertilization, and were raised in a high-density tank system. Social behaviour was tested by presenting the experimental fish with a computer animated group of zebrafish images, while automated tracking software measured their behaviour. Control fish were found to respond strongly to animated conspecific images by reducing their distanceand remaining close to the images during image presentation, embryonic alcohol treated fish did not. Our results suggest that the impaired shoaling response of the alcohol exposed fish was not due to altered motor function or visual perception, but likely to a central nervous system alteration affecting social behaviour itself. We found the effects of embryonic alcohol exposure on social behaviour not to diminish with age, a result that demonstrates the deleterious and potentially life-long consequences of exposure to even small amount of alcohol during embryonic development in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - And Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto.,Department of Cell and System Biology, University of Toronto
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29
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Choi J, Leonard SW, Kasper K, McDougall M, Stevens JF, Tanguay RL, Traber MG. Novel function of vitamin E in regulation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain lysophospholipids discovered using lipidomics. J Lipid Res 2015; 56:1182-90. [PMID: 25855633 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m058941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that brains from vitamin E-deficient (E-) zebrafish (Danio rerio) would undergo increased lipid peroxidation because they contain highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, thus susceptible lipids could be identified. Brains from zebrafish fed for 9 months defined diets without (E-) or with (E+) added vitamin E (500 mg RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate per kilogram diet) were studied. Using an untargeted approach, 1-hexadecanoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DHA-PC 38:6, PC 16:0/22:6]was the lipid that showed the most significant and greatest fold-differences between groups. DHA-PC concentrations were approximately 1/3 lower in E- (4.3 ± 0.6 mg/g) compared with E+ brains (6.5 ± 0.9 mg/g, mean ± SEM, n = 10 per group, P = 0.04). Using lipidomics, 155 lipids in brain extracts were identified. Only four phospholipids (PLs) were different (P < 0.05) between groups; they were lower in E- brains and contained DHA with DHA-PC 38:6 at the highest abundances. Moreover, hydroxy-DHA-PC 38:6 was increased in E- brains (P = 0.0341) supporting the hypothesis of DHA peroxidation. More striking was the depletion in E- brains of nearly 60% of 19 different lysophospholipids (lysoPLs) (combined P = 0.0003), which are critical for membrane PL remodeling. Thus, E- brains contained fewer DHA-PLs, more hydroxy-DHA-PCs, and fewer lysoPLs, suggesting that lipid peroxidation depletes membrane DHA-PC and homeostatic mechanisms to repair the damage resulting in lysoPL depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Scott W Leonard
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Katherine Kasper
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Melissa McDougall
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Maret G Traber
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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Lucas-Sánchez A, Almaida-Pagán PF, Mendiola P, de Costa J. Nothobranchius as a model for aging studies. A review. Aging Dis 2014; 5:281-91. [PMID: 25110612 PMCID: PMC4113518 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2014.0500281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the increase in human longevity has made it increasingly important to expand our knowledge on aging. To accomplish this, the use of animal models is essential, with the most common being mouse (phylogenetically similar to humans, and a model with a long life expectancy) and Caenorhabditis elegans (an invertebrate with a short life span, but quite removed from us in evolutionary terms). However, some sort of model is needed to bridge the differences between those mentioned above, achieving a balance between phylogenetic distance and life span. Fish of the genus Nothobranchius were suggested 10 years ago as a possible alternative for the study of the aging process. In the meantime, numerous studies have been conducted at different levels: behavioral (including the study of the rest-activity rhythm), populational, histochemical, biochemical and genetic, among others, with very positive results. This review compiles what we know about Nothobranchius to date, and examines its future prospects as a true alternative to the classic models for studies on aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pilar Mendiola
- Department of Physiology. Faculty of Biology. University of Murcia. 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge de Costa
- Department of Physiology. Faculty of Biology. University of Murcia. 30100 Murcia, Spain
