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Luo C, Zhang Q, Zheng S, Wang D, Huang W, Huang Y, Shi X, Xie H, Wu K. Visual toxicity in zebrafish larvae following exposure to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), and isopropyl phenyl diphenyl phosphate (IPPP). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175131. [PMID: 39127212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
TPhP and IPPP, alternatives to PBDEs as flame retardants, have been studied for their developmental toxicity, but their visual toxicities are less understood. In this study, zebrafish larvae were exploited to evaluate the potential ocular impairments following exposure to BDE-47, TPhP, and IPPP. The results revealed a range of ocular abnormalities, including malformation, vascular issues within the eyes, and histopathological changes in the retina. Notably, the visually mediated behavioral changes were primarily observed in IPPP and TPhP, indicating that they caused more severe eye malformations and vision impairment than BDE-47. Molecular docking and MD simulations showed stronger binding affinity of TPhP and IPPP to RAR and RBP receptors. Elevated ROS and T3 levels induced by these compounds led to apoptosis in larvae eyes, and increased GABA levels induced by TPhP and IPPP hindered retinal repair. In summary, our results indicate TPhP and IPPP exhibit severer visual toxicity than BDE-47, affecting eye development and visually guided behaviors. The underlying mechanism involves disruptions in RA signaling, retinal neurotransmitters imbalance, thyroid hormones up-regulation, and apoptosis in larvae eyes. This work highlights novel insights into the need for cautious use of these flame retardants due to their potential biological hazards, thereby offering valuable guidance for their safer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congying Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Shukai Zheng
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Dinghui Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenlong Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanhong Huang
- Mental Health Center of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Shi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Camussi D, Naef V, Brogi L, Della Vecchia S, Marchese M, Nicoletti F, Santorelli FM, Licitra R. Delving into the Complexity of Valproate-Induced Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Use of Zebrafish Models. Cells 2024; 13:1349. [PMID: 39195239 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161349] [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: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition with several identified risk factors, both genetic and non-genetic. Among these, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been extensively associated with the development of the disorder. The zebrafish, a cost- and time-effective model, is useful for studying ASD features. Using validated VPA-induced ASD zebrafish models, we aimed to provide new insights into VPA exposure effects during embryonic development and to identify new potential biomarkers associated with ASD-like features. Dose-response analyses were performed in vivo to study larval phenotypes and mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, microglial cell status, and motor behaviour. Wild-type and transgenic Tg(mpeg1:EGFP) zebrafish were water-exposed to VPA doses (5 to 500 µM) from 6 to 120 h post-fertilisation (hpf). Embryos and larvae were monitored daily to assess survival and hatching rates, and numerous analyses and tests were conducted from 24 to 120 hpf. VPA doses higher than 50 µM worsened survival and hatching rates, while doses of 25 µM or more altered morphology, microglial status, and larval behaviours. VPA 50 µM also affected mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and neurogenesis-related genes, mitochondrial respiration, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. The study confirmed that VPA alters brain homeostasis, synaptic interconnections, and neurogenesis-related signalling pathways, contributing to ASD aetiopathogenesis. Further studies are essential to identify novel ASD biomarkers for developing new drug targets and tailored therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Camussi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Naef
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Brogi
- Bio@SNS, Department of Neurosciences, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Della Vecchia
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marchese
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCSS Neuromed, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Filippo M Santorelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosario Licitra
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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3
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Gölz L, Pannetier P, Fagundes T, Knörr S, Behnstedt L, Coordes S, Matthiessen P, Morthorst J, Vergauwen L, Knapen D, Holbech H, Braunbeck T, Baumann L. Development of the integrated fish endocrine disruptor test-Part B: Implementation of thyroid-related endpoints. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:830-845. [PMID: 37578010 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4828] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the vital role of thyroid hormones (THs) in vertebrate development, it is essential to identify chemicals that interfere with the TH system. Whereas, among nonmammalian laboratory animals, fish are the most frequently utilized test species in endocrine disruptor research, for example, in guidelines for the detection of effects on the sex hormone system, there is no test guideline (TG) using fish as models for thyroid-related effects; rather, amphibians are used. Therefore, the objective of the present project was to integrate thyroid-related endpoints for fish into a test protocol combining OECD TGs 229 (Fish Short-Term Reproduction Assay) and 234 (Fish Sexual Development Test). The resulting integrated Fish Endocrine Disruption Test (iFEDT) was designed as a comprehensive approach to covering sexual differentiation, early development, and reproduction and to identifying disruption not only of the sexual and/or reproductive system but also the TH system. Two 85-day exposure tests were performed using different well-studied endocrine disruptors: 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Whereas the companion Part A of this study presents the findings on effects by PTU and EE2 on endpoints established in existing TGs, the present Part B discusses effects on novel thyroid-related endpoints such as TH levels, thyroid follicle histopathology, and eye development. 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil induced a massive proliferation of thyroid follicles in any life stage, and histopathological changes in the eyes proved to be highly sensitive for TH system disruption especially in younger life stages. For measurement of THs, further methodological development is required. 17-α-Ethinylestradiol demonstrated not only the well-known disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, but also induced effects on thyroid follicles in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to higher EE2 concentrations, suggesting crosstalk between endocrine axes. The novel iFEDT has thus proven capable of simultaneously capturing endocrine disruption of both the steroid and thyroid endocrine systems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:830-845. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gölz
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannetier
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Site de Plouzané, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail, Plouzané, France
| | - Teresa Fagundes
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Knörr
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Behnstedt
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sara Coordes
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jane Morthorst
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Zebrafishlab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dries Knapen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Zebrafishlab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Henrik Holbech
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Baumann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Section Environmental Health & Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rodwell V, Patil M, Kuht HJ, Neuhauss SCF, Norton WHJ, Thomas MG. Zebrafish Optokinetic Reflex: Minimal Reporting Guidelines and Recommendations. BIOLOGY 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 38275725 PMCID: PMC10813647 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Optokinetic reflex (OKR) assays in zebrafish models are a valuable tool for studying a diverse range of ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Despite its increasing popularity in recent years, there are no clear reporting guidelines for the assay. Following reporting guidelines in research enhances reproducibility, reduces bias, and mitigates underreporting and poor methodologies in published works. To better understand optimal reporting standards for an OKR assay in zebrafish, we performed a systematic literature review exploring the animal, environmental, and technical factors that should be considered. Using search criteria from three online databases, a total of 109 research papers were selected for review. Multiple crucial factors were identified, including larval characteristics, sample size, fixing method, OKR set-up, distance of stimulus, detailed stimulus parameters, eye recording, and eye movement analysis. The outcome of the literature analysis highlighted the insufficient information provided in past research papers and the lack of a systematic way to present the parameters related to each of the experimental factors. To circumvent any future errors and champion robust transparent research, we have created the zebrafish optokinetic (ZOK) reflex minimal reporting guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Rodwell
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Manjiri Patil
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Helen J. Kuht
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - William H. J. Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mervyn G. Thomas
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
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Gómez Sánchez A, Colucci P, Moran A, Moya López A, Colligris B, Álvarez Y, Kennedy BN. Systemic treatment with cigarette smoke extract affects zebrafish visual behaviour, intraocular vasculature morphology and outer segment phagocytosis. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 3:48. [PMID: 38283058 PMCID: PMC10822043 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15491.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Cigarette smoking adversely affects multiple aspects of human health including eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eye disease. However, there remains a knowledge gap in how constituents of cigarette smoke affect vision and retinal biology. We used zebrafish to assess effects of short-term acute exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on visual behaviour and retinal biology. Methods Zebrafish larvae with a developed visual system at three days post-fertilization (dpf) were exposed to CSE for 4, 24 or 48 hours. Visual behaviour, hyaloid vasculature morphology, retinal histology, oxidative stress gene expression and outer segment phagocytosis were investigated using visual behavioural optokinetic and visual motor response assays (OKR and VMR), microscopy (light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy), and real-time PCR. Results In zebrafish larvae, 48 hours of CSE treatment resulted in significantly reduced visual behaviour. Larvae treated with 10, 15 or 20 μg/mL CSE showed an average of 13.7, 10.7 or 9.4 saccades per minute, respectively, significantly lower compared with 0.05% DMSO controls (p=0.0093, p=0.0004 and p<0.0001, respectively) that exhibited 19.7 saccades per minute. The diameter of intraocular vessels increased from 4.833 μm in 0.05% DMSO controls to 5.885 μm in the 20 μg/mL CSE-treated larvae (p=0.0333). Biometry analysis highlighted a significant axial length elongation in 20 μg/mL CSE-treated larvae (216.9 μm, p<0.0001) compared to 0.05% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) controls (205.1 μm). Larvae exposed to 20 μg/mL CSE had significantly (p=0.0002) higher numbers of RPE phagosomes compared to vehicle controls (0.1425 and 0.093 phagosomes/μm RPE, respectively). Conclusions Zebrafish larvae with a developed visual system display apparent defects in visual behaviour and retinal biology after acute exposure to CSE, establishing a valuable in vivo model to investigate ocular disorders related to cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gómez Sánchez
