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Barrett LM, Meighan PC, Mitchell DM, Varnum MD, Stenkamp DL. Assessing Rewiring of the Retinal Circuitry by Electroretinogram (ERG) After Inner Retinal Lesion in Adult Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2636:421-435. [PMID: 36881314 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3012-9_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Adult zebrafish respond to retinal injury with a regenerative response that replaces damaged neurons with Müller glia-derived regenerated neurons. The regenerated neurons are functional, appear to make appropriate synaptic connections, and support visually mediated reflexes and more complex behaviors. Curiously, the electrophysiology of damaged, regenerating, and regenerated zebrafish retina has only recently been examined. In our previous work, we demonstrated that electroretinogram (ERG) recordings of damaged zebrafish retina correlate with the extent of the inflicted damage and that the regenerated retina at 80 days post-injury exhibited ERG waveforms consistent with functional visual processing. In this paper we describe the procedure for obtaining and analyzing ERG recordings from adult zebrafish previously subjected to widespread lesions that destroy inner retinal neurons and engage a regenerative response that restores retinal function, in particular the synaptic connections between photoreceptor axon terminals and the dendritic trees of retinal bipolar neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Barrett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Peter C Meighan
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Diana M Mitchell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Michael D Varnum
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Deborah L Stenkamp
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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2
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Connaughton VP, Nelson R. Ganglion cells in larval zebrafish retina integrate inputs from multiple cone types. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1440-1454. [PMID: 34550015 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00082.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently showed the presence of seven physiological cone opsins-R1 (575 nm), R2 (556 nm), G1 (460 nm), G3 (480 nm), B1 (415 nm), B2 (440 nm), and UV (358 nm)-in electroretinogram (ERG) recordings of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) retina. Larval ganglion cells (GCs) are generally thought to integrate only four cone opsin signals (red, green, blue, and UV). We address the question as to whether they may integrate seven cone spectral signals. Here we examined the 127 possible combinations of seven cone signals to find the optimal representation, as based on impulse discharge data sets from GC axons in the larval optic nerve. We recorded four varieties of light-response waveform, sustained-ON, transient-ON, ON-OFF, and OFF, based on the time course of mean discharge rates to all stimulus wavelengths combined. Modeling of GC responses revealed that each received 1-6 cone opsin signals, with a mean of 3.8 ± 1.3 cone signals/GC. Most onset or offset responses were opponent (ON, 80%; OFF, 100%). The most common cone signals were UV (93%), R2 (50%), G3 (55%), and G1 (60%). Seventy-three percent of cone opsin signals were excitatory, and 27% were inhibitory. UV signals favored excitation, whereas G3 and B2 signals favored inhibition. R1/R2, G1/G3, and B1/B2 opsin signals were selectively associated along a nonsynergistic/opponent axis. Overall, these results suggest that larval zebrafish GC spectral responses are complex and use inputs from the seven expressed opsins.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ganglion cells in larval zebrafish retina have complex spectral responses driven by seven different cone opsin types. UV cone inputs are significant and excitatory to ganglion cells, whereas green and blue cone inputs favor inhibition. Most dramatic are the pentachromatic cells. These responses were identified at 5-6 days after fertilization, reflecting an impressive level of color processing not seen in older fish or mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Connaughton
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - R Nelson
- Neural Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Zhang L, Chen C, Fu J, Lilley B, Berlinicke C, Hansen B, Ding D, Wang G, Wang T, Shou D, Ye Y, Mulligan T, Emmerich K, Saxena MT, Hall KR, Sharrock AV, Brandon C, Park H, Kam TI, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Shim JS, Hanes J, Ji H, Liu JO, Qian J, Ackerley DF, Rohrer B, Zack DJ, Mumm JS. Large-scale phenotypic drug screen identifies neuroprotectants in zebrafish and mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. eLife 2021; 10:e57245. [PMID: 34184634 PMCID: PMC8425951 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57245] [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: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and associated inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are caused by rod photoreceptor degeneration, necessitating therapeutics promoting rod photoreceptor survival. To address this, we tested compounds for neuroprotective effects in multiple zebrafish and