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31
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Xia G, Xin N, Liu W, Yao H, Hou Y, Qi J. Inhibitory effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on cell apoptosis and senescence is potentially mediated by the p53 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:1237-41. [PMID: 24549741 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.1964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) fruit or extract has been regarded as a superior-grade Chinese medicine, used to modulate body immunity and for anti-aging purposes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. In the present study, L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), considered a major contributor of L. barbarum effects, were used to elucidate its mechanism of action by phenotypic and senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assays, evaluation of survival rates in vivo and expression profiling of genes related to the p53 signaling pathway in a zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to various concentrations of LBPs (1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/ml) for 3 days. The results of fluorescent acridine orange and SA-β-gal staining indicated that cell apoptosis and senescence mainly occur in the head at 24 hours post fertilization (hpf) and 72 hpf. In addition, resistance to replicative senescence was observed at low doses of LBPs, especially at the 3.0 mg/ml concentration. Furthermore, the expression of genes that relate to aging, such as p53, p21 and Bax, was decreased, while that of Mdm2 and TERT genes was increased after treatment with LBPs. The results demonstrated that the effects of LBPs on cell apoptosis and aging might be mediated by the p53-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqing Xia
- College of Life Science, Tonghua Normal University, Tonghua, Jilin 134002, P.R. China
| | - Nian Xin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Science, Tonghua Normal University, Tonghua, Jilin 134002, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Yao
- College of Life Science, Tonghua Normal University, Tonghua, Jilin 134002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
| | - Jie Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P.R. China
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Kishi S. Using zebrafish models to explore genetic and epigenetic impacts on evolutionary developmental origins of aging. Transl Res 2014; 163:123-35. [PMID: 24239812 PMCID: PMC3969878 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Can we reset, reprogram, rejuvenate, or reverse the organismal aging process? Certain genetic manipulations could at least reset and reprogram epigenetic dynamics beyond phenotypic plasticity and elasticity in cells, which can be manipulated further into organisms. However, in a whole complex aging organism, how can we rejuvenate intrinsic resources and infrastructures in an intact and noninvasive manner? The incidence of diseases increases exponentially with age, accompanied by progressive deteriorations of physiological functions in organisms. Aging-associated diseases are sporadic but essentially inevitable complications arising from senescence. Senescence is often considered the antithesis of early development, but yet there may be factors and mechanisms in common between these 2 phenomena to rejuvenate over the dynamic process of aging. The association between early development and late-onset disease with advancing age is thought to come from a consequence of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of physiologically and/or morphologically adaptive states based on diverse epigenotypes in response to intrinsic or extrinsic environmental cues and genetic perturbations. We hypothesized that the future aging process can be predictive based on adaptivity during the early developmental period. Modulating the thresholds and windows of plasticity and its robustness by molecular genetic and chemical epigenetic approaches, we have successfully conducted experiments to isolate zebrafish mutants expressing apparently altered senescence phenotypes during their embryonic and/or larval stages ("embryonic/larval senescence"). Subsequently, at least some of these mutant animals were found to show a shortened life span, whereas others would be expected to live longer into adulthood. We anticipate that previously uncharacterized developmental genes may mediate the aging process and play a pivotal role in senescence. On the other hand, unexpected senescence-related genes might also be involved in the early developmental process and its regulation. The ease of manipulation using the zebrafish system allows us to conduct an exhaustive exploration of novel genes, genotypes, and epigenotypes that can be linked to the senescence phenotype, which facilitates searching for the evolutionary and developmental origins of aging in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Kishi
- Department of Metabolism & Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Fla.
