1
|
Mathavarajah S, Thompson AW, Stoyek MR, Quinn TA, Roy S, Braasch I, Dellaire G. Suppressors of cGAS-STING are downregulated during fin-limb regeneration and aging in aquatic vertebrates. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:241-251. [PMID: 37877156 PMCID: PMC11043210 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
During the early stages of limb and fin regeneration in aquatic vertebrates (i.e., fishes and amphibians), blastema undergo transcriptional rewiring of innate immune signaling pathways to promote immune cell recruitment. In mammals, a fundamental component of innate immune signaling is the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, cGAS-STING. However, to what extent the cGAS-STING pathway influences regeneration in aquatic anamniotes is unknown. In jawed vertebrates, negative regulation of cGAS-STING activity is accomplished by suppressors of cytosolic DNA such as Trex1, Pml, and PML-like exon 9 (Plex9) exonucleases. Here, we examine the expression of these suppressors of cGAS-STING, as well as inflammatory genes and cGAS activity during caudal fin and limb regeneration using the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) and axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) model species, and during age-related senescence in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In the regenerative blastema of wounded gar and axolotl, we observe increased inflammatory gene expression, including interferon genes and interleukins 6 and 8. We also observed a decrease in axolotl Trex1 and gar pml expression during the early phases of wound healing which correlates with a dramatic increase in cGAS activity. In contrast, the plex9.1 gene does not change in expression during wound healing in gar. However, we observed decreased expression of plex9.1 in the senescing cardiac tissue of aged zebrafish, where 2'3'-cGAMP levels are elevated. Finally, we demonstrate a similar pattern of Trex1, pml, and plex9.1 gene regulation across species in response to exogenous 2'3'-cGAMP. Thus, during the early stages of limb-fin regeneration, Pml, Trex1, and Plex9.1 exonucleases are downregulated, presumably to allow an evolutionarily ancient cGAS-STING activity to promote inflammation and the recruitment of immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew W. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stéphane Roy
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ingo Braasch
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Graham Dellaire
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stoyek MR, Doane SE, Dallaire SE, Long ZD, Ramia JM, Cassidy-Nolan DL, Poon KL, Brand T, Quinn TA. POPDC1 Variants Cause Atrioventricular Node Dysfunction and Arrhythmogenic Changes in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Intracellular Calcium Handling in Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:280. [PMID: 38540339 PMCID: PMC10969970 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Popeye domain-containing (POPDC) proteins selectively bind cAMP and mediate cellular responses to sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulation. The first discovered human genetic variant (POPDC1S201F) is associated with atrioventricular (AV) block, which is exacerbated by increased SNS activity. Zebrafish carrying the homologous mutation (popdc1S191F) display a similar phenotype to humans. To investigate the impact of POPDC1 dysfunction on cardiac electrophysiology and intracellular calcium handling, homozygous popdc1S191F and popdc1 knock-out (popdc1KO) zebrafish larvae and adult isolated popdc1S191F hearts were studied by functional fluorescent analysis. It was found that in popdc1S191F and popdc1KO larvae, heart rate (HR), AV delay, action potential (AP) and calcium transient (CaT) upstroke speed, and AP duration were less than in wild-type larvae, whereas CaT duration was greater. SNS stress by β-adrenergic receptor stimulation with isoproterenol increased HR, lengthened AV delay, slowed AP and CaT upstroke speed, and shortened AP and CaT duration, yet did not result in arrhythmias. In adult popdc1S191F zebrafish hearts, there was a higher incidence of AV block, slower AP upstroke speed, and longer AP duration compared to wild-type hearts, with no differences in CaT. SNS stress increased AV delay and led to further AV block in popdc1S191F hearts while decreasing AP and CaT duration. Overall, we have revealed that arrhythmogenic effects of POPDC1 dysfunction on cardiac electrophysiology and intracellular calcium handling in zebrafish are varied, but already present in early development, and that AV node dysfunction may underlie SNS-induced arrhythmogenesis associated with popdc1 mutation in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Sarah E. Doane
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Shannon E. Dallaire
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Zachary D. Long
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Jessica M. Ramia
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Donovan L. Cassidy-Nolan
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
| | - Kar-Lai Poon
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (K.-L.P.); (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Brand
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (K.-L.P.); (T.B.)