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrizia Colucci
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ailis Moran
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Alexandro Moya López
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Basilio Colligris
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Álvarez
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
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6
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Sarasamma S, Karim A, Orengo JP. Zebrafish Models of Rare Neurological Diseases like Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs): Advantages and Limitations. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1322. [PMID: 37887032 PMCID: PMC10604122 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a heterogeneous group of rare familial neurodegenerative disorders that share the key feature of cerebellar ataxia. Clinical heterogeneity, diverse gene mutations and complex neuropathology pose significant challenges for developing effective disease-modifying therapies in SCAs. Without a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved for each SCA, we cannot succeed in developing targeted therapies. Animal models are our best tool to address these issues and several have been generated to study the pathological conditions of SCAs. Among them, zebrafish (Danio rerio) models are emerging as a powerful tool for in vivo study of SCAs, as well as rapid drug screens. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in using zebrafish to study the pathology of SCAs. We will discuss recent advancements on how zebrafish models can further clarify underlying genetic, neuroanatomical, and behavioral pathogenic mechanisms of disease. We highlight their usefulness in rapid drug discovery and large screens. Finally, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of this in vivo model to develop tailored therapeutic strategies for SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeja Sarasamma
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Anwarul Karim
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James P. Orengo
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Colucci P, Giannaccini M, Baggiani M, Kennedy BN, Dente L, Raffa V, Gabellini C. Neuroprotective Nanoparticles Targeting the Retina: A Polymeric Platform for Ocular Drug Delivery Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1096. [PMID: 37111581 PMCID: PMC10144786 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye represents a major challenge to counteract vision loss. This work focuses on the development of a polymer-based nanocarrier, specifically designed for targeting the posterior eye. Polyacrylamide nanoparticles (ANPs) were synthesised and characterised, and their high binding efficiency was exploited to gain both ocular targeting and neuroprotective capabilities, through conjugation with peanut agglutinin (ANP:PNA) and neurotrophin nerve growth factor (ANP:PNA:NGF). The neuroprotective activity of ANP:PNA:NGF was assessed in an oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration model using the teleost zebrafish. Upon nanoformulation, NGF improved the visual function of zebrafish larvae after the intravitreal injection of hydrogen peroxide, accompanied by a reduction in the number of apoptotic cells in the retina. Additionally, ANP:PNA:NGF counteracted the impairment of visual behaviour in zebrafish larvae exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Collectively, these data suggest that our polymeric drug delivery system represents a promising strategy for implementing targeted treatment against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Colucci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Matteo Baggiani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luciana Dente
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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8
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A tapt1 knock-out zebrafish line with aberrant lens development and impaired vision models human early-onset cataract. Hum Genet 2023; 142:457-476. [PMID: 36697720 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02518-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Bi-allelic mutations in the gene coding for human trans-membrane anterior-posterior transformation protein 1 (TAPT1) result in a broad phenotypic spectrum, ranging from syndromic disease with severe skeletal and congenital abnormalities to isolated early-onset cataract. We present here the first patient with a frameshift mutation in the TAPT1 gene, resulting in both bilateral early-onset cataract and skeletal abnormalities, in addition to several dysmorphic features, in this way further expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated with TAPT1 mutations. A tapt1a/tapt1b double knock-out (KO) zebrafish model generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing revealed an early larval phenotype with eye malformations, loss of vision, increased photokinetics and hyperpigmentation, without visible skeletal involvement. Ultrastructural analysis of the eyes showed a smaller condensed lens, loss of integrity of the lens capsule with formation of a secondary lens and hyperplasia of the cells in the ganglion and inner plexiform layers of the retina. Transcriptomic analysis pointed to an impaired lens development with aberrant expression of many of the crystallin and other lens-specific genes. Furthermore, the phototransduction and visual perception pathways were found to be significantly disturbed. Differences in light perception are likely the cause of the increased dark photokinetics and generalized hyperpigmentation observed in this zebrafish model. In conclusion, this study validates TAPT1 as a new gene for early-onset cataract and sheds light on its ultrastructural and molecular characteristics.
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Titialii-Torres KF, Morris AC. Embryonic hyperglycemia perturbs the development of specific retinal cell types, including photoreceptors. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259187. [PMID: 34851372 PMCID: PMC8767273 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is linked to various long-term complications in adults, such as neuropathy, nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes poses additional risks for pregnant women, because glucose passes across the placenta, and excess maternal glucose can result in diabetic embryopathy. While many studies have examined the teratogenic effects of maternal diabetes on fetal heart development, little is known about the consequences of maternal hyperglycemia on the development of the embryonic retina. To address this question, we investigated retinal development in two models of embryonic hyperglycemia in zebrafish. Strikingly, we found that hyperglycemic larvae displayed a significant reduction in photoreceptors and horizontal cells, whereas other retinal neurons were not affected. We also observed reactive gliosis and abnormal optokinetic responses in hyperglycemic larvae. Further analysis revealed delayed retinal cell differentiation in hyperglycemic embryos that coincided with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results suggest that embryonic hyperglycemia causes abnormal retinal development via altered timing of cell differentiation and ROS production, which is accompanied by visual defects. Further studies using zebrafish models of hyperglycemia will allow us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla F. Titialii-Torres
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ann C. Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
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10
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Gölz L, Baumann L, Pannetier P, Braunbeck T, Knapen D, Vergauwen L. AOP Report: Thyroperoxidase Inhibition Leading to Altered Visual Function in Fish Via Altered Retinal Layer Structure. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2632-2648. [PMID: 35942927 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are involved in the regulation of many important physiological and developmental processes, including vertebrate eye development. Thyroid hormone system-disrupting chemicals (THSDCs) may have severe consequences, because proper functioning of the visual system is a key factor for survival in wildlife. However, the sequence of events leading from TH system disruption (THSD) to altered eye development in fish has not yet been fully described. The development of this adverse outcome pathway (AOP) was based on an intensive literature review of studies that focused on THSD and impacts on eye development, mainly in fish. In total, approximately 120 studies (up to the end of 2021) were used in the development of this AOP linking inhibition of the key enzyme for TH synthesis, thyroperoxidase (TPO), to effects on retinal layer structure and visual function in fish (AOP-Wiki, AOP 363). In a weight-of-evidence evaluation, the confidence levels were overall moderate, with ample studies showing the link between reduced TH levels and altered retinal layer structure. However, some uncertainties about the underlying mechanism(s) remain. Although the current weight-of-evidence evaluation is based on fish, the AOP is plausibly applicable to other vertebrate classes. Through the re-use of several building blocks, this AOP is connected to the AOPs leading from TPO and deiodinase inhibition to impaired swim bladder inflation in fish (AOPs 155-159), together forming an AOP network describing THSD in fish. This AOP network addresses the lack of thyroid-related endpoints in existing fish test guidelines for the evaluation of THSDCs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2632-2648. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gölz
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Research Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Baumann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Research Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannetier
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Research Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Research Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dries Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Zhao Y, Yang Q, Liu D, Liu T, Xing L. Neurotoxicity of nanoparticles: Insight from studies in zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113896. [PMID: 35870347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are widely used in industry and personal care, and they inevitably end up in people's bodies and the environment. The widespread use of nanoparticles has raised new concerns about their neurotoxicity, as nanoparticles can enter the nervous system by blood-brain barrier. In neurotoxicity testing, the zebrafish provides powerful tools to overcome the limitations of other models. This paper will provide a comprehensive review of the power of zebrafish in neurotoxicity tests and the neurotoxic effects of nanoparticles, including inorganic, organic, and metal-based nanoparticles, on zebrafish from different perspectives. Such information can be used to predict not only the effects of nanoparticles on other species exposed to the aquatic environment but also the neurotoxicity of nanoparticles in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products,Nantong University, Nantong, China; Department of Pharmacology, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiongxia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products,Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia.