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Gilbert MJH, Zerulla TC, Tierney KB. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model for the study of aging and exercise: physical ability and trainability decrease with age. Exp Gerontol 2013; 50:106-13. [PMID: 24316042 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A rapidly aging global population has motivated the development and use of models for human aging. Studies on aging have shown parallels between zebrafish and humans at the internal organization level; however, few parallels have been studied at the whole-organism level. Furthermore, the effectiveness of exercise as a method to mitigate the effects of aging has not been studied in zebrafish. We investigated the effects of aging and intermittent exercise on swimming performance, kinematics and behavior. Young, middle-aged and old zebrafish (20-29, 36-48 and 60-71% of average lifespan, respectively) were exercised to exhaustion in endurance and sprint swimming tests once a week for four weeks. Both endurance and sprint performance decreased with increased age. Swimming performance improved with exercise training in young and middle-aged zebrafish, but not in old zebrafish. Tail-beat amplitude, which is akin to stride length in humans, increased for all age groups with training. Zebrafish turning frequency, which is an indicator of routine activity, decreased with age but showed no change with exercise. In sum, our results show that zebrafish exhibit a decline in whole-organism performance and trainability with age. These findings closely resemble the senescence-related declines in physical ability experienced by humans and mammalian aging models and therefore support the use of zebrafish as a model for human exercise and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanja C Zerulla
- Department of Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith B Tierney
- Department of Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Carnevali O, Avella MA, Gioacchini G. Effects of probiotic administration on zebrafish development and reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:297-302. [PMID: 23500006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
As the consumption of probiotics increases worldwide, scientists focus on identifying bacterial strains able to improve human life quality and evidence the biological pathways affected by probiotic treatment. In this review, some recent observations on the effects of changes of microbiota on zebrafish metabolism were discussed. In addition, the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus - a component of the human gut microflora - as a diet supplement on Danio rerio were presented. When administered chronically, L. rhamnosus may affect larval development and the physiology of reproductive system in the zebrafish model. It was hypothesized exogenous L. rhamnosus accelerates larval growth and backbone development by acting on insulin-like growth factors-I (igfI) and -II (igfII), peroxisome proliferator activated receptors-α and -β, (pparα,β) vitamin D receptor-α (vdrα) and retinoic acid receptor-γ (rarγ). Gonadal differentiation was anticipated at 6weeks together with a higher expression of gnrh3 at the larval stage when L. rhamnosus was administered throughout development. Moreover, brood stock alimented with a L. rhamnosus-supplemented diet showed better reproductive performances as per follicles development, ovulated oocytes quantification and embryos quality. A plausible involvement of factors such as leptin, and kiss1 and 2 in the improvements was concluded. The observations made on the physiology of female reproduction were correlated with the gene expression of a gigantic number of factors as the aromatase cytochrome p 19 (cyp19a), the vitellogenin (vtg) and the α isoform of the E2 receptor (erα), luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr), 20-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-hsd), membrane progesterone receptors α and β, cyclin B, activinβA1, smad2, transforming growth factor β1 (tgfβ1), growth differentiation factor9 (gdf9) and bone morphogenetic protein15 (bmp15.) A model in which the exogenous L. rhamnosus in the digestive tract of zebrafish from the first days of life through sexual maturation positively influences the physiological performances of zebrafish was evidenced and a number of pathways that might be influenced by the presence of this human probiotic strain were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Carnevali
- Department of Life Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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35
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Sasaki T, Kishi S. Molecular and chemical genetic approaches to developmental origins of aging and disease in zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1362-70. [PMID: 23660559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of diseases increases rapidly with age, accompanied by progressive deteriorations of physiological functions in organisms. Aging-associated diseases are sporadic but mostly inevitable complications arising from senescence. Senescence is often considered the antithesis of early development, but yet there may be factors and mechanisms in common between these two phenomena over the dynamic process of aging. The association between early development and late-onset disease with advancing age is thought to come from a consequence of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of physiologically and/or morphologically adaptive states in response to different environmental or genetic perturbations. On the one hand, we hypothesized that the future aging process can be predictive based on adaptivity during the early developmental period. Modulating the thresholds