mouse RP models, reasoning drugs effective across species and/or independent of disease mutation may translate better clinically. We first performed a large-scale phenotypic drug screen for compounds promoting rod cell survival in a larval zebrafish model of inducible RP. We tested 2934 compounds, mostly human-approved drugs, across six concentrations, resulting in 113 compounds being identified as hits. Secondary tests of 42 high-priority hits confirmed eleven lead candidates. Leads were then evaluated in a series of mouse RP models in an effort to identify compounds effective across species and RP models, that is, potential pan-disease therapeutics. Nine of 11 leads exhibited neuroprotective effects in mouse primary photoreceptor cultures, and three promoted photoreceptor survival in mouse rd1 retinal explants. Both shared and complementary mechanisms of action were implicated across leads. Shared target tests implicated parp1-dependent cell death in our zebrafish RP model. Complementation tests revealed enhanced and additive/synergistic neuroprotective effects of paired drug combinations in mouse photoreceptor cultures and zebrafish, respectively. These results highlight the value of cross-species/multi-model phenotypic drug discovery and suggest combinatorial drug therapies may provide enhanced therapeutic benefits for RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Conan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jie Fu
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Brendan Lilley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Cynthia Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Baranda Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Guohua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Tao Wang
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- School of Chemistry, Xuzhou College of Industrial TechnologyXuzhouChina
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Daniel Shou
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ying Ye
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Timothy Mulligan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Kevin Emmerich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Meera T Saxena
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Kelsi R Hall
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Abigail V Sharrock
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Carlene Brandon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Hyejin Park
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Tae-In Kam
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Joong Sup Shim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, TaipaMacauChina
| | - Justin Hanes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - David F Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Baerbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jeff S Mumm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
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Ganzen L, Ko MJ, Zhang M, Xie R, Chen Y, Zhang L, James R, Mumm J, van Rijn RM, Zhong W, Pang CP, Zhang M, Tsujikawa M, Leung YF. Drug screening with zebrafish visual behavior identifies carvedilol as a potential treatment for an autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11432. [PMID: 34075074 PMCID: PMC8169685 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a mostly incurable inherited retinal degeneration affecting approximately 1 in 4000 individuals globally. The goal of this work was to identify drugs that can help patients suffering from the disease. To accomplish this, we screened drugs on a zebrafish autosomal dominant RP model. This model expresses a truncated human rhodopsin transgene (Q344X) causing significant rod degeneration by 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). Consequently, the larvae displayed a deficit in visual motor response (VMR) under scotopic condition. The diminished VMR was leveraged to screen an ENZO SCREEN-WELL REDOX library since oxidative stress is postulated to play a role in RP progression. Our screening identified a beta-blocker, carvedilol, that ameliorated the deficient VMR of the RP larvae and increased their rod number. Carvedilol may directly on rods as it affected the adrenergic pathway in the photoreceptor-like human Y79 cell line. Since carvedilol is an FDA-approved drug, our findings suggest that carvedilol can potentially be repurposed to treat autosomal dominant RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Ganzen
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue University Life Sciences Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Mee Jung Ko
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue University Life Sciences Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Mengrui Zhang
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XDepartment of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Rui Xie
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Statistics and Data Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816 USA
| | - Yongkai Chen
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XDepartment of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Liyun Zhang
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Wilmer Eye Institute, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Rebecca James