| | - Lingyan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products,Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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12
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Magnuson JT, Qian L, McGruer V, Cheng V, Volz DC, Schlenk D. Relationship between miR-203a inhibition and oil-induced toxicity in early life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio). Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:373-381. [PMID: 35284238 PMCID: PMC8914477 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA, miR) by environmental stressors influences the transcription of mRNA which may impair organism development and/or lead to adverse physiological outcomes. Early studies evaluating the effects of oil on developmental toxicity in early life stages of fish showed that reductions in expression of miR-203a were associated with enhanced expression of downstream mRNAs that predicted altered eye development, cardiovascular disease, and improper fin development. To better understand the effects of miR-203a inhibition as an outcome of oil-induced toxicity in early life stage (ELS) fish, embryonic zebrafish were injected with an miR-203a inhibitor or treated with 3.5 µM phenanthrene (Phe) as a positive control for morphological alterations of cardiovascular and eye development caused by oil. Embryos treated with Phe had diminished levels of miR-203a at 7 and 72 h after injection. Embryos treated with the miR-203a inhibitor and Phe exhibited a reduced heart rate by 48 h post fertilization (hpf), with an increased incidence of developmental deformities (including pericardial edema, altered eye development, and spinal deformities) and reduced caudal fin length by 72 hpf. There were significant reductions in lens and eye diameters in 120 hpf miR-203a-inhibitor and Phe-treated fish, as well as a significantly reduced number of eye saccades, determined by an optokinetic response (OKR) behavioral assay. The expression of vegfa, which is an important activator during neovascularization, was significantly upregulated in embryos receiving miR-203a inhibitor injections by 7 and 72 hpf with increased trends in vegfa expression in 72 hpf larvae treated with Phe. There were decreasing trends in crx, neurod1, and pde6h expression by 72 hpf in miR-203a inhibitor and Phe treatments, which are involved in photoreceptor function in developing eyes and regulated by miR-203a. These results suggest that an inhibition of miR-203a in ELS fish exhibits an oil-induced toxic response that is consistent with Phe treatment and specifically impacts retinal, cardiac, and fin development in ELS fish. miR-203a inhibitor-injected zebrafish exhibited an oil-induced toxic response. Inhibition of miR-203a impaired retinal, cardiac, and fin development in zebrafish. miR-203a inhibition validated previously predicted transcriptomic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T. Magnuson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Le Qian
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Corresponding author at: College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Victoria McGruer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Vanessa Cheng
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - David C. Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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13
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Cohen A, Popowitz J, Delbridge-Perry M, Rowe CJ, Connaughton VP. The Role of Estrogen and Thyroid Hormones in Zebrafish Visual System Function. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837687. [PMID: 35295340 PMCID: PMC8918846 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual system development is a highly complex process involving coordination of environmental cues, cell pathways, and integration of functional circuits. Consequently, a change to any step, due to a mutation or chemical exposure, can lead to deleterious consequences. One class of chemicals known to have both overt and subtle effects on the visual system is endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs are environmental contaminants which alter hormonal signaling by either preventing compound synthesis or binding to postsynaptic receptors. Interestingly, recent work has identified neuronal and sensory systems, particularly vision, as targets for EDCs. In particular, estrogenic and thyroidogenic signaling have been identified as critical modulators of proper visual system development and function. Here, we summarize and review this work, from our lab and others, focusing on behavioral, physiological, and molecular data collected in zebrafish. We also discuss different exposure regimes used, including long-lasting effects of developmental exposure. Overall, zebrafish are a model of choice to examine the impact of EDCs and other compounds targeting estrogen and thyroid signaling and the consequences of exposure in visual system development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annastelle Cohen
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States
| | - Jeremy Popowitz
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States
| | | | - Cassie J. Rowe
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States,Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States
| | - Victoria P. Connaughton
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States,Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC, WA, United States,*Correspondence: Victoria P. Connaughton,
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14
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Gómez Sánchez A, Álvarez Y, Colligris B, Kennedy BN. Affordable and effective optokinetic response methods to assess visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in larval to juvenile zebrafish. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2022; 1:92. [PMID: 37645173 PMCID: PMC10446059 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13923.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The optokinetic response (OKR) is an effective behavioural assay to investigate functional vision in zebrafish. The rapid and widespread use of gene editing, drug screening and environmental modulation technologies has resulted in a broader need for visual neuroscience researchers to access affordable and more sensitive OKR, contrast sensitivity (CS) and visual acuity (VA) assays. Here, we demonstrate how 2D- and 3D-printed, striped patterns or drums coupled with a motorised base and microscope provide a simple, cost-effective but efficient means to assay OKR, CS and VA in larval-juvenile zebrafish. In wild-type, five days post-fertilisation (dpf) zebrafish, the 2D or 3D set-ups of 0.02 cycles per degree (cpd) (standard OKR stimulus) and 100% black-white contrast evoked equivalent responses of 24.2±3.9 or 21.8±3.9 saccades per minute, respectively. Furthermore, although the OKR number was significantly reduced compared to the 0.02 cpd drum (p<0.0001), 0.06 and 0.2 cpd drums elicited equivalent responses with both set-ups. Notably, standard OKRs varied with time of day; peak responses of 29.8±7 saccades per minute occurred in the early afternoon with significantly reduced responses occurring in the early morning or late afternoon (18.5±3 and 18.4±4.5 saccades per minute, respectively). A customised series of 2D printed drums enabled analysis of VA and CS in 5-21 dpf zebrafish. The saccadic frequency in VA assays was inversely proportional to age and spatial frequency and in CS assays was inversely proportional to age and directly proportional to contrast of the stimulus. OKR, VA and CS of zebrafish larvae can be efficiently measured using 2D- or 3D-printed striped drums. For data consistency the luminance of the OKR light source, the time of day when the analysis is performed, and the order of presentation of VA and CS drums must be considered. These simple methods allow effective and more sensitive analysis of functional vision in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gómez Sánchez
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Yolanda Álvarez
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Basilio Colligris
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
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15
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Abstract
Zebrafish behavioral assays are commonly used to identify and study environmental stressors that elicit adverse effects on neurobehavior. Behavioral assay platforms are available for multiple life stages (embryonic, juvenile, and adults) and are robust in detecting stressor-induced acute effects on neurodevelopment as well as long term deficits in sensory mechanisms, social behavior, learning, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Within this chapter, we present an overview of zebrafish behavioral assays that are commonly used to study environmental neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subham Dasgupta
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael T Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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16
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Carretero-Rodriguez L, Guðjónsdóttir R, Poparic I, Reilly ML, Chol M, Bianco IH, Chiapello M, Feret R, Deery MJ, Guthrie S. The Rac-GAP alpha2-Chimaerin Signals via CRMP2 and Stathmins in the Development of the Ocular Motor System. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6652-6672. [PMID: 34168008 PMCID: PMC8336708 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0983-19.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A precise sequence of axon guidance events is required for the development of the ocular motor system. Three cranial nerves grow toward, and connect with, six extraocular muscles in a stereotyped pattern, to control eye movements. The signaling protein alpha2-chimaerin (α2-CHN) plays a pivotal role in the formation of the ocular motor system; mutations in CHN1, encoding α2-CHN, cause the human eye movement disorder Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS). Our research has demonstrated that the manipulation of α2-chn signaling in the zebrafish embryo leads to ocular motor axon wiring defects, although the signaling cascades regulated by α2-chn remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that several cytoskeletal regulatory proteins-collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2; encoded by the gene dpysl2), stathmin1, and stathmin 2-bind to α2-CHN. dpysl2, stathmin1, and especially stathmin2 are expressed by ocular motor neurons. We find that the manipulation of dpysl2 and of stathmins in zebrafish larvae leads to defects in both the axon wiring of the ocular motor system and the optokinetic reflex, impairing horizontal eye movements. Knockdowns of these molecules in zebrafish larvae of either sex caused axon guidance phenotypes that included defasciculation and ectopic branching; in some cases, these phenotypes were reminiscent of DRS. chn1 knock-down phenotypes were rescued by the overexpression of CRMP2 and STMN1, suggesting that these proteins act in the same signaling pathway. These findings suggest that CRMP2 and stathmins signal downstream of α2-CHN to orchestrate ocular motor axon guidance and to control eye movements.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The precise control of eye movements is crucial for the life of vertebrate animals, including humans. In humans, this control depends on the arrangement of nerve wiring of the ocular motor system, composed of three nerves and six muscles, a system that is conserved across vertebrate phyla. Mutations in the protein alpha2-chimaerin have previously been shown to cause eye movement disorders (squint) and axon wiring defects in humans. Our recent work has unraveled how alpha2-chimaerin coordinates axon guidance of the ocular motor system in animal models. In this article, we demonstrate key roles for the proteins CRMP2 and stathmin 1/2 in the signaling pathway orchestrated by alpha2-chimaerin, potentially giving insight into the etiology of eye movement disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ivana Poparic
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mary Chol
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac H Bianco
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Chiapello
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, United Kingdom
| | - Renata Feret
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Michael J Deery
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Sarah Guthrie
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN7 9QG, United Kingdom
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17
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Chen J, Kong A, Shelton D, Dong H, Li J, Zhao F, Bai C, Huang K, Mo W, Chen S, Xu H, Tanguay RL, Dong Q. Early life stage transient aristolochic acid exposure induces behavioral hyperactivity but not nephrotoxicity in larval zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 238:105916. [PMID: 34303159 PMCID: PMC8881052 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AA) are nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids found in plants of the Aristolochiaceae family. Humans are exposed to AA by deliberately taking herbal medicines or unintentionally as a result of environmental contamination. AA is notorious for its nephrotoxicity, however, fewer studies explore potential neurotoxicity associated with AA exposure. The developing nervous system is vulnerable to xenobiotics, and pregnant women exposed to AA may put their fetuses at risk. In the present study, we used the embryonic zebrafish model to evaluate the developmental neurotoxicity associated with AA exposure. At non-teratogenic concentrations (≤ 4 µM), continuous AA exposure from 8 to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf) resulted in larval hyperactivity that was characterized by increased moving distance, elevated activity and faster swimming speeds in several behavioral assays. Further analysis revealed that 8-24 hpf is the most sensitive exposure window for AA-induced hyperactivity. AA exposures specifically increased motor neuron proliferation, increased apoptosis in the eye, and resulted in cellular oxidative stress. In addition, AA exposures increased larval eye size and perturbed the expression of vision genes. Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that AA is neurotoxic to the developmental zebrafish with a sensitive window distinct from its well-documented nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China..
| | - Aijun Kong
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Delia Shelton
- Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Haojia Dong
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Jiani Li
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Chenglian Bai
- Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Kaiyu Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Wen Mo
- Zhejiang rehabilitation medical center, Hangzhou 310051, PR China
| | - Shan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97333, United States
| | - Qiaoxiang Dong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China; Institute of Environmental Safety and Human Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China..