of adaptive plasticity by chemical genetic approaches, we have been investigating whether any relationship exists between the regulatory mechanisms that function in early development and in senescence using the zebrafish (Danio rerio), a small freshwater fish and a useful model animal for genetic studies. We have successfully conducted experiments to isolate zebrafish mutants expressing apparently altered senescence phenotypes during embryogenesis ("embryonic senescence"), subsequently showing shortened lifespan in adulthoods. We anticipate that previously uncharacterized developmental genes may mediate the aging process and play a pivotal role in senescence. On the other hand, unexpected senescence-related genes might also be involved in the early developmental process and regulation. The ease of manipulation using the zebrafish system allows us to conduct an exhaustive exploration of novel genes and small molecular compounds that can be linked to the senescence phenotype, and thereby facilitates searching for the evolutionary and developmental origins of aging in vertebrates. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal Models of Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Sasaki
- Department of Metabolism & Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, USA
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36
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Mimeault M, Batra SK. Emergence of zebrafish models in oncology for validating novel anticancer drug targets and nanomaterials. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:128-40. [PMID: 22903142 PMCID: PMC3562372 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo zebrafish models have recently attracted great attention in molecular oncology to investigate multiple genetic alterations associated with the development of human cancers and validate novel anticancer drug targets. Particularly, the transparent zebrafish models can be used as a xenotransplantation system to rapidly assess the tumorigenicity and metastatic behavior of cancer stem and/or progenitor cells and their progenies. Moreover, the zebrafish models have emerged as powerful tools for an in vivo testing of novel anticancer agents and nanomaterials for counteracting tumor formation and metastases and improving the efficacy of current radiation and chemotherapeutic treatments against aggressive, metastatic and lethal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
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37
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Itou J, Kawakami H, Burgoyne T, Kawakami Y. Life-long preservation of the regenerative capacity in the fin and heart in zebrafish. Biol Open 2012; 1:739-46. [PMID: 23213467 PMCID: PMC3507221 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20121057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is a widely used model animal to study the regeneration of organs, such as the fin and heart. Their average lifetime is about 3 years, and recent studies have shown that zebrafish exhibit aging-related degeneration, suggesting the possibility that aging might affect regenerative potential. In order to investigate this possibility, we compared regeneration of the fin and heart after experimental amputation in young (6-12 month old) and old (26-36 month old) fish. Comparison of recovery rate of the caudal fin, measured every two or three days from one day post amputation until 13 days post amputation, show that fins in young and old fish regenerate at a similar rate. In the heart, myocardium regeneration and cardiomyocyte proliferation occurred similarly in the two groups. Moreover, neo-vascularization, as well as activation of fibroblast growth factor signaling, which is required for neo-vascularization, occurred similarly. The epicardial tissue is a thin layer tissue that covers the heart, and starts to express several genes immediately in response to injury. The expression of epicardial genes, such as wt1b and aldh1a2, in response to heart injury was comparable in two groups. Our results demonstrate that zebrafish preserve a life-long regenerative ability of the caudal fin and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Itou
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development ; Stem Cell Institute
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38
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Lorenzen K, Beveridge MC, Mangel M. Cultured fish: integrative biology and management of domestication and interactions with wild fish. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2012; 87:639-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2011.00215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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39
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Kishi S. The search for evolutionary developmental origins of aging in zebrafish: A novel intersection of developmental and senescence biology in the zebrafish model system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 93:229-48. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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40
