1
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Bergmans S, Noel NCL, Masin L, Harding EG, Krzywańska AM, De Schutter JD, Ayana R, Hu CK, Arckens L, Ruzycki PA, MacDonald RB, Clark BS, Moons L. Age-related dysregulation of the retinal transcriptome in African turquoise killifish. Aging Cell 2024:e14192. [PMID: 38742929 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14192] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related vision loss caused by retinal neurodegenerative pathologies is becoming more prevalent in our ageing society. To understand the physiological and molecular impact of ageing on retinal homeostasis, we used the short-lived African turquoise killifish, a model known to naturally develop central nervous system (CNS) ageing hallmarks and vision loss. Bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) of three age groups (6-, 12-, and 18-week-old) identified transcriptional ageing fingerprints in the killifish retina, unveiling pathways also identified in the aged brain, including oxidative stress, gliosis, and inflammageing. These findings were comparable to observations in the ageing mouse retina. Additionally, transcriptional changes in genes related to retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, were observed. The cellular heterogeneity in the killifish retina was characterized, confirming the presence of all typical vertebrate retinal cell types. Data integration from age-matched samples between the bulk and scRNAseq experiments revealed a loss of cellular specificity in gene expression upon ageing, suggesting potential disruption in transcriptional homeostasis. Differential expression analysis within the identified cell types highlighted the role of glial/immune cells as important stress regulators during ageing. Our work emphasizes the value of the fast-ageing killifish in elucidating molecular signatures in age-associated retinal disease and vision decline. This study contributes to the understanding of how age-related changes in molecular pathways may impact CNS health, providing insights that may inform future therapeutic strategies for age-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Bergmans
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole C L Noel
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Luca Masin
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen G Harding
- John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Julie D De Schutter
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rajagopal Ayana
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chi-Kuo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Lut Arckens
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Section, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ryan B MacDonald
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lieve Moons
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Neural Circuit Development & Regeneration Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Han S, Hu Y, Jia D, Lv Y, Liu M, Wang D, Chao J, Xia X, Wang Q, Liu P, Cai Y, Ren X. IFT27 regulates the long-term maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments in zebrafish. Gene 2024; 905:148237. [PMID: 38310983 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148237] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Approximately a quarter of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is caused by mutations in transport-related genes in cilia. IFT27 (Intraflagellar Transport 27), a core component of the ciliary intraflagellar transport (IFT) system, has been implicated as a significant pathogenic gene in RP. The pathogenic mechanisms and subsequent pathology related to IFT27 mutations in RP are largely obscure. Here, we utilized TALEN technology to create an ift27 knockout (ift27-/-) zebrafish model. Electroretinography (ERG) detection showed impaired vision in this model. Histopathological examinations disclosed that ift27 mutations cause progressive degeneration of photoreceptors in zebrafish, and this degeneration was late-onset. Immunofluorescence labeling of outer segments showed that rods degenerated before cones, aligning with the conventional characterization of RP. In cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells, we found that IFT27 was involved in maintaining ciliary morphology. Furthermore, decreased IFT27 expression resulted in the inhibition of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, including decreased expression of key factors in the Hh pathway and abnormal localization of the ciliary mediator Gli2. In summary, we generated an ift27-/- zebrafish line with retinal degeneration which mimicked the symptoms of RP patients, highlighting IFT27's integral role in the long-term maintenance of cilia via the Hh signaling pathway. This work may furnish new insights into the treatment or delay of RP caused by IFT27 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Han
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China.