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18
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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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19
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Guo R, Li F, Lu M, Ge K, Gan L, Sheng D. LIM Homeobox 9 knockdown by morpholino does not affect zebrafish retinal development. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio.056382. [PMID: 33579692 PMCID: PMC7969587 DOI: 10.1242/bio.056382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
LIM homeobox 9 (Lhx9) is a member of the LIM homeodomain transcription factor family, which expresses and functions in various vertebrate tissues, such as the gonads and pineal gland. Previous studies on lhx9 in zebrafish have mainly focused on the brain. However, little is known about the expression pattern of lhx9 during embryogenesis. Here, we detected lhx9 expression in zebrafish embryos using whole-mount in situ hybridization and found lhx9 expressed in heart, pectoral fin, and retina during their development in zebrafish. We then detailed the expression of lhx9 in retinal development. To further investigate the function of Lhx9 in retinogenesis, we performed morpholino (MO) knockdown experiments and found that upon lhx9 knockdown by MO, larvae presented normal eye development, retinal neural development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and responses to light stimulus. We not only elaborated the expression pattern of lhx9 in zebrafish embryogenesis, but we also demonstrated that lhx9 knockdown by morpholino does not affect the zebrafish retinal development, and our study provides data for further understanding of the role of Lhx9 in zebrafish retinal development. Summary:lhx9 is expressed in the development of the zebrafish heart, pectoral fin, and retina, but lhx9 knockdown by morpholino does not affect zebrafish retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311100 Zhejiang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013 Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311100 Zhejiang, China
| | - Minxia Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311100 Zhejiang, China
| | - Kangkang Ge
- Hangzhou jingbai biotechnology Co, LTD., Hangzhou 310004 Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311100 Zhejiang, China .,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013 Zhejiang, China
| | - Donglai Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311100 Zhejiang, China
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20
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Qian L, Qi S, Wang Z, Magnuson JT, Volz DC, Schlenk D, Jiang J, Wang C. Environmentally relevant concentrations of boscalid exposure affects the neurobehavioral response of zebrafish by disrupting visual and nervous systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124083. [PMID: 33011634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Boscalid is a persistent fungicide that is frequently detected in surface waters and may be neurotoxic to aquatic organisms. Herein, we evaluated the effects of environmentally relevant boscalid concentrations to zebrafish to explore its potentially neurotoxic mechanisms of effect. Behavioral responses (swimming, phototaxis, and predation), histopathology, transcriptomics, biochemical parameter analysis and gene expression of larval and adult zebrafish following boscalid treatment were assessed. We found that boscalid significantly inhibited the locomotor ability and phototactic response of larvae after an 8-d exposure, and altered the locomotor activity, predation trajectories and ability in adults after a 21-d exposure. It was noted that predation rates of zebrafish were significantly decreased by 30% and 100% after exposure to 0.1 and 1.0 mg/L boscalid, respectively. Adverse alterations in the cell differentiation of eyes and brain injury were also observed in both larvae and adults following boscalid exposure. The expression of genes related to neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, eye development, and visual function, in conjunction with RNA-Seq results, indicated that boscalid may impair visual phototransduction and nervous system processes in larval zebrafish. Conclusively, boscalid exposure may affect the neurobehavioral response of zebrafish by impairing proper visual and nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Qian
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Suzhen Qi
- Risk Assessment Laboratory for Bee Products Quality and Safety of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Agricultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jiazhen Jiang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Chengju Wang
- College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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21
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LIM Homeobox 4 (lhx4) regulates retinal neural differentiation and visual function in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1977. [PMID: 33479361 PMCID: PMC7820405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81211-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
LIM homeobox 4 (LHX4) is expressed in the photoreceptors (PRs) of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and bipolar cells (BCs) of the inner nuclear layer (INL) in mouse and chicken retina. It regulates the subtype-specific development of rod BCs and cone BCs in the mouse retina. However, no report has been published on its expression and function in the zebrafish retina. In this study, we assessed the expression of Lhx4 using in situ hybridization (ISH) technique and explored its role in zebrafish (Danio rerio) retinal development via morpholino (MO) technology. We found that the expression of lhx4 in the zebrafish retina begins 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) and is continuously expressed in the ONL and INL. A zebrafish model constructed with lhx4 knockdown in the eyes through vivo-MO revealed that: lhx4 knockdown inhibits the differentiation of Parvalbumin+ amacrine cells (ACs) and Rhodopsin+ rod photoreceptors (RPs), enhances the expression of visual system homeobox 2 (vsx2); and damages the responses of zebrafish to light stimulus, without affecting the differentiation of OFF-BCs and rod BCs, and apoptosis in the retina. These findings reveal that lhx4 regulates neural differentiation in the retina and visual function during zebrafish embryonic development.
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22
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Noel NCL, MacDonald IM, Allison WT. Zebrafish Models of Photoreceptor Dysfunction and Degeneration. Biomolecules 2021; 11:78. [PMID: 33435268 PMCID: PMC7828047 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an instrumental system for the generation of photoreceptor degeneration models, which can be utilized to determine underlying causes of photoreceptor dysfunction and death, and for the analysis of potential therapeutic compounds, as well as the characterization of regenerative responses. We review the wealth of information from existing zebrafish models of photoreceptor disease, specifically as they relate to currently accepted taxonomic classes of human rod and cone disease. We also highlight that rich, detailed information can be derived from studying photoreceptor development, structure, and function, including behavioural assessments and in vivo imaging of zebrafish. Zebrafish models are available for a diversity of photoreceptor diseases, including cone dystrophies, which are challenging to recapitulate in nocturnal mammalian systems. Newly discovered models of photoreceptor disease and drusenoid deposit formation may not only provide important insights into pathogenesis of disease, but also potential therapeutic approaches. Zebrafish have already shown their use in providing pre-clinical data prior to testing genetic therapies in clinical trials, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy for Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. L. Noel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
| | - Ian M. MacDonald
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada
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23
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Paganotto Leandro L, Siqueira de Mello R, da Costa-Silva DG, Medina Nunes ME, Rubin Lopes A, Kemmerich Martins I, Posser T, Franco JL. Behavioral changes occur earlier than redox alterations in developing zebrafish exposed to Mancozeb. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115783. [PMID: 33065480 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As agriculture expands to provide food and wellbeing to the world's growing population, there is a simultaneous increasing concern about the use of agrochemicals, which can harm non-target organisms, mainly in the aquatic environment. The fungicide Mancozeb (MZ) has been used on a large-scale and is a potent inducer of oxidative stress. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of more sensitive biomarkers designed to earlier biomonitoring of this compound. Here we tested the hypothesis that behavioral changes induced by sublethal MZ concentrations would occur first as compared to biochemical oxidative stress markers. Embryos at 4 h post-fertilization (hpf) were exposed to Mancozeb at 5, 10 and 20 μg/L. Controls were kept in embryo water only. Behavioral and biochemical parameters were evaluated at 24, 28, 72, and 168 hpf after MZ exposure. The results showed that MZ significantly altered spontaneous movement, escape responses, swimming capacity, and exploratory behavior at all exposure times. However, changes in ROS steady-stead levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were observable only at 72 and 168 hpf. In conclusion, behavioral changes occurred earlier than biochemical alterations in zebrafish embryos exposed to MZ, highlighting the potential of behavioral biomarkers as sensitive tools for biomonitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Paganotto Leandro
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Renata Siqueira de Mello
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Dennis Guilherme da Costa-Silva
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Mauro Eugênio Medina Nunes
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Andressa Rubin Lopes
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Illana Kemmerich Martins
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Thaís Posser
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Luis Franco
- Oxidative Stress and Cell Signaling Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research - CIPBIOTEC, Campus São Gabriel, Federal University of Pampa, São Gabriel, RS, 97307-020, Brazil.
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24
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Recording Channelrhodopsin-Evoked Field Potentials and Startle Responses from Larval Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:201-220. [PMID: 32865747 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are an excellent model organism to study many aspects of vertebrate sensory encoding and behavior. Their escape responses begin with a C-shaped body bend followed by several swimming bouts away from the potentially threatening stimulus. This highly stereotyped motor behavior provides a model for studying startle reflexes and the neural circuitry underlying multisensory encoding and locomotion. Channelrhodopsin (ChR2) can be expressed in the lateral line and ear hair cells of zebrafish and can be excited in vivo to elicit these rapid forms of escape. Here we review our methods for studying transgenic ChR2-expressing zebrafish larvae, including screening for positive expression of ChR2 and recording field potentials and high-speed videos of optically evoked escape responses. We also highlight important features of the acquired data and provide a brief review of other zebrafish research that utilizes or has the potential to benefit from ChR2 and optogenetics.
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25
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Anneser L, Alcantara IC, Gemmer A, Mirkes K, Ryu S, Schuman EM. The neuropeptide Pth2 dynamically senses others via mechanosensation. Nature 2020; 588:653-657. [PMID: 33268890 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Species that depend on membership in social groups for survival exhibit changes in neuronal gene expression and behaviour when they face restricted social interactions or isolation1-3. Here we show that, across the lifespan of zebrafish (Danio rerio), social isolation specifically decreased the level of transcription of pth2, the gene that encodes the vertebrate-specific neuropeptide Pth2. However, 30 minutes of exposure to conspecifics was sufficient to initiate a significant rescue of pth2 transcript levels in previously isolated zebrafish. Transcription of pth2 exhibited bidirectional dynamics; following the acute isolation of socially reared fish, a rapid reduction in the levels of pth2 was observed. The expression of pth2 tracked not only the presence of other fish but also the density of the group. The sensory modality that controls the expression of pth2 was neither visual nor chemosensory in origin but instead was mechanical, induced by the movements of neighbouring fish. Chemical ablation of the mechanosensitive neuromast cells within the lateral line of fish prevented the rescue of pth2 levels that was induced by the social environment. In addition, mechanical perturbation of the water at frequencies similar to the movements of the zebrafish tail was sufficient to rescue the levels of pth2 in previously isolated fish. These data indicate a previously underappreciated role for the relatively unexplored neuropeptide Pth2 in both tracking and responding to the population density of the social environment of an animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Anneser
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ivan C Alcantara
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.,Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anja Gemmer
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Soojin Ryu
- Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Living Systems Institute, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Erin M Schuman
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt, Germany.