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Buske C, Gerlai R. Shoaling develops with age in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:1409-15. [PMID: 20837077 PMCID: PMC3021101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The biological mechanisms of human social behavior are complex. Animal models may facilitate the understanding of these mechanisms and may help one to develop treatment strategies for abnormal human social behavior, a core symptom in numerous clinical conditions. The zebrafish is perhaps the most social vertebrate among commonly used laboratory species. Given its practical features and the numerous genetic tools developed for it, it should be a promising tool. Zebrafish shoal, i.e. from a tight multimember groups, but the ontogenesis of this behavior has not been described. Analyzing the development of shoaling is a step towards discovering the mechanisms of this behavior. Here we study age-dependent changes of shoaling in zebrafish from day 7 post fertilization to over 5months of age by measuring the distance between all pairs of fish in freely swimming groups of ten subjects. Our longitudinal (repeated measure within subject) and cross sectional (non-repeated measure between subject) analyses both demonstrated a significant increase of shoaling with age (decreased distance between shoal members). Given the sophisticated genetic and developmental biology methods already available for zebrafish, we argue that our behavioral results open a new avenue towards the understanding of the development of vertebrate social behavior and of its mechanisms and abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Buske
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Psychology Department, University of Toronto, Mississauga
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Vesterlund L, Jiao H, Unneberg P, Hovatta O, Kere J. The zebrafish transcriptome during early development. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:30. [PMID: 21609443 PMCID: PMC3118190 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-11-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background The transition from fertilized egg to embryo is accompanied by a multitude of changes in gene expression, and the transcriptional events that underlie these processes have not yet been fully characterized. In this study RNA-Seq is used to compare the transcription profiles of four early developmental stages in zebrafish (Danio rerio) on a global scale. Results An average of 79 M total reads were detected from the different stages. Out of the total number of reads 65% - 73% reads were successfully mapped and 36% - 44% out of those were uniquely mapped. The total number of detected unique gene transcripts was 11187, of which 10096 were present at 1-cell stage. The largest number of common transcripts was observed between 1-cell stage and 16-cell stage. An enrichment of gene transcripts with molecular functions of DNA binding, protein folding and processing as well as metal ion binding was observed with progression of development. The sequence data (accession number ERP000635) is available at the European Nucleotide Archive. Conclusion Clustering of expression profiles shows that a majority of the detected gene transcripts are present at steady levels, and thus a minority of the gene transcripts clusters as increasing or decreasing in expression over the four investigated developmental stages. The three earliest developmental stages were similar when comparing highly expressed genes, whereas the 50% epiboly stage differed from the other three stages in the identity of highly expressed genes, number of uniquely expressed genes and enrichment of GO molecular functions. Taken together, these observations indicate a major transition in gene regulation and transcriptional activity taking place between the 512-cell and 50% epiboly stages, in accordance with previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Vesterlund
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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42
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Pereira TCB, Rico EP, Rosemberg DB, Schirmer H, Dias RD, Souto AA, Bonan CD, Bogo MR. Zebrafish as a model organism to evaluate drugs potentially able to modulate sirtuin expression. Zebrafish 2011; 8:9-16. [PMID: 21413868 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2010.0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sirtuins comprise a unique class of NAD(+)-dependent deacetylases that are key regulators of many physiological processes. They appear to be a potential target set of enzymes for treatment of age-associated diseases and have attracted interest in many research areas involving chemical and cellular investigations to understand them and discover potential ligands. For molecular screening, a cost-effective, easily manipulated, and consolidated model organism is needed, and the zebrafish fits these requirements perfectly. Here, we report the identification of sirtuin-related genes and their expression patterns in nine tissues of adult zebrafish. The investigation identified eight sirtuin-related genes, and their phylogenetic analysis resulted in seven well-resolved terminal clades, corresponding to each sirtuin (SIRT1, 2, 4-7) and two SIRT3 paralogs. Each gene showed a unique expression profile, illustrating a wide tissue distribution of sirtuins in zebrafish. SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 genes were expressed in all tissues, and SIRT1 exhibited the highest level of expression in all organs. A modulation experiment was performed using resveratrol, and results confirmed to the predicted scenario: altered sirtuin expression levels. Drugs based on sirtuin modulators may be tested using this system and could lead us to more selective and powerful therapies for age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Carneiro Brandão Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica e Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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43