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.S.); (S.E.D.); (S.E.D.); (Z.D.L.); (J.M.R.); (D.L.C.-N.)
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pharmacological effects of caffeine on ventilation in adult zebrafish under free-swimming conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17649. [PMID: 36271109 PMCID: PMC9587047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is widely used as a model in biological studies. In particular, the heart rate and cortisol levels of zebrafish are commonly measured to elucidate the pharmacological effects of chemical substances. Meanwhile, although ventilation is also an important physiological index reflecting emotion-like states, few studies have evaluated the effects of chemicals on ventilation in adult zebrafish. In this study, we assessed whether it is possible to evaluate the pharmacological effects elicited by caffeine in adult zebrafish under free-swimming conditions. We measured the ventilation in adult zebrafish exposed to multiple concentrations of caffeine under restraint and free-swimming conditions and evaluated the pharmacological effects of caffeine using linear mixed model analysis. In addition, results of electrocardiogram analysis and swimming speeds were compared with those in previous reports to ensure that an appropriate dose of caffeine was administered. Under restraint conditions, caffeine significantly decreased heart rate and increased ventilation in a concentration-dependent manner. Under free-swimming conditions, the ventilation rate significantly increased with increasing caffeine concentration. These results indicate that the pharmacological effects elicited by chemicals on ventilation can be evaluated in free-swimming zebrafish.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sacconi L, Silvestri L, Rodríguez EC, Armstrong GA, Pavone FS, Shrier A, Bub G. KHz-rate volumetric voltage imaging of the whole Zebrafish heart. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2022; 2:100046. [PMID: 36425080 PMCID: PMC9680780 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2022.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Fast volumetric imaging is essential for understanding the function of excitable tissues such as those found in the brain and heart. Measuring cardiac voltage transients in tissue volumes is challenging, especially at the high spatial and temporal resolutions needed to give insight to cardiac function. We introduce a new imaging modality based on simultaneous illumination of multiple planes in the tissue and parallel detection with multiple cameras, avoiding compromises inherent in any scanning approach. The system enables imaging of voltage transients in situ, allowing us, for the first time to our knowledge, to map voltage activity in the whole heart volume at KHz rates. The high spatiotemporal resolution of our method enabled the observation of novel dynamics of electrical propagation through the zebrafish atrioventricular canal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, and National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Corresponding author
| | - Ludovico Silvestri
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, and National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Gary A.B. Armstrong
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco S. Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, and National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alvin Shrier
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gil Bub
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stoyek MR, MacDonald EA, Mantifel M, Baillie JS, Selig BM, Croll RP, Smith FM, Quinn TA. Drivers of Sinoatrial Node Automaticity in Zebrafish: Comparison With Mechanisms of Mammalian Pacemaker Function. Front Physiol 2022; 13:818122. [PMID: 35295582 PMCID: PMC8919049 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.818122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac excitation originates in the sinoatrial node (SAN), due to the automaticity of this distinct region of the heart. SAN automaticity is the result of a gradual depolarisation of the membrane potential in diastole, driven by a coupled system of transarcolemmal ion currents and intracellular Ca2+ cycling. The frequency of SAN excitation determines heart rate and is under the control of extra- and intracardiac (extrinsic and intrinsic) factors, including neural inputs and responses to tissue stretch. While the structure, function, and control of the SAN have been extensively studied in mammals, and some critical aspects have been shown to be similar in zebrafish, the specific drivers of zebrafish SAN automaticity and the response of its excitation to vagal nerve stimulation and mechanical preload remain incompletely understood. As the zebrafish represents an important alternative experimental model for the study of cardiac (patho-) physiology, we sought to determine its drivers of SAN automaticity and the response to nerve stimulation and baseline stretch. Using a pharmacological approach mirroring classic mammalian experiments, along with electrical stimulation of intact cardiac vagal nerves and the application of mechanical preload to the SAN, we demonstrate that the principal components of the coupled membrane- Ca2+ pacemaker system that drives automaticity in mammals are also active in the zebrafish, and that the effects of extra- and intracardiac control of heart rate seen in mammals are also present. Overall, these results, combined with previously published work, support the utility of the zebrafish as a novel experimental model for studies of SAN (patho-) physiological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Eilidh A. MacDonald