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26
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Cassar S, Dunn C, Ramos MF. Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Ocular Toxicity Testing: A Review of Ocular Anatomy and Functional Assays. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 49:438-454. [PMID: 33063651 DOI: 10.1177/0192623320964748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Xenobiotics make their way into organisms from diverse sources including diet, medication, and pollution. Our understanding of ocular toxicities from xenobiotics in humans, livestock, and wildlife is growing thanks to laboratory animal models. Anatomy and physiology are conserved among vertebrate eyes, and studies with common mammalian preclinical species (rodent, dog) can predict human ocular toxicity. However, since the eye is susceptible to toxicities that may not involve a histological correlate, and these species rely heavily on smell and hearing to navigate their world, discovering visual deficits can be challenging with traditional animal models. Alternative models capable of identifying functional impacts on vision and requiring minimal amounts of chemical are valuable assets to toxicology. Human and zebrafish eyes are anatomically and functionally similar, and it has been reported that several common human ocular toxicants cause comparable toxicity in zebrafish. Vision develops rapidly in zebrafish; the tiny larvae rely on visual cues as early as 4 days, and behavioral responses to those cues can be monitored in high-throughput fashion. This article describes the comparative anatomy of the zebrafish eye, the notable differences from the mammalian eye, and presents practical applications of this underutilized model for assessment of ocular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Cassar
- Preclinical Safety, 419726AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Dunn
- Preclinical Safety, 419726AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, IL, USA
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27
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Knüfer A, Diana G, Walsh GS, Clarke JD, Guthrie S. Cadherins regulate nuclear topography and function of developing ocular motor circuitry. eLife 2020; 9:56725. [PMID: 33001027 PMCID: PMC7599068 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate central nervous system, groups of functionally related neurons, including cranial motor neurons of the brainstem, are frequently organised as nuclei. The molecular mechanisms governing the emergence of nuclear topography and circuit function are poorly understood. Here we investigate the role of cadherin-mediated adhesion in the development of zebrafish ocular motor (sub)nuclei. We find that developing ocular motor (sub)nuclei differentially express classical cadherins. Perturbing cadherin function in these neurons results in distinct defects in neuronal positioning, including scattering of dorsal cells and defective contralateral migration of ventral subnuclei. In addition, we show that cadherin-mediated interactions between adjacent subnuclei are critical for subnucleus position. We also find that disrupting cadherin adhesivity in dorsal oculomotor neurons impairs the larval optokinetic reflex, suggesting that neuronal clustering is important for co-ordinating circuit function. Our findings reveal that cadherins regulate distinct aspects of cranial motor neuron positioning and establish subnuclear topography and motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athene Knüfer
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Diana
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory S Walsh
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
| | - Jonathan Dw Clarke
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Guthrie
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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28
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Her9/Hes4 is required for retinal photoreceptor development, maintenance, and survival. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11316. [PMID: 32647335 PMCID: PMC7347560 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate vertebrate photoreceptor specification and differentiation are complex, and our understanding of all the players is far from complete. Her9, the zebrafish ortholog of human HES4, is a basic helix-loop-helix-orange transcriptional repressor that regulates neurogenesis in several developmental contexts. We have previously shown that her9 is upregulated during chronic rod photoreceptor degeneration and regeneration in adult zebrafish, but little is known about the role of her9 during retinal development. To better understand the function of Her9 in the retina, we generated zebrafish her9 CRISPR mutants. Her9 homozygous mutants displayed striking retinal phenotypes, including decreased numbers of rods and red/green cones, whereas blue and UV cones were relatively unaffected. The reduction in rods and red/green cones correlated with defects in photoreceptor subtype lineage specification. The remaining rods and double cones displayed abnormal outer segments, and elevated levels of apoptosis. In addition to the photoreceptor defects, her9 mutants also possessed a reduced proliferative ciliary marginal zone, and decreased and disorganized Müller glia. Mutation of her9 was larval lethal, with no mutants surviving past 13 days post fertilization. Our results reveal a previously undescribed role for Her9/Hes4 in photoreceptor differentiation, maintenance, and survival.
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29
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Magnuson JT, Bautista NM, Lucero J, Lund AK, Xu EG, Schlenk D, Burggren WW, Roberts AP. Exposure to Crude Oil Induces Retinal Apoptosis and Impairs Visual Function in Fish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2843-2850. [PMID: 32036658 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in crude oil are known to impair visual development in fish. However, the underlying mechanism of PAH-induced toxicity to the visual system of fish is not understood. Embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio) at 4 h post fertilization were exposed to weathered crude oil and assessed for visual function using an optokinetic response, with subsequent samples taken for immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis. Cardiotoxicity was also assessed by measuring the heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output, as cardiac performance has been proposed to be a contributing factor to eye-associated malformations following oil exposure. Larvae exposed to the highest concentrations of crude oil (89.8 μg/L) exhibited an increased occurrence of bradycardia, though no changes in stroke volume or cardiac output were observed. However, genes important in eye development and phototransduction were downregulated in oil-exposed larvae, with an increased occurrence of cellular apoptosis, reduced neuronal connection, and reduced optokinetic behavioral response in zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Naim M Bautista
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - JoAnn Lucero
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Amie K Lund
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A0C5, Canada
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Warren W Burggren
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
| | - Aaron P Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, United States
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30
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Zhuang YY, Xiang L, Wen XR, Shen RJ, Zhao N, Zheng SS, Han RY, Qu J, Lu F, Jin ZB. Slc7a14 Is Indispensable in Zebrafish Retinas. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:333. [PMID: 31921845 PMCID: PMC6920099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous study has identified SLC7A14 as a new causative gene of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, the role of SLC7A14 has not been fully characterized. The goal of this study was to investigate the biological features of slc7a14 in zebrafish. To determine the expression of slc7a14 in developing zebrafish, we performed in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative real-time PCR. Morpholino knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to study the role of slc7a14 in zebrafish retinas. Immunostaining was carried out to observe structural changes. Visual motor responses (VMR) and optokinetic responses (OKR) were analyzed to assess visual behaviors. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (dUTP) nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to survey apoptotic retinal cells. We found that slc7a14 was highly expressed in neuronal tissues, including the brain, spinal cord and retina, and that the expression levels increased during early embryogenesis. Consistently, ISH showed a similar expression pattern. Knockdown of slc7a14 led to dose-dependent microphthalmia that was reversed by overexpression. The immunostaining results revealed that the rod-specific protein zpr-3 and the retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein zpr-2 (decreased to 44.48%) were significantly suppressed in the slc7a14-silenced morphants. Notably, visual behaviors (the VMR and the OKR) were severely impaired in the slc7a14-deficient morphant, especially the VMR OFF response. In addition, apoptotic cells were observed in the retina at 3 days post fertilization (dpf) and 5 dpf by TUNEL assay. Our results demonstrated that slc7a14 is essential for visually mediated behaviors in zebrafish. Temporary silencing of slc7a14 in larvae led to severe visual impairments, consistent with the manifestations observed in RP patients. Our findings provide further insights into the genetic mechanisms of RP predisposition caused by SLC7A14 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Yuan Zhuang
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lue Xiang
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin-Ran Wen
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Juan Shen
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Si-Si Zheng
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ru-Yi Han
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jia Qu
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Lu
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou, China
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31
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Cassar S, Adatto I, Freeman JL, Gamse JT, Iturria I, Lawrence C, Muriana A, Peterson RT, Van Cruchten S, Zon LI. Use of Zebrafish in Drug Discovery Toxicology. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 33:95-118. [PMID: 31625720 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unpredicted human safety events in clinical trials for new drugs are costly in terms of human health and money. The drug discovery industry attempts to minimize those events with diligent preclinical safety testing. Current standard practices are good at preventing toxic compounds from being tested in the clinic; however, false negative preclinical toxicity results are still a reality. Continual improvement must be pursued in the preclinical realm. Higher-quality therapies can be brought forward with more information about potential toxicities and associated mechanisms. The zebrafish model is a bridge between in vitro assays and mammalian in vivo studies. This model is powerful in its breadth of application and tractability for research. In the past two decades, our understanding of disease biology and drug toxicity has grown significantly owing to thousands of studies on this tiny vertebrate. This Review summarizes challenges and strengths of the model, discusses the 3Rs value that it can deliver, highlights translatable and untranslatable biology, and brings together reports from recent studies with zebrafish focusing on new drug discovery toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Cassar
- Preclinical Safety , AbbVie , North Chicago , Illinois 60064 , United States
| | - Isaac Adatto
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology , Harvard University , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02138 , United States
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Joshua T Gamse
- Drug Safety Evaluation , Bristol-Myers Squibb , New Brunswick , New Jersey 08901 , United States
| | | | - Christian Lawrence
- Aquatic Resources Program , Boston Children's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | | | - Randall T Peterson
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , Utah 84112 , United States
| | | | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department , Harvard University , Boston , Massachusetts 02138 , United States
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32