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Shao J, Chen D, Ye Q, Cui J, Li Y, Li L. Tissue regeneration after injury in adult zebrafish: the regenerative potential of the caudal fin. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:1271-7. [PMID: 21412938 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish has the potential to regenerate many of its tissues. In this study, we examined caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish that received repeated injuries (fin amputation) at different ages. In zebrafish that received repeated injuries, the potential for caudal fin regeneration, such as tissue growth and the expression of regeneration marker genes (msxb, fgf20a, bmp2b), did not decline in comparison to zebrafish that received only one amputation surgery. The process of initial fin regeneration (e.g., tissue outgrowth and the expression of regeneration marker genes at 7 days post-amputation) did not seem to correlate with age. However, slight differences in fin outgrowth were observed between young and old animals when examined in the late regeneration stages (e.g., 20 and 30 days post-amputation). Together, the data suggest that zebrafish has unlimited regenerative potential in the injured caudal fin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Shao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Degenerative Neurological Diseases, Department of Physiology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
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44
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Stephenson JF, Whitlock KE, Partridge JC. Zebrafish Preference for Light or Dark Is Dependent on Ambient Light Levels and Olfactory Stimulation. Zebrafish 2011; 8:17-22. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2010.0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F. Stephenson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Centro de Neurociencia, Centro de Genomicas Celular, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Kathleen E. Whitlock
- Centro de Neurociencia, Centro de Genomicas Celular, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Julian C. Partridge
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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45
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Kanuga MK, Benner MJ, Doble JA, Wilson-Leedy JG, Robison BD, Ingermann RL. Effect of aging on male reproduction in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 315:156-61. [PMID: 21370484 DOI: 10.1002/jez.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed to test the hypothesis that male aging is associated with a change in reproductive function in the zebrafish. Young (290 ± 37 d) and older (911 ± 48 d) males were combined with females (604 ± 24 d) to test the effect of male age on the number and fertility of eggs laid by their mates. 48% of breeding trials with young males and 25% of the trails with older males resulted in egg deposition. Although young males were associated with significantly more successful breeding attempts than older males, number of eggs laid per clutch, number and percent of fertilized eggs and the number and percent living embryos were not statistically different between young and older males. These data suggest that male aging is associated with altered reproductive behavior and/or female response but not in sperm quality per se. Consistent with this interpretation were the findings that percent motility and sperm motility characteristics did not differ between sperm from young and older males as assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. However, older males contained higher quantities of extractable sperm than did young males, perhaps associated with fewer successful breeding attempts. Age-related effects on male reproductive in the zebrafish may therefore be a consequence of behavioral or morphological features that play a role in female mate choice and/ or male sexual response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi K Kanuga
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843-3051, USA
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Reimschuessel R, Evans E, Stine C, Hasbrouck N, Mayer T, Nochetto C, Gieseker C. Renal crystal formation after combined or sequential oral administration of melamine and cyanuric acid. Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 48:2898-906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 07/03/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Rosa CED, Kuradomi RY, Almeida DV, Lannes CFC, Figueiredo MDA, Dytz AG, Fonseca DB, Marins LF. GH overexpression modifies muscle expression of anti-oxidant enzymes and increases spinal curvature of old zebrafish. Exp Gerontol 2010; 45:449-56. [PMID: 20338232 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) excess causes an increment in the metabolic rate and in reactive oxygen species generation, which accelerate the ageing process in mammals. Considering that there is no information on this subject in fish, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the excess GH effect on senescence in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic model. In order to reach this objective, we analyzed the phenotype of spinal curvature and expression of genes related to the anti-oxidant defense system and myogenesis in muscle of 8 and 30 months old GH-transgenic males. Gene expression analyses revealed that both superoxide dismutase isoforms were down-regulated only in 30 months old animals, while glutamate cysteine ligase was down-regulated in GH-transgenic zebrafish. Acceleration of the spinal curvature and a reduction in the expression of miogenin at both ages and MyoD in the old fish were also observed. Although neurolipofuscin accumulation was not significant in GH-transgenic zebrafish, the estimation of maximum longevity based on the von Bertalanffy growth function was significantly lower in this group. The results obtained here indicate that GH overexpression reduces the transcription of anti-oxidant defense system and myogenesis-related genes, which probably accelerates senescence in the zebrafish transgenic model used.