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Mantifel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jonathan S. Baillie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Bailey M. Selig
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roger P. Croll
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Frank M. Smith
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: T. Alexander Quinn,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Le T, Zhang J, Nguyen AH, Trigo Torres RS, Vo K, Dutt N, Lee J, Ding Y, Xu X, Lau MPH, Cao H. A novel wireless ECG system for prolonged monitoring of multiple zebrafish for heart disease and drug screening studies. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 197:113808. [PMID: 34801796 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish and their mutant lines have been extensively used in cardiovascular studies. In the current study, the novel system, Zebra II, is presented for prolonged electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition and analysis for multiple zebrafish within controllable working environments. The Zebra II is composed of a perfusion system, apparatuses, sensors, and an in-house electronic system. First, the Zebra II is validated in comparison with a benchmark system, namely iWORX, through various experiments. The validation displayed comparable results in terms of data quality and ECG changes in response to drug treatment. The effects of anesthetic drugs and temperature variation on zebrafish ECG were subsequently investigated in experiments that need real-time data assessment. The Zebra II's capability of continuous anesthetic administration enabled prolonged ECG acquisition up to 1 h compared to that of 5 min in existing systems. The novel, cloud-based, automated analysis with data obtained from four fish further provided a useful solution for combinatorial experiments and helped save significant time and effort. The system showed robust ECG acquisition and analytics for various applications including arrhythmia in sodium induced sinus arrest, temperature-induced heart rate variation, and drug-induced arrhythmia in Tg(SCN5A-D1275N) mutant and wildtype fish. The multiple channel acquisition also enabled the implementation of randomized controlled trials on zebrafish models. The developed ECG system holds promise and solves current drawbacks in order to greatly accelerate drug screening applications and other cardiovascular studies using zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tai Le
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jimmy Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Anh H Nguyen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Sensoriis., Inc, Edmonds, WA, 98026, USA
| | | | - Khuong Vo
- Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Nikil Dutt
- Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Juhyun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Hung Cao
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA; Sensoriis., Inc, Edmonds, WA, 98026, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reuter H, Perner B, Wahl F, Rohde L, Koch P, Groth M, Buder K, Englert C. Aging Activates the Immune System and Alters the Regenerative Capacity in the Zebrafish Heart. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030345. [PMID: 35159152 PMCID: PMC8834511 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-associated organ failure and degenerative diseases have a major impact on human health. Cardiovascular dysfunction has an increasing prevalence with age and is one of the leading causes of death. In contrast to humans, zebrafish have extraordinary regeneration capacities of complex organs including the heart. In addition, zebrafish has recently become a model organism in research on aging. Here, we have compared the ventricular transcriptome as well as the regenerative capacity after cryoinjury of old and young zebrafish hearts. We identified the immune system as activated in old ventricles and found muscle organization to deteriorate upon aging. Our data show an accumulation of immune cells, mostly macrophages, in the old zebrafish ventricle. Those immune cells not only increased in numbers but also showed morphological and behavioral changes with age. Our data further suggest that the regenerative response to cardiac injury is generally impaired and much more variable in old fish. Collagen in the wound area was already significantly enriched in old fish at 7 days post injury. Taken together, these data indicate an ‘inflammaging’-like process in the zebrafish heart and suggest a change in regenerative response in the old.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Reuter
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany; (H.R.); (B.P.); (F.W.); (L.R.)
| | - Birgit Perner
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany; (H.R.); (B.P.); (F.W.); (L.R.)