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Dehmelt FA, von Daranyi A, Leyden C, Arrenberg AB. Evoking and tracking zebrafish eye movement in multiple larvae with ZebEyeTrack. Nat Protoc 2019; 13:1539-1568. [PMID: 29988103 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-018-0002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Reliable measurement of spontaneous and evoked eye movement is critical for behavioral vision research. Zebrafish are increasingly used as a model organism for visual neural circuits, but ready-to-use eye-tracking solutions are scarce. Here, we present a protocol for automated real-time measurement of angular horizontal eye position in up to six immobilized larval fish using a custom-built LabVIEW-based software, ZebEyeTrack. We provide its customizable source code, as well as a streamlined and compiled version, ZebEyeTrack Light. The full version of ZebEyeTrack controls all required hardware and synchronizes six essential aspects of the experiment: (i) stimulus design; (ii) visual stimulation with moving bars; (ii) eye detection and tracking, as well as general motion detection; (iv) real-time analysis; (v) eye-position-dependent closed-loop event control; and (vi) recording of external event times. This includes optional integration with external hardware such as lasers and scanning microscopes. Once installation is complete, experiments, including stimulus design, can be completed in <10 min, and recordings can last anywhere between seconds and many hours. Results include digitized angular eye positions and hardware status, which can be used to compute tuning curves, optokinetic gain, and other custom data analysis. After the experiment, or based on existing videos, optokinetic response (OKR) performance can be analyzed semi-automatically via the graphical user interface, and results can be exported. ZebEyeTrack has been used successfully for psychophysics experiments, for optogenetic stimulation, and in combination with calcium imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian A Dehmelt
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adam von Daranyi
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Central Office System Administration, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claire Leyden
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aristides B Arrenberg
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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33
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Basnet RM, Zizioli D, Taweedet S, Finazzi D, Memo M. Zebrafish Larvae as a Behavioral Model in Neuropharmacology. Biomedicines 2019; 7:biomedicines7010023. [PMID: 30917585 PMCID: PMC6465999 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish larvae show a clear and distinct pattern of swimming in response to light and dark conditions, following the development of a swim bladder at 4 days post fertilization. This swimming behavior is increasingly employed in the screening of neuroactive drugs. The recent emergence of high-throughput techniques for the automatic tracking of zebrafish larvae has further allowed an objective and efficient way of finding subtle behavioral changes that could go unnoticed during manual observations. This review highlights the use of zebrafish larvae as a high-throughput behavioral model for the screening of neuroactive compounds. We describe, in brief, the behavior repertoire of zebrafish larvae. Then, we focus on the utilization of light-dark locomotion test in identifying and screening of neuroactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Manohar Basnet
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Somrat Taweedet
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Dario Finazzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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Knorr AG, Gravot CM, Gordy C, Glasauer S, Straka H. I spy with my little eye: a simple behavioral assay to test color sensitivity on digital displays. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio.035725. [PMID: 30127095 PMCID: PMC6215414 DOI: 10.1242/bio.035725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive and interactive virtual reality (VR) environments are becoming increasingly popular in the field of behavioral neuroscience. While the technique was originally developed for human observers, corresponding applications have been adopted for the research of visual-driven behavior and neural circuits in animals. RGB color reproduction using red, green and blue primary color pixels is generally calibrated for humans, questioning if the distinct parameters are also readily transferable to other species. In particular, a visual image in the RGB color space has a clearly defined contrast pattern for humans, but this may not necessarily be the case for other mammals or even non-mammalian species, thereby impairing any interpretation of color-related behavioral or neuronal results. Here, we present a simple method to estimate the sensitivity of animals to the three primary colors of digital display devices based on the performance of object motion-driven visuo-motor reflexes and demonstrate differences in the color sensitivity between Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl). This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We present a simple method to estimate an animals’ sensitivity to component colors of RGB images based on visuo-motor reflexes and demonstrate its applicability in Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Knorr
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Großhadern, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 19, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Céline M Gravot
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Clayton Gordy
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Stefan Glasauer
- Center for Sensorimotor Research, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Großhadern, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 19, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Computational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Universitätsplatz 1, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Hans Straka
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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35
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Mutation of IPO13 causes recessive ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-11. [PMID: 29700284 PMCID: PMC5938035 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is a developmental structural defect of the eye that often occurs as complex ocular anomalies. However, its genetic etiology remains largely unexplored. Here we report the identification of mutation (c.331C>T, p.R111C) in the IPO13 gene in a consanguineous family with ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract by a combination of whole-exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping. IPO13 encodes an importin-B family protein and has been proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of coloboma and microphthalmia. We found that Ipo13 was expressed in the cornea, sclera, lens, and retina in mice. Additionally, the mRNA expression level of Ipo13 decreased significantly in the patient compared with its expression in a healthy individual. Morpholino-oligonucleotide-induced knockdown of ipo13 in zebrafish caused dose-dependent microphthalmia and coloboma, which is highly similar to the ocular phenotypes in the patient. Moreover, both visual motor response and optokinetic response were impaired severely. Notably, these ocular phenotypes in ipo13-deficient zebrafish could be rescued remarkably by full-length ipo13 mRNA, suggesting that the phenotypes observed in zebrafish were due to insufficient ipo13 function. Altogether, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, a new role of IPO13 in eye morphogenesis and that loss of function of IPO13 could lead to ocular coloboma, microphthalmia, and cataract in humans and zebrafish. In-depth genomic analysis of the family of a young man with severe visual impairment reveals a new gene involved in eye development. Ocular coloboma encompasses various hereditary disorders in which the eyes form improperly. Many of the underlying genetic factors remain unidentified. Researchers led by Zi-Bing Jin at Wenzhou Medical University in China sequenced the genes of 28-year-old man with a recessive form of ocular coloboma. By comparing these genetic data against equivalent genome sequences from his healthy parents, Jin’s team identified a gene called IPO13 as the culprit. IPO13 has not been linked to human disease before, but the researchers demonstrated that switching off IPO13 expression in zebrafish embryos gave rise to underdeveloped eyes with defects in the iris and cornea. These findings give clinicians another potential indicator for early diagnosis of ocular coloboma.
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36
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Giannaccini M, Usai A, Chiellini F, Guadagni V, Andreazzoli M, Ori M, Pasqualetti M, Dente L, Raffa V. Neurotrophin-conjugated nanoparticles prevent retina damage induced by oxidative stress. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1255-1267. [PMID: 29098325 PMCID: PMC5843686 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2691-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies are characterized by a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), a cell layer located in the posterior eye segment. Several preclinical studies demonstrate that neurotrophins (NTs) prevent RGC loss. However, NTs are rarely investigated in the clinic due to various issues, such as difficulties in reaching the retina, the very short half-life of NTs, and the need for multiple injections. We demonstrate that NTs can be conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which act as smart drug carriers. This combines the advantages of the self-localization of the drug in the retina and drug protection from fast degradation. We tested the nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor by comparing the neuroprotection of free versus conjugated proteins in a model of RGC loss induced by oxidative stress. Histological data demonstrated that the conjugated proteins totally prevented RGC loss, in sharp contrast to the equivalent dose of free proteins, which had no effect. The overall data suggest that the nanoscale MNP-protein hybrid is an excellent tool in implementing ocular drug delivery strategies for neuroprotection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Usai
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Chiellini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Dente
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
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37
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Fernandes Y, Buckley DM, Eberhart JK. Diving into the world of alcohol teratogenesis: a review of zebrafish models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:88-97. [PMID: 28817785 PMCID: PMC7413215 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the entire suite of deleterious outcomes resulting from embryonic exposure to alcohol. Along with other reviews in this special issue, we provide insight into how animal models, specifically the zebrafish, have informed our understanding of FASD. We first provide a brief introduction to FASD. We discuss the zebrafish as a model organism and its strengths for alcohol research. We detail how zebrafish has been used to model some of the major defects present in FASD. These include behavioral defects, such as social behavior as well as learning and memory, and structural defects, disrupting organs such as the brain, sensory organs, heart, and craniofacial skeleton. We provide insights into how zebrafish research has aided in our understanding of the mechanisms of ethanol teratogenesis. We end by providing some relatively recent advances that zebrafish has provided in characterizing gene-ethanol interactions that may underlie FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohaan Fernandes
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
| | - Desire M Buckley
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
| | - Johann K Eberhart
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA
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38
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Knockout of zebrafish interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) by the CRISPR/Cas9 system delays retinal neurodevelopment. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:273. [PMID: 29449560 PMCID: PMC5833684 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0337-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 receptor (il7r), a transmembrane receptor, belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Il7r is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. Targeted knockdown of il7r leads to delayed myelination, highlighting the potential role of il7r in the development of the nervous system. Zebrafish is an ideal model for the study of neurogenesis; moreover, the il7r gene is highly conserved between zebrafish and human. The aim of the present study was to investigate the novel function of il7r in neurogenesis. First, an il7r−/− homozygous mutant line was generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology. Second, the gross development of il7r−/− mutants revealed remarkably smaller eyes and delayed retinal neurodifferentiation. Third, microarray analysis revealed that genes associated with the phototransduction signalling pathway were strongly down-regulated in il7r−/− mutants. Finally, the results from behavioural tests indicated that visual function was impaired in il7r−/− mutant larvae. Overall, our data demonstrate that a lack of il7r retards the development of the retina. Thus, il7r is an essential molecule for maintaining normal retinal development in zebrafish.