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Jeff Mumm
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Wilmer Eye Institute, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Richard M. van Rijn
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue University Life Sciences Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Wenxuan Zhong
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XDepartment of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.263451.70000 0000 9927 110XJoint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- grid.263451.70000 0000 9927 110XJoint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Motokazu Tsujikawa
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Clinical Laboratory and Biomedical Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuk Fai Leung
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Lafayette, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
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5
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Venkatraman P, Mills-Henry I, Padmanabhan KR, Pascuzzi P, Hassan M, Zhang J, Zhang X, Ma P, Pang CP, Dowling JE, Zhang M, Leung YF. Rods Contribute to Visual Behavior in Larval Zebrafish. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:11. [PMID: 33049059 PMCID: PMC7571310 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.12.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although zebrafish rods begin to develop as early as 2 days postfertilization (dpf), they are not deemed anatomically mature and functional until 15 to 21 dpf. A recent study detected a small electroretinogram (ERG) from rods in a cone mutant called no optokinetic response f (nof) at 5 dpf, suggesting that young rods are functional. Whether they can mediate behavioral responses in larvae is unknown. Methods We first confirmed rod function by measuring nof ERGs under photopic and scotopic illumination at 6 dpf. We evaluated the role of rods in visual behaviors using two different assays: the visual-motor response (VMR) and optokinetic response (OKR). We measured responses from wild-type (WT) larvae and nof mutants under photopic and scotopic illuminations at 6 dpf. Results Nof mutants lacked a photopic ERG. However, after prolonged dark adaptation, they displayed scotopic ERGs. Compared with WT larvae, the nof mutants displayed reduced VMRs. The VMR difference during light onset gradually diminished with decreased illumination and became nearly identical at lower light intensities. Additionally, light-adapted nof mutants did not display an OKR, whereas dark-adapted nof mutants displayed scotopic OKRs. Conclusions Because the nof mutants lacked a photopic ERG but displayed scotopic ERGs after dark adaptation, the mutants clearly had functional rods. WT larvae and the nof mutants displayed comparable scotopic light-On VMRs and scotopic OKRs after dark adaptation, suggesting that these responses were driven primarily by rods. Together, these observations indicate that rods contribute to zebrafish visual behaviors as early as 6 dpf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prahatha Venkatraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Ishara Mills-Henry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Pete Pascuzzi
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,Purdue University Libraries, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Menna Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Center for Statistical Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - John E Dowling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Yuk Fai Leung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Lafayette, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
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Neurodegeneration, Neuroprotection and Regeneration in the Zebrafish Retina. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030633. [PMID: 33809186 PMCID: PMC8000332 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, involve a gradual loss of neurons in the retina as the disease progresses. Central nervous system neurons are not able to regenerate in mammals, therefore, an often sought after course of treatment for neuronal loss follows a neuroprotective or regenerative strategy. Neuroprotection is the process of preserving the structure and function of the neurons that have survived a harmful insult; while regenerative approaches aim to replace or rewire the neurons and synaptic connections that were lost, or induce regrowth of damaged axons or dendrites. In order to test the neuroprotective effectiveness or the regenerative capacity of a particular agent, a robust experimental model of retinal neuronal damage is essential. Zebrafish are being used more often in this type of study because their eye structure and development is well-conserved between zebrafish and mammals. Zebrafish are robust genetic tools and are relatively inexpensive to maintain. The large array of functional and behavioral tests available in zebrafish makes them an attractive model for neuroprotection studies. Some common insults used to model retinal disease and study neuroprotection in zebrafish include intense light, chemical toxicity and mechanical damage. This review covers the existing retinal neuroprotection and regeneration literature in the zebrafish and highlights their potential for future studies.