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Kishi S, Slack BE, Uchiyama J, Zhdanova IV. Zebrafish as a genetic model in biological and behavioral gerontology: where development meets aging in vertebrates--a mini-review. Gerontology 2009; 55:430-41. [PMID: 19654474 DOI: 10.1159/000228892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging in vertebrates is a major challenge of modern biology and biomedical science. This is due, in part, to the complexity of the aging process and its multifactorial nature, the paucity of animal models that lend themselves to unbiased high-throughput screening for aging phenotypes, and the difficulty of predicting such phenotypes at an early age. We suggest that the zebrafish genetic model offers a unique opportunity to fill in this gap and contributes to advances in biological and behavioral gerontology. Our recent studies demonstrated that this diurnal vertebrate with gradual senescence is an excellent model in which to study age-dependent changes in musculoskeletal and eye morphology, endocrine factors, gene expression, circadian clock, sleep and cognitive functions. Importantly, we have also found that the presence of a senescence-associated biomarker ('senescence-associated beta-galactosidase') can be documented during early zebrafish development and is predictive of premature aging phenotypes later in adult life. The availability of mutant 'genotypes' with identified aging 'phenotypes' in zebrafish, in combination with a wealth of information about zebrafish development and genetics, and the existence of multiple mutant and transgenic lines, should significantly facilitate the use of this outstanding vertebrate model in deciphering the mechanisms of aging, and in developing preventive and therapeutic strategies to prolong the productive life span ('health span') in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Kishi
- Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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Hsu CY, Chiu YC, Hsu WL, Chan YP. Age-Related Markers Assayed at Different Developmental Stages of the Annual Fish Nothobranchius rachovii. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2008; 63:1267-76. [DOI: 10.1093/gerona/63.12.1267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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The identification of zebrafish mutants showing alterations in senescence-associated biomarkers. PLoS Genet 2008; 4:e1000152. [PMID: 18704191 PMCID: PMC2515337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2008] [Accepted: 07/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an interesting overlap of function in a wide range of organisms between genes that modulate the stress responses and those that regulate aging phenotypes and, in some cases, lifespan. We have therefore screened mutagenized zebrafish embryos for the altered expression of a stress biomarker, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) in our current study. We validated the use of embryonic SA-β-gal production as a screening tool by analyzing a collection of retrovirus-insertional mutants. From a pool of 306 such mutants, we identified 11 candidates that showed higher embryonic SA-β-gal activity, two of which were selected for further study. One of these mutants is null for a homologue of Drosophila spinster, a gene known to regulate lifespan in flies, whereas the other harbors a mutation in a homologue of the human telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (terf2) gene, which plays roles in telomere protection and telomere-length regulation. Although the homozygous spinster and terf2 mutants are embryonic lethal, heterozygous adult fish are viable and show an accelerated appearance of aging symptoms including lipofuscin accumulation, which is another biomarker, and shorter lifespan. We next used the same SA-β-gal assay to screen chemically mutagenized zebrafish, each of which was heterozygous for lesions in multiple genes, under the sensitizing conditions of oxidative stress. We obtained eight additional mutants from this screen that, when bred to homozygosity, showed enhanced SA-β-gal activity even in the absence of stress, and further displayed embryonic neural and muscular degenerative phenotypes. Adult fish that are heterozygous for these mutations also showed the premature expression of aging biomarkers and the accelerated onset of aging phenotypes. Our current strategy of mutant screening for a senescence-associated biomarker in zebrafish embryos may thus prove to be a useful new tool for the genetic dissection of vertebrate stress response and senescence mechanisms. By performing genetic mutant screens using senescence-associated biomarkers, we show that the zebrafish is a tractable model system for the study of aging. In vertebrate organisms, it has not previously been possible to carry out systematic screens for genes that are important for stress responses and aging in an unbiased way. However, such vertebrate models are of considerable importance, given the provocative evidence of common biochemical and functional pathways modulating stress responses and lifespan as well as aging in a wide range of organisms. Our present study has successfully employed a colorimetric high-throughput method using a senescence-associated β-galactosidase-based assay to screen for mutations that alter the stress responses in zebrafish embryos, in the hope that these might represent potential aging mutants. Subsequently, the mutations identified by embryonic senescence have indeed displayed adult aging-related phenotypes in zebrafish. Hence, our method for the identification of mutant zebrafish has the immediate potential to accelerate the discovery of novel genes and new functions relevant for our understanding of aging processes in vertebrates. Such knowledge will be essential for the ultimate development of pharmacological, nutritional, and behavioral interventions for the amelioration of oxidative stress- and age-associated diseases and disabilities in humans.
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