| | - Yue Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Danna Jia
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Yuexia Lv
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Decheng Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Chao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Xuan Xia
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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3
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Sharkova M, Aparicio G, Mouzaaber C, Zolessi FR, Hocking JC. Photoreceptor calyceal processes accompany the developing outer segment, adopting a stable length despite a dynamic core. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261721. [PMID: 38477343 PMCID: PMC11058337 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261721] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate photoreceptors detect light through a large cilium-based outer segment, which is filled with photopigment-laden membranous discs. Surrounding the base of the outer segment are microvilli-like calyceal processes (CPs). Although CP disruption has been associated with altered outer segment morphology and photoreceptor degeneration, the role of the CPs remains elusive. Here, we used zebrafish as a model to characterize CPs. We quantified CP parameters and report a strong disparity in outer segment coverage between photoreceptor subtypes. CP length is stable across light and dark conditions, yet heat-shock inducible expression of tagged actin revealed rapid turnover of the CP actin core. Detailed imaging of the embryonic retina uncovered substantial remodeling of the developing photoreceptor apical surface, including a transition from dynamic tangential processes to vertically oriented CPs immediately prior to outer segment formation. Remarkably, we also found a direct connection between apical extensions of the Müller glia and retinal pigment epithelium, arranged as bundles around the ultraviolet sensitive cones. In summary, our data characterize the structure, development and surrounding environment of photoreceptor microvilli in the zebrafish retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sharkova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gonzalo Aparicio
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, 11400, Uruguay
- Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Constantin Mouzaaber
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Flavio R. Zolessi
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, 11400, Uruguay
- Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jennifer C. Hocking
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Bergmans S, Noel NCL, Masin L, Harding EG, Krzywańska AM, De Schutter JD, Ayana R, Hu CK, Arckens L, Ruzycki PA, MacDonald RB, Clark BS, Moons L. Age-related dysregulation of the retinal transcriptome in African turquoise killifish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.21.581372. [PMID: 38559206 PMCID: PMC10979842 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.21.581372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Age-related vision loss caused by retinal neurodegenerative pathologies is becoming more prevalent in our ageing society. To understand the physiological and molecular impact of ageing on retinal homeostasis, we used the short-lived African turquoise killifish, a model known to naturally develop central nervous system (CNS) ageing hallmarks and vision loss. Bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of three age groups (6-, 12-, and 18-week-old) identified transcriptional ageing fingerprints in the killifish retina, unveiling pathways also identified in the aged brain, including oxidative stress, gliosis, and inflammageing. These findings were comparable to observations in ageing mouse retina. Additionally, transcriptional changes in genes related to retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, were observed. The cellular heterogeneity in the killifish retina was characterised, confirming the presence of all typical vertebrate retinal cell types. Data integration from age-matched samples between the bulk and scRNA-seq experiments revealed a loss of cellular specificity in gene expression upon ageing, suggesting potential disruption in transcriptional homeostasis. Differential expression analysis within the identified cell types highlighted the role of glial/immune cells as important stress regulators during ageing. Our work emphasises the value of the fast-ageing killifish in elucidating molecular signatures in age-associated retinal disease and vision decline. This study contributes to the understanding of how age-related changes in molecular pathways may impact CNS health, providing insights that may inform future therapeutic strategies for age-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Bergmans
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division, Neural circuit development & regeneration research group, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole C L Noel
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK, EC1V 9EL
| | - Luca Masin
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division, Neural circuit development & regeneration research group, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen G Harding
- Washington University School of Medicine, John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
| | | | - Julie D De Schutter
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division, Neural circuit development & regeneration research group, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rajagopal Ayana
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology section, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chi-Kuo Hu
- Stony Brook University, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 11790 Stony Brook, United States of America
| | - Lut Arckens
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology section, Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip A Ruzycki
- Washington University School of Medicine, John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
| | - Ryan B MacDonald
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK, EC1V 9EL
| | - Brian S Clark
- Washington University School of Medicine, John F Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
- Washington University School of Medicine, Center of Regenerative Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110 United States of America
| | - Lieve Moons
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Department of Biology, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology division, Neural circuit development & regeneration research group, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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5