- Core Facility Imaging, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Wahl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany; (H.R.); (B.P.); (F.W.); (L.R.)
| | - Luise Rohde
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany; (H.R.); (B.P.); (F.W.); (L.R.)
| | - Philipp Koch
- Core Facility Life Science Computing, 07735 Jena, Germany;
| | - Marco Groth
- Core Facility DNA Sequencing, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Katrin Buder
- Core Service Histology/Pathology/EM, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Christoph Englert
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany; (H.R.); (B.P.); (F.W.); (L.R.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-656042
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schuster CJ, Sanders JL, Couch C, Kent ML. Recent Advances with Fish Microsporidia. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:285-317. [PMID: 35544007 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There have been several significant new findings regarding Microsporidia of fishes over the last decade. Here we provide an update on new taxa, new hosts and new diseases in captive and wild fishes since 2013. The importance of microsporidiosis continues to increase with the rapid growth of finfish aquaculture and the dramatic increase in the use of zebrafish as a model in biomedical research. In addition to reviewing new taxa and microsporidian diseases, we include discussions on advances with diagnostic methods, impacts of microsporidia on fish beyond morbidity and mortality, novel findings with transmission and invertebrate hosts, and a summary of the phylogenetics of fish microsporidia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corbin J Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Justin L Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Claire Couch
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Baillie JS, Stoyek MR, Quinn TA. Seeing the Light: The Use of Zebrafish for Optogenetic Studies of the Heart. Front Physiol 2021; 12:748570. [PMID: 35002753 PMCID: PMC8733579 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.748570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, involving the optical measurement and manipulation of cellular activity with genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins ("reporters" and "actuators"), is a powerful experimental technique for probing (patho-)physiological function. Originally developed as a tool for neuroscience, it has now been utilized in cardiac research for over a decade, providing novel insight into the electrophysiology of the healthy and diseased heart. Among the pioneering cardiac applications of optogenetic actuators were studies in zebrafish, which first demonstrated their use for precise spatiotemporal control of cardiac activity. Zebrafish were also adopted early as an experimental model for the use of optogenetic reporters, including genetically encoded voltage- and calcium-sensitive indicators. Beyond optogenetic studies, zebrafish are becoming an increasingly important tool for cardiac research, as they combine many of the advantages of integrative and reduced experimental models. The zebrafish has striking genetic and functional cardiac similarities to that of mammals, its genome is fully sequenced and can be modified using standard techniques, it has been used to recapitulate a variety of cardiac diseases, and it allows for high-throughput investigations. For optogenetic studies, zebrafish provide additional advantages, as the whole zebrafish heart can be visualized and interrogated in vivo in the transparent, externally developing embryo, and the relatively small adult heart allows for in situ cell-specific observation and control not possible in mammals. With the advent of increasingly sophisticated fluorescence imaging approaches and methods for spatially-resolved light stimulation in the heart, the zebrafish represents an experimental model with unrealized potential for cardiac optogenetic studies. In this review we summarize the use of zebrafish for optogenetic investigations in the heart, highlighting their specific advantages and limitations, and their potential for future cardiac research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Baillie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stoyek MR, Hortells L, Quinn TA. From Mice to Mainframes: Experimental Models for Investigation of the Intracardiac Nervous System. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:149. [PMID: 34821702 PMCID: PMC8620975 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8110149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracardiac nervous system (IcNS), sometimes referred to as the "little brain" of the heart, is involved in modulating many aspects of cardiac physiology. In recent years our fundamental understanding of autonomic control of the heart has drastically improved, and the IcNS is increasingly being viewed as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. However, investigations of the physiology and specific roles of intracardiac neurons within the neural circuitry mediating cardiac control has been hampered by an incomplete knowledge of the anatomical organisation of the IcNS. A more thorough understanding of the IcNS is hoped to promote the development of new, highly targeted therapies to modulate IcNS activity in cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we first provide an overview of IcNS anatomy and function derived from experiments in mammals. We then provide descriptions of alternate experimental models for investigation of the IcNS, focusing on a non-mammalian model (zebrafish), neuron-cardiomyocyte co-cultures, and computational models to demonstrate how the similarity of the relevant processes in each model can help to further our understanding of the IcNS in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada;