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39
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Zhou X, Cao CY, Wan ATY, Yue GGL, Kwok FHF, Fung KP, Sun H, Lau CBS, Puno PT, Tsui SKW. Functional roles of eriocalyxin B in zebrafish revealed by transcriptome analysis. Mol Omics 2018; 14:156-169. [PMID: 29676772 DOI: 10.1039/c7mo00125h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Eriocalyxin B (EriB) is a naturalent-kaurane diterpenoid obtained fromIsodon eriocalyxvar.laxiflora(family Lamiaceae), which exerted multiple biological activities (e.g.anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory)viathe alteration of gene expression and signaling transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunian Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Cyanne Ye Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Angel Tsz-Yau Wan
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Grace Gar-Lee Yue
- Institute of Chinese Medicine
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Frankie Hin-Fai Kwok
- Institute of Chinese Medicine
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Pui Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Handong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China
- Kunming Institute of Botany
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Kunming 650201
- China
| | - Clara Bik-San Lau
- Institute of Chinese Medicine
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Pema-Tenzin Puno
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China
- Kunming Institute of Botany
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Kunming 650201
- China
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40
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Legradi JB, Di Paolo C, Kraak MHS, van der Geest HG, Schymanski EL, Williams AJ, Dingemans MML, Massei R, Brack W, Cousin X, Begout ML, van der Oost R, Carion A, Suarez-Ulloa V, Silvestre F, Escher BI, Engwall M, Nilén G, Keiter SH, Pollet D, Waldmann P, Kienle C, Werner I, Haigis AC, Knapen D, Vergauwen L, Spehr M, Schulz W, Busch W, Leuthold D, Scholz S, vom Berg CM, Basu N, Murphy CA, Lampert A, Kuckelkorn J, Grummt T, Hollert H. An ecotoxicological view on neurotoxicity assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2018; 30:46. [PMID: 30595996 PMCID: PMC6292971 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-018-0173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The numbers of potential neurotoxicants in the environment are raising and pose a great risk for humans and the environment. Currently neurotoxicity assessment is mostly performed to predict and prevent harm to human populations. Despite all the efforts invested in the last years in developing novel in vitro or in silico test systems, in vivo tests with rodents are still the only accepted test for neurotoxicity risk assessment in Europe. Despite an increasing number of reports of species showing altered behaviour, neurotoxicity assessment for species in the environment is not required and therefore mostly not performed. Considering the increasing numbers of environmental contaminants with potential neurotoxic potential, eco-neurotoxicity should be also considered in risk assessment. In order to do so novel test systems are needed that can cope with species differences within ecosystems. In the field, online-biomonitoring systems using behavioural information could be used to detect neurotoxic effects and effect-directed analyses could be applied to identify the neurotoxicants causing the effect. Additionally, toxic pressure calculations in combination with mixture modelling could use environmental chemical monitoring data to predict adverse effects and prioritize pollutants for laboratory testing. Cheminformatics based on computational toxicological data from in vitro and in vivo studies could help to identify potential neurotoxicants. An array of in vitro assays covering different modes of action could be applied to screen compounds for neurotoxicity. The selection of in vitro assays could be guided by AOPs relevant for eco-neurotoxicity. In order to be able to perform risk assessment for eco-neurotoxicity, methods need to focus on the most sensitive species in an ecosystem. A test battery using species from different trophic levels might be the best approach. To implement eco-neurotoxicity assessment into European risk assessment, cheminformatics and in vitro screening tests could be used as first approach to identify eco-neurotoxic pollutants. In a second step, a small species test battery could be applied to assess the risks of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. B. Legradi
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Environment and Health, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C. Di Paolo
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - M. H. S. Kraak
- FAME-Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H. G. van der Geest
- FAME-Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. L. Schymanski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - A. J. Williams
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - M. M. L. Dingemans
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - R. Massei
- Department Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, Germany
| | - W. Brack
- Department Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, Germany
| | - X. Cousin
- Ifremer, UMR MARBEC, Laboratoire Adaptation et Adaptabilités des Animaux et des Systèmes, Route de Maguelone, 34250 Palavas-les-Flots, France
- INRA, UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Domaine de Vilvert, Batiment 231, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - M.-L. Begout
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, Place Gaby Coll, 17137 L’Houmeau, France
| | - R. van der Oost
- Department of Technology, Research and Engineering, Waternet Institute for the Urban Water Cycle, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Carion
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - V. Suarez-Ulloa
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - F. Silvestre
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - B. I. Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - M. Engwall
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - G. Nilén
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - S. H. Keiter
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - D. Pollet
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Stephanstrasse 7, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - P. Waldmann
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Stephanstrasse 7, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - C. Kienle
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology Eawag-EPFL, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - I. Werner
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology Eawag-EPFL, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - A.-C. Haigis
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - D. Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L. Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - M. Spehr
- Institute for Biology II, Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - W. Schulz
- Zweckverband Landeswasserversorgung, Langenau, Germany
| | - W. Busch
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - D. Leuthold
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S. Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - C. M. vom Berg
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, 8600 Switzerland
| | - N. Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - C. A. Murphy
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - A. Lampert
- Institute of Physiology (Neurophysiology), Aachen, Germany
| | - J. Kuckelkorn
- Section Toxicology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Heinrich-Heine-Str. 12, 08645 Bad Elster, Germany
| | - T. Grummt
- Section Toxicology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Heinrich-Heine-Str. 12, 08645 Bad Elster, Germany
| | - H. Hollert
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Zhang L, Zhang X, Zhang G, Pang CP, Leung YF, Zhang M, Zhong W. Expression profiling of the retina of pde6c, a zebrafish model of retinal degeneration. Sci Data 2017; 4:170182. [PMID: 29231925 PMCID: PMC5726315 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration often affects the whole retina even though the disease-causing gene is specifically expressed in the light-sensitive photoreceptors. The molecular basis of the retinal defect can potentially be determined by gene-expression profiling of the whole retina. In this study, we measured the gene-expression profile of retinas microdissected from a zebrafish pde6cw59 (pde6c) mutant. This retinal-degeneration model not only displays cone degeneration caused by a cone-specific mutation, but also other secondary cellular changes starting from 4 days postfertilization (dpf). To capture the underlying molecular changes, we subjected pde6c and wild-type (WT) retinas at 5 dpf/ 120 h postfertilization (hpf) to RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on the Illumina HiSeq 2,000 platform. We also validated the RNA-Seq results by Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) of seven phototransduction genes. Our analyses indicate that the RNA-Seq dataset was of high quality, and effectively captured the molecular changes in the whole pde6c retina. This dataset will facilitate the characterization of the molecular defects in the pde6c retina at the initial stage of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Xinlian Zhang
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, 101 Cedar St, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Gaonan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuk Fai Leung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, 610 Purdue Mall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wenxuan Zhong
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, 101 Cedar St, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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42
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Aose M, Linbo TH, Lawrence O, Senoo T, Raible DW, Clark JI. The occhiolino (occ) mutant Zebrafish, a model for development of the optical function in the biological lens. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:915-924. [PMID: 28422363 PMCID: PMC6800130 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish visual function depends on quality optics. An F3 screen for developmental mutations in the Zebrafish nervous system was conducted in wild-type (wt) AB Zebrafish exposed to 3 mM of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). RESULTS Mutant offspring, identified in an F3 screen, were characterized by a small pupil, resulting from retinal hypertrophy or hyperplasia and a small lens. Deficits in visual function made feeding difficult after hatching at approximately 5-6 days postfertilization (dpf). Special feeding conditions were necessary for survival of the occhiolino (occ) mutants after 6 dpf. Optokinetic response (OKR) tests measured defects in visual function in the occ mutant, although electroretinograms (ERGs) were normal in the mutant and wt. Consistent with the ERGs, histology found normal retinal structure in the occ mutant and wt Zebrafish. However, lens development was abnormal. Multiphoton imaging of the developmental stages of live embryos confirmed the formation of a secondary mass of lens cells in the developing eye of the mutant Zebrafish at 3-4 dpf, and laminin immunohistochemistry indicated the lens capsule was thin and disorganized in the mutant Zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS The occ Zebrafish is a novel disease model for visual defects associated with abnormal lens development. Developmental Dynamics 246:915-924, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamoto Aose
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tor H Linbo
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Owen Lawrence
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tadashi Senoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - David W Raible
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John I Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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A Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Mimetic Is Sufficient to Restore Cone Photoreceptor Visual Function in an Inherited Blindness Model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11320. [PMID: 28900183 PMCID: PMC5595969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Controversially, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are in clinical trial for the treatment of inherited retinal degeneration. Utilizing the zebrafish dyeucd6 model, we determined if treatment with HDACi can rescue cone photoreceptor-mediated visual function. dye exhibit defective visual behaviour and retinal morphology including ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) cell death and decreased photoreceptor outer segment (OS) length, as well as gross morphological defects including hypopigmentation and pericardial oedema. HDACi treatment of dye results in significantly improved optokinetic (OKR) (~43 fold, p < 0.001) and visualmotor (VMR) (~3 fold, p < 0.05) responses. HDACi treatment rescued gross morphological defects and reduced CMZ cell death by 80%. Proteomic analysis of dye eye extracts suggested BDNF-TrkB and Akt signaling as mediators of HDACi rescue in our dataset. Co-treatment with the TrkB antagonist ANA-12 blocked HDACi rescue of visual function and associated Akt phosphorylation. Notably, sole treatment with a BDNF mimetic, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone hydrate, significantly rescued dye visual function (~58 fold increase in OKR, p < 0.001, ~3 fold increase in VMR, p < 0.05). In summary, HDACi and a BDNF mimetic are sufficient to rescue retinal cell death and visual function in a vertebrate model of inherited blindness.