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Wu X, Hua X, Xu K, Song Y, Lv T. Zebrafish in Lung Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4721. [PMID: 37835415 PMCID: PMC10571557 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish is increasingly used as a model organism for cancer research because of its genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Modeling lung cancer (LC) in zebrafish has received significant attention. This review focuses on the insights gained from using zebrafish in LC research. These insights range from investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of LC to identifying potential drug targets, testing the efficacy and toxicity of new therapies, and applying zebrafish for personalized medicine studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of LC research performed using zebrafish, highlights the advantages and limitations of this model organism, and discusses future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Xin Hua
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210096, China;
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210096, China;
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Tangfeng Lv
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
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6
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Moran AL, Fehilly JD, Blacque O, Kennedy BN. Gene therapy for RAB28: What can we learn from zebrafish? Vision Res 2023; 210:108270. [PMID: 37321111 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108270] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The eye is particularly suited to gene therapy due to its accessibility, immunoprivileged state and compartmentalised structure. Indeed, many clinical trials are underway for therapeutic gene strategies for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). However, as there are currently 281 genes associated with IRD, there is still a large unmet need for effective therapies for the majority of IRD-causing genes. In humans, RAB28 null and hypomorphic alleles cause autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy (arCORD). Previous work demonstrated that restoring wild type zebrafish Rab28 via germline transgenesis, specifically in cone photoreceptors, is sufficient to rescue the defects in outer segment phagocytosis (OSP) observed in zebrafish rab28-/- knockouts (KO). This rescue suggests that gene therapy for RAB28-associated CORD may be successful by RAB28 gene restoration to cones. It also inspired us to critically consider the scenarios in which zebrafish can provide informative preclinical data for development of gene therapies. Thus, this review focuses on RAB28 biology and disease, and delves into both the opportunities and limitations of using zebrafish as a model for both gene therapy development and as a diagnostic tool for patient variants of unknown significance (VUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailis L Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John D Fehilly
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oliver Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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7
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Yi J, Ma Y, Ma J, Yu H, Zhang K, Jin L, Yang Q, Sun D, Wu D. Rapid Assessment of Ocular Toxicity from Environmental Contaminants Based on Visually Mediated Zebrafish Behavior Studies. TOXICS 2023; 11:706. [PMID: 37624211 PMCID: PMC10459940 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of contaminants in the environment has increased in recent years, and studies have demonstrated that these contaminants have the ability to penetrate the blood-retinal barrier and directly affect the visual systems of organisms. Zebrafish are recognized as an ideal model for human eye diseases due to their anatomical and functional similarities to the human eye, making them an efficient and versatile organism for studying ocular toxicity caused by environmental contaminants in the field of environmental toxicology. Meanwhile, zebrafish exhibit a diverse repertoire of visually mediated behaviors, and their visual system undergoes complex changes in behavioral responses when exposed to environmental contaminants, enabling rapid assessment of the ocular toxicity induced by such pollutants. Therefore, this review aimed to highlight the effectiveness of zebrafish as a model for examining the effects of environmental contaminants on ocular development. Special attention is given to the visually mediated behavior of zebrafish, which allows for a rapid assessment of ocular toxicity resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants. Additionally, the potential mechanisms by which environmental contaminants may induce ocular toxicity are briefly outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilei Ma
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Libo Jin
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China;
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China;
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China;
| | - Dejun Wu
- Emergency Department, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
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8
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An Overview towards Zebrafish Larvae as a Model for Ocular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065387. [PMID: 36982479 PMCID: PMC10048880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the obvious morphological differences in the visual system, zebrafish share a similar architecture and components of the same embryonic origin as humans. The zebrafish retina has the same layered structure and cell types with similar metabolic and phototransduction support as humans, and is functional 72 h after fertilization, allowing tests of visual function to be performed. The zebrafish genomic database supports genetic mapping studies as well as gene editing, both of which are useful in the ophthalmological field. It is possible to model ocular disorders in zebrafish, as well as inherited retinal diseases or congenital or acquired malformations. Several approaches allow the evaluation of local pathological processes derived from systemic disorders, such as chemical exposure to produce retinal hypoxia or glucose exposure to produce hyperglycemia, mimicking retinopathy of prematurity or diabetic retinopathy, respectively. The pathogenesis of ocular infections, autoimmune diseases, or aging can also be assessed in zebrafish larvae, and the preserved cellular and molecular immune mechanisms can be assessed. Finally, the zebrafish model for the study of the pathologies of the visual system complements certain deficiencies in experimental models of mammals since the regeneration of the zebrafish retina is a valuable tool for the study of degenerative processes and the discovery of new drugs and therapies.
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