| | - Luis Hortells
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg–Bad Krozingen, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada;
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Joyce W, Perry SF. Hif-1α is not required for the development of cardiac adrenergic control in zebrafish (Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:623-631. [PMID: 34288573 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adrenergic regulation, acting via the sympathetic nervous system, provides a major mechanism to control cardiac function. It has recently been shown that hypoxia inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α) is necessary for normal development of sympathetic innervation and control of cardiac function in the mouse. To investigate whether this may represent a fundamental trait shared across vertebrates, we assessed adrenergic regulation of the heart in wild-type and Hif-1α knockout (hif-1α -/- ) zebrafish (Danio rerio). Wild-type and hif-1α -/- zebrafish larvae (aged 4 and 7 days postfertilisation) exhibited similar routine heart rates within a given age group, and β-adrenergic receptor blockade with propranolol universally reduced heart rate to comparable levels, indicating similar adrenergic tone in both genotypes. In adult fish, in vivo heart rate measured during anaesthesia was identical between genotypes. Treatment of spontaneously beating hearts in vitro with adrenaline revealed a similar positive chronotropic effect and similar maximum heart rates in both genotypes. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy demonstrated that the bulbus arteriosus (outflow tract of the teleost heart) of adult fish was particularly well innervated by sympathetic nerves, and nerve density (as a percentage of bulbus arteriosus area) was similar between wild-types and hif-1α -/- mutants. In summary, we did not find any evidence that adrenergic cardiac control was perturbed in larval or adult zebrafish lacking Hif-1α. We conclude that Hif-1α is not essential for the normal development of cardiovascular control or adult sympathetic cardiac innervation in zebrafish, although it is possible that it plays a redundant or auxiliary role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Joyce
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biology-Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ding Y, Bu H, Xu X. Modeling Inherited Cardiomyopathies in Adult Zebrafish for Precision Medicine. Front Physiol 2020; 11:599244. [PMID: 33329049 PMCID: PMC7717946 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.599244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies are a highly heterogeneous group of heart muscle disorders. More than 100 causative genes have been linked to various cardiomyopathies, which explain about half of familial cardiomyopathy cases. More than a dozen candidate therapeutic signaling pathways have been identified; however, precision medicine is not being used to treat the various types of cardiomyopathy because knowledge is lacking for how to tailor treatment plans for different genetic causes. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) have a higher throughout than rodents and are an emerging vertebrate model for studying cardiomyopathy. Herein, we review progress in the past decade that has proven the feasibility of this simple vertebrate for modeling inherited cardiomyopathies of distinct etiology, identifying effective therapeutic strategies for a particular type of cardiomyopathy, and discovering new cardiomyopathy genes or new therapeutic strategies via a forward genetic approach. On the basis of this progress, we discuss future research that would benefit from integrating this emerging model, including discovery of remaining causative genes and development of genotype-based therapies. Studies using this efficient vertebrate model are anticipated to significantly accelerate the implementation of precision medicine for inherited cardiomyopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Haisong Bu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
MacDonald EA, Rose RA, Quinn TA. Neurohumoral Control of Sinoatrial Node Activity and Heart Rate: Insight From Experimental Models and Findings From Humans. Front Physiol 2020; 11:170. [PMID: 32194439 PMCID: PMC7063087 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node is perhaps one of the most important tissues in the entire body: it is the natural pacemaker of the heart, making it responsible for initiating each-and-every normal heartbeat. As such, its activity is heavily controlled, allowing heart rate to rapidly adapt to changes in physiological demand. Control of sinoatrial node activity, however, is complex, occurring through the autonomic nervous system and various circulating and locally released factors. In this review we discuss the coupled-clock pacemaker system and how its manipulation by neurohumoral signaling alters heart rate, considering the multitude of canonical and non-canonical agents that are known to modulate sinoatrial node activity. For each, we discuss the principal receptors involved and known intracellular signaling and protein targets, highlighting gaps in our knowledge and understanding from experimental models and human studies that represent areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh A MacDonald