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HDAC6 inhibition by tubastatin A is protective against oxidative stress in a photoreceptor cell line and restores visual function in a zebrafish model of inherited blindness. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3028. [PMID: 29048427 PMCID: PMC5596594 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases, such as hereditary retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, are characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is considered as a stress surveillance factor and a potential target for neuroprotection and regeneration. Overexpression of HDAC6 has been connected to neurodegenerative disorders, and its suppression may provide protection. Here we show that HDAC6 is constitutively present in the mouse retina, and in the cone-like mouse cell line 661W. In 661W cells HDAC6 inhibition by the specific inhibitor tubastatin A (TST) led to the acetylation of α-tubulin, which is a major substrate for HDAC6. After oxidative stress, exerted by hydrogen peroxide, TST promoted cell survival and the upregulation of heat-shock proteins HSP70 and HSP25 by activation of heat-shock transcription factor 1. Furthermore, in response to oxidative stress the redox regulatory protein peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) was modulated in 661W cells by HDAC6 inhibition. The peroxide reducing activity of Prx1 is dependent on its acetylation, which is mediated by HDAC6. Pre-incubation with TST prevented the inactivation of Prx1 and its preserved activity may exert protective effects in photoreceptor cells. To determine whether TST treatment has a therapeutic effect on visual function, the dyeucd6 zebrafish model of inherited sight loss was utilized. Zebrafish have developed as a suitable model system for pharmacological testing. In vivo application of TST caused the hyperacetylation of α-tubulin, indicating that HDAC6 is active in this model. Furthermore, TST was sufficient to rescue visual function and retinal morphology. Hence, HDAC6 inhibition and the regulation of peroxiredoxin activity may play a significant role in protecting retinal cells and in particular photoreceptors, which are exposed to high levels of reactive oxygen species derived from oxidative stress-induced injuries.
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Matsubara H, Matsui Y, Miyata R, Nishimura Y, Yamamoto T, Tanaka T, Kondo M. New photic stimulating system with white light-emitting diodes to elicit electroretinograms from zebrafish larvae. Doc Ophthalmol 2017; 135:147-154. [PMID: 28756596 PMCID: PMC5606953 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-017-9602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The zebrafish is an established animal model commonly used in biological, neuroscience, and genetic research. We have developed a new light stimulating system using white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to elicit ERGs from zebrafish larvae. The purpose of this study was to record full-field ERGs and to evaluate the inter-trial reliability of the ERGs recorded with our system from zebrafish larvae. Methods The stimulating device used white LEDs that were attached to a stereomicroscope, and the location of the recording electrode on the cornea could be monitored while the eye was being stimulated. Full-field scotopic and photopic ERGs were recorded from larvae at the age of 5–7 days post-fertilization (dpf). Intensity–response curves were constructed from the ERGs. Inter-trial reliability of the ERGs recorded by our system was evaluated. Results This stimulating system could be used for efficient and reliable ERG recordings from 5–7 dpf larvae. The amplitudes, implicit times, and the waveforms of the scotopic and photopic ERGs were similar to those reported in earlier studies. Inter-trial reliability of the amplitudes of the photopic ERG b-waves was excellent with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.98. Conclusion We conclude that this new light stimulation system using white LEDs attached to a stereomicroscope will be helpful in recording reliable ERGs from zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Yoshitsugu Matsui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Ryohei Miyata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Yamamoto
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Toshio Tanaka
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
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46
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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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Homma N, Harada Y, Uchikawa T, Kamei Y, Fukamachi S. Protanopia (red color-blindness) in medaka: a simple system for producing color-blind fish and testing their spectral sensitivity. BMC Genet 2017; 18:10. [PMID: 28166717 PMCID: PMC5294709 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-017-0477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Color perception is important for fish to survive and reproduce in nature. Visual pigments in the retinal photoreceptor cells are responsible for receiving light stimuli, but the function of the pigments in vivo has not been directly investigated in many animals due to the lack of color-blind lines and appropriate color-perception tests. METHODS In this study, we established a system for producing color-blind fish and testing their spectral sensitivity. First, we disrupted long-wavelength-sensitive (LWS) opsins of medaka (Oryzias latipes) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to make red-color-blind lines. Single guide RNAs were designed using the consensus sequences between the paralogous LWSa and LWSb genes to simultaneously introduce double-frameshift mutations. Next, we developed a non-invasive and no-prior-learning test for spectral sensitivity by applying an optomotor response (OMR) test under an Okazaki Large Spectrograph (OLS), termed the O-O test. We constructed an electrical-rotary cylinder with black/white stripes, into which a glass aquarium containing one or more fish was placed under various monochromatic light conditions. The medaka were irradiated by the OLS every 10 nm, from wavelengths of 700 nm to 900 nm, and OMR was evaluated under each condition. RESULTS We confirmed that the lws - medaka were indeed insensitive to red light (protanopia). While the control fish responded to wavelengths of up to 830 nm (λ = 830 nm), the lws - mutants responded up to λ = 740 nm; however, this difference was not observed after adaptation to dark: both the control and lws - fish could respond up to λ = 820 ~ 830 nm. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the lws - mutants lost photopic red-cone vision, but retained scotopic rod vision. Considering that the peak absorption spectra (λmax) of medaka LWSs are about 560 nm, but the light-adapted control medaka could respond behaviorally to light at λ = 830 nm, red-cone vision could cover an unexpectedly wide range of wavelengths, and behavioral tests could be an effective way to measure spectral sensitivity. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 and O-O systems, the establishment of various other color-blind lines and assessment of their spectra sensitivity could be expected to proceed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Homma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Harada
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuhiro Kamei
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Aichi, Japan.,School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Aichi, Japan
| | - Shoji Fukamachi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Tokyo, Japan. .,Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Japan Women's University, Mejirodai 2-8-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8681, Japan.
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48
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Blanco-Sánchez B, Clément A, Phillips JB, Westerfield M. Zebrafish models of human eye and inner ear diseases. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 138:415-467. [PMID: 28129854 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eye and inner ear diseases are the most common sensory impairments that greatly impact quality of life. Zebrafish have been intensively employed to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying eye and inner ear development. The zebrafish visual and vestibulo-acoustic systems are very similar to these in humans, and although not yet mature, they are functional by 5days post-fertilization (dpf). In this chapter, we show how the zebrafish has significantly contributed to the field of biomedical research and how researchers, by establishing disease models and meticulously characterizing their phenotypes, have taken the first steps toward therapies. We review here models for (1) eye diseases, (2) ear diseases, and (3) syndromes affecting eye and/or ear. The use of new genome editing technologies and high-throughput screening systems should increase considerably the speed at which knowledge from zebrafish disease models is acquired, opening avenues for better diagnostics, treatments, and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Clément
- University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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George AA, Hayden S, Stanton GR, Brockerhoff SE. Arf6 and the 5'phosphatase of synaptojanin 1 regulate autophagy in cone photoreceptors. Bioessays 2016; 38 Suppl 1:S119-35. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201670913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. George
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
| | - Sara Hayden
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
| | - Gail R. Stanton
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
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50
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Houbrechts AM, Vergauwen L, Bagci E, Van Houcke J, Heijlen M, Kulemeka B, Hyde DR, Knapen D, Darras VM. Deiodinase knockdown affects zebrafish eye development at the level of gene expression, morphology and function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 424:81-93. [PMID: 26802877 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinal development in vertebrates relies extensively on thyroid hormones. Their local availability is tightly controlled by several regulators, including deiodinases (Ds). Here we used morpholino technology to explore the roles of Ds during eye development in zebrafish. Transcriptome analysis at 3 days post fertilization (dpf) revealed a pronounced effect of knockdown of both T4-activating Ds (D1D2MO) or knockdown of T3-inactivating D3 (D3bMO) on phototransduction and retinoid recycling. This was accompanied by morphological defects (studied from 1 to 7 dpf) including reduced eye size, disturbed retinal lamination and strong reduction in rods and all four cone types. Defects were more prominent and persistent in D3-deficient fish. Finally, D3-deficient zebrafish larvae had disrupted visual function at 4 dpf and were less sensitive to a light stimulus at 5 dpf. These data demonstrate the importance of TH-activating and -inactivating Ds for correct zebrafish eye development, and point to D3b as a central player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Houbrechts
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Enise Bagci
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Systemic Physiological & Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jolien Van Houcke
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjolein Heijlen
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bernard Kulemeka
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David R Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Dries Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Veerle M Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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