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Dona M, Slijkerman R, Lerner K, Broekman S, Wegner J, Howat T, Peters T, Hetterschijt L, Boon N, de Vrieze E, Sorusch N, Wolfrum U, Kremer H, Neuhauss S, Zang J, Kamermans M, Westerfield M, Phillips J, van Wijk E. Usherin defects lead to early-onset retinal dysfunction in zebrafish. Exp Eye Res 2018; 173:148-159. [PMID: 29777677 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in USH2A are the most frequent cause of Usher syndrome and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa. To unravel the pathogenic mechanisms underlying USH2A-associated retinal degeneration and to evaluate future therapeutic strategies that could potentially halt the progression of this devastating disorder, an animal model is needed. The available Ush2a knock-out mouse model does not mimic the human phenotype, because it presents with only a mild and late-onset retinal degeneration. Using CRISPR/Cas9-technology, we introduced protein-truncating germline lesions into the zebrafish ush2a gene (ush2armc1: c.2337_2342delinsAC; p.Cys780GlnfsTer32 and ush2ab1245: c.15520_15523delinsTG; p.Ala5174fsTer). Homozygous mutants were viable and displayed no obvious morphological or developmental defects. Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies recognizing the N- or C-terminal region of the ush2a-encoded protein, usherin, demonstrated complete absence of usherin in photoreceptors of ush2armc1, but presence of the ectodomain of usherin at the periciliary membrane of ush2ab1245-derived photoreceptors. Furthermore, defects of usherin led to a reduction in localization of USH2 complex members, whirlin and Adgrv1, at the photoreceptor periciliary membrane of both mutants. Significantly elevated levels of apoptotic photoreceptors could be observed in both mutants when kept under constant bright illumination for three days. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings revealed a significant and similar decrease in both a- and b-wave amplitudes in ush2armc1 as well as ush2ab1245 larvae as compared to strain- and age-matched wild-type larvae. In conclusion, this study shows that mutant ush2a zebrafish models present with early-onset retinal dysfunction that is exacerbated by light exposure. These models provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying USH2A-associated RP and a unique opportunity to evaluate future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Dona
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Lerner
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy Wegner
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Taylor Howat
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Theo Peters
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette Hetterschijt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nasrin Sorusch
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Muellerweg 6, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Muellerweg 6, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Neuhauss
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, CH - 8057, Switzerland
| | - Jingjing Zang
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, CH - 8057, Switzerland
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Retinal Signal Processing Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Physics, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monte Westerfield
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Jennifer Phillips
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Utilizing Zebrafish Visual Behaviors in Drug Screening for Retinal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061185. [PMID: 28574477 PMCID: PMC5486008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are a popular vertebrate model in drug discovery. They produce a large number of small and rapidly-developing embryos. These embryos display rich visual-behaviors that can be used to screen drugs for treating retinal degeneration (RD). RD comprises blinding diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, which affects 1 in 4000 people. This disease has no definitive cure, emphasizing an urgency to identify new drugs. In this review, we will discuss advantages, challenges, and research developments in using zebrafish behaviors to screen drugs in vivo. We will specifically discuss a visual-motor response that can potentially expedite discovery of new RD drugs.
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Rafaela Leão Soares P, Lucas Corrêa de Andrade A, Pinheiro Santos T, Caroline Barros Lucas da Silva S, Freitas da Silva J, Rodrigues Dos Santos A, Hugo Lima da Silva Souza E, Magliano da Cunha F, Wanderley Teixeira V, Sales Cadena MR, Bezerra de Sá F, Bezerra de Carvalho Júnior L, Gonçalves Cadena P. Acute and chronic toxicity of the benzoylurea pesticide, lufenuron, in the fish, Colossoma macropomum. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 161:412-421. [PMID: 27448754 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lufenuron is a benzoylurea insecticide that interfere in chitin synthesis in insects. Although lufenuron is widely used in agriculture and aquaculture, rare are studies described that relates to possible toxic effects in fish. This work aimed to evaluate acute and chronic toxic effects of benzoylurea pesticide (lufenuron) on biological parameters of Colossoma macropomum (Tambaqui). In the acute test, juveniles of Tambaqui were divided into control group and five experimental groups with exposure from 0.1 to 0.9 mg/L of lufenuron for 96 h. Animals were also submitted to chronic toxicity test for four months in concentrations of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/L of lufenuron, the concentration used in the treatment of ectoparasites in fish and 50% of LC50 96 h, respectively. The presence of hemorrhages was observed in eyes, fins and operculum of fish exposed to 0.7 and 0.9 mg/L of lufenuron. Histological analysis showed changes in the morphology of fish gills submitted to acute toxicity test, as lamellar aneurysm and blood congestion inside lamellae. Lufenuron promoted damage in fish retina as in ability to respond to stimuli in photoreceptors and in ON-bipolar cells in acute test. In chronic test, blood glucose analysis and morphometric parameters showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). In general, Tambaqui exhibited behaviors associated with stress when exposed to lufenuron. Thus, lufenuron showed several toxic effects in relation to biological parameters in Tambaqui. This concerns about the use and discard of lufenuron, and indicates the requirement of environmental actions to prevent potential contamination of aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Rafaela Leão Soares
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, 50780-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André Lucas Corrêa de Andrade
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Thamiris Pinheiro Santos
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Stephannie Caroline Barros Lucas da Silva
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Jadson Freitas da Silva
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Amanda Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Elton Hugo Lima da Silva Souza
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Franklin Magliano da Cunha
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Valéria Wanderley Teixeira
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Marilia Ribeiro Sales Cadena
- Unidade Acadêmica de Serra Talhada (UAST), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Avenida Gregório Ferraz Nogueira, s/n, 56909-535, Serra Talhada, PE, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Bezerra de Sá
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Bezerra de Carvalho Júnior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, 50780-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Pabyton Gonçalves Cadena
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, 52171-900, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, 50780-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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A Naturally-Derived Compound Schisandrin B Enhanced Light Sensation in the pde6c Zebrafish Model of Retinal Degeneration. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149663. [PMID: 26930483 PMCID: PMC4773124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is often progressive. This feature has provided a therapeutic window for intervention that may extend functional vision in patients. Even though this approach is feasible, few promising drug candidates are available. The scarcity of new drugs has motivated research to discover novel compounds through different sources. One such example is Schisandrin B (SchB), an active component isolated from the five-flavor fruit (Fructus Schisandrae) that is postulated in traditional Chinese medicines to exert prophylactic visual benefit. This SchB benefit was investigated in this study in pde6cw59, a zebrafish retinal-degeneration model. In this model, the pde6c gene (phosphodiesterase 6C, cGMP-specific, cone, alpha prime) carried a mutation which caused cone degeneration. This altered the local environment and caused the bystander rods to degenerate too. To test SchB on the pde6cw59 mutants, a treatment concentration was first determined that would not cause morphological defects, and would initiate known physiological response. Then, the mutants were treated with the optimized SchB concentration before the appearance of retinal degeneration at 3 days postfertilization (dpf). The light sensation of animals was evaluated at 6 dpf by the visual motor response (VMR), a visual startle that could be initiated by drastic light onset and offset. The results show that the VMR of pde6cw59 mutants towards light onset was enhanced by the SchB treatment, and that the initial phase of the enhancement was primarily mediated through the mutants’ eyes. Further immunostaining analysis indicates that the treatment specifically reduced the size of the abnormally large rods. These observations implicate an interesting hypothesis: that the morphologically-improved rods drive the observed VMR enhancement. Together, these investigations have identified a possible visual benefit of SchB on retinal degeneration, a benefit that can potentially be further developed to extend functional vision in patients.