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Robert A Rose
- Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Physiological phenotyping of the adult zebrafish heart. Mar Genomics 2020; 49:100701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2019.100701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
15
|
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish*: Zebrafish as a model for cardiac research. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 138:1-2. [PMID: 30514520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
16
|
On Zebrafish Disease Models and Matters of the Heart. Biomedicines 2019; 7:biomedicines7010015. [PMID: 30823496 PMCID: PMC6466020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the primary cause of mortality worldwide. It is a complex disease with genetic and environmental risk factor contributions. Reports in human and mammalian models elucidate age-associated changes in cardiac function. The diverse mechanisms involved in cardiac diseases remain at the center of the research interest to identify novel strategies for prevention and therapy. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable vertebrate model to study cardiovascular development over the last few decades. The facile genetic manipulation via forward and reverse genetic approaches combined with noninvasive, high-resolution imaging and phenotype-based screening has provided new insights to molecular pathways that orchestrate cardiac development. Zebrafish can recapitulate human cardiac pathophysiology due to gene and regulatory pathways conservation, similar heart rate and cardiac morphology and function. Thus, generations of zebrafish models utilize the functional analysis of genes involved in CAD, which are derived from large-scale human population analysis. Here, we highlight recent studies conducted on cardiovascular research focusing on the benefits of the combination of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with functional genomic analysis in zebrafish. We further summarize the knowledge obtained from zebrafish studies that have demonstrated the architecture of the fundamental mechanisms underlying heart development, homeostasis and regeneration at the cellular and molecular levels.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kopton RA, Baillie JS, Rafferty SA, Moss R, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Prykhozhij SV, Stoyek MR, Smith FM, Kohl P, Quinn TA, Schneider-Warme F. Cardiac Electrophysiological Effects of Light-Activated Chloride Channels. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1806. [PMID: 30618818 PMCID: PMC6304430 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, optogenetics has emerged as a paradigm-shifting technique to monitor and steer the behavior of specific cell types in excitable tissues, including the heart. Activation of cation-conducting channelrhodopsins (ChR) leads to membrane depolarization, allowing one to effectively trigger action potentials (AP) in cardiomyocytes. In contrast, the quest for optogenetic tools for hyperpolarization-induced inhibition of AP generation has remained challenging. The green-light activated ChR from Guillardia theta (GtACR1) mediates Cl--driven photocurrents that have been shown to silence AP generation in different types of neurons. It has been suggested, therefore, to be a suitable tool for inhibition of cardiomyocyte activity. Using single-cell electrophysiological recordings and contraction tracking, as well as intracellular microelectrode recordings and in vivo optical recordings of whole hearts, we find that GtACR1 activation by prolonged illumination arrests cardiac cells in a depolarized state, thus inhibiting re-excitation. In line with this, GtACR1 activation by transient light pulses elicits AP in rabbit isolated cardiomyocytes and in spontaneously beating intact hearts of zebrafish. Our results show that GtACR1 inhibition of AP generation is caused by cell depolarization. While this does not address the need for optogenetic silencing through physiological means (i.e., hyperpolarization), GtACR1 is a potentially attractive tool for activating cardiomyocytes by transient light-induced depolarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramona A Kopton
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg-Bad Krozingen Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan S Baillie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sara A Rafferty
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Robin Moss
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg-Bad Krozingen Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum M Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg-Bad Krozingen Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Matthew R Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Frank M Smith
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg-Bad Krozingen Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg-Bad Krozingen Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rayani K, Lin E, Craig C, Lamothe M, Shafaattalab S, Gunawan M, Li AY, Hove-Madsen L, Tibbits GF. Zebrafish as a model of mammalian cardiac function: Optically mapping the interplay of temperature and rate on voltage and calcium dynamics. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 138:69-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|