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11
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Elgueta C, Vielma AH, Palacios AG, Schmachtenberg O. Acetylcholine induces GABA release onto rod bipolar cells through heteromeric nicotinic receptors expressed in A17 amacrine cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:6. [PMID: 25709566 PMCID: PMC4321611 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major retinal neurotransmitter that modulates visual processing through a large repertoire of cholinergic receptors expressed on different retinal cell types. ACh is released from starburst amacrine cells (SACs) under scotopic conditions, but its effects on cells of the rod pathway have not been investigated. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings in slices of rat retina, we found that ACh application triggers GABA release onto rod bipolar (RB) cells. GABA was released from A17 amacrine cells and activated postsynaptic GABAA and GABAC receptors in RB cells. The sensitivity of ACh-induced currents to nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) antagonists (TMPH ~ mecamylamine > erysodine > DhβE > MLA) together with the differential potency of specific agonists to mimic ACh responses (cytisine >> RJR2403 ~ choline), suggest that A17 cells express heteromeric nAChRs containing the β4 subunit. Activation of nAChRs induced GABA release after Ca(2+) accumulation in A17 cell dendrites and varicosities mediated by L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) and intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase depolarized A17 cells and increased spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in RB cells, indicating that endogenous ACh enhances GABAergic inhibition of RB cells. Moreover, injection of neostigmine or cytisine reduced the b-wave of the scotopic flash electroretinogram (ERG), suggesting that cholinergic modulation of GABA release controls RB cell activity in vivo. These results describe a novel regulatory mechanism of RB cell inhibition and complement our understanding of the neuromodulatory control of retinal signal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Elgueta
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile ; Systemic and Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology I, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alex H Vielma
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Adrian G Palacios
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
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12
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Chhetri J, Jacobson G, Gueven N. Zebrafish--on the move towards ophthalmological research. Eye (Lond) 2014; 28:367-80. [PMID: 24503724 PMCID: PMC3983641 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2014.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of people are affected by visual impairment and blindness globally, and the prevalence of vision loss is likely to increase as we are living longer. However, many ocular diseases remain poorly controlled due to lack of proper understanding of the pathogenesis and the corresponding lack of effective therapies. Consequently, there is a major need for animal models that closely mirror the human eye pathology and at the same time allow higher-throughput drug screening approaches. In this context, zebrafish as an animal model organism not only address these needs but can in many respects reflect the human situation better than the current rodent models. Over the past decade, zebrafish have become an established model to study a variety of human diseases and are more recently becoming a valuable tool for the study of human ophthalmological disorders. Many human ocular diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration have already been modelled in zebrafish. In addition, zebrafish have become an attractive model for pre-clinical drug toxicity testing and are now increasingly used by scientists worldwide for the discovery of novel treatment approaches. This review presents the advantages and uses of zebrafish for ophthalmological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chhetri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - G Jacobson
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - N Gueven
- School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Wasfy MM, Matsui JI, Miller J, Dowling JE, Perkins BD. myosin 7aa(-/-) mutant zebrafish show mild photoreceptor degeneration and reduced electroretinographic responses. Exp Eye Res 2014; 122:65-76. [PMID: 24698764 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in myosin VIIa (MYO7A) cause Usher Syndrome 1B (USH1B), a disease characterized by the combination of sensorineural hearing loss and visual impairment termed retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Although the shaker-1 mouse model of USH1B exists, only minor defects in the retina have been observed during its lifespan. Previous studies of the zebrafish mariner mutant, which also carries a mutation in myo7aa, revealed balance and hearing defects in the mutants but the retinal phenotype has not been described. We found elevated cell death in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of myo7aa(-/-) mutants. While myo7aa(-/-) mutants retained visual behaviors in the optokinetic reflex (OKR) assay, electroretinogram (ERG) recordings revealed a significant decrease in both a- and b-wave amplitudes in mutant animals, but not a change in ERG threshold sensitivity. Immunohistochemistry showed mislocalization of rod and blue cone opsins and reduced expression of rod-specific markers in the myo7aa(-/-) ONL, providing further evidence that the photoreceptor degeneration observed represents the initial stages of the RP. Further, constant light exposure resulted in widespread photoreceptor degeneration and the appearance of large holes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). No differences were observed in the retinomotor movements of the photoreceptors or in melanosome migration within the RPE, suggesting that myo7aa(-/-) does not function in these processes in teleosts. These results indicate that the zebrafish myo7aa(-/-) mutant is a useful animal model for the RP seen in humans with USH1B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan M Wasfy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jonathan I Matsui
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jessica Miller
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - John E Dowling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Brian D Perkins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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