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di Domenico K, Lacchetti I, Cafiero G, Mancini A, Carere M, Mancini L. Reviewing the use of zebrafish for the detection of neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures through the analysis of behaviour. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142246. [PMID: 38710414 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142246] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The knowledge and assessment of mixtures of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment is a complex issue that is often challenging to address. In this review, we focused on the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate widely used in biomedical research, as a model for detecting the effects of chemical mixtures with a focus on behaviour. Our aim was to summarize the current status of the ecotoxicological research in this sector. Specifically, we limited our research to the period between January 2012 and September 2023, including only those works aimed at detecting neurotoxicity through behavioural endpoints, utilizing zebrafish at one or more developmental stages, from egg to adult. Additionally, we gathered the findings for every group of chemicals involved and summarised data from all the works we included. At the end of the screening process 101 papers were considered eligible for inclusion. Results show a growing interest in zebrafish at all life stages for this kind of research in the last decade. Also, a wide variety of different assays, involving different senses, was used in the works we surveyed, with exposures ranging from acute to chronic. In conclusion, the results of this study show the versatility of zebrafish as a model for the detection of mixture toxicity although, for what concerns behavioural analysis, the lack of standardisation of methods and endpoints might still be limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin di Domenico
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ines Lacchetti
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cafiero
- Environmental Risk Assessment, Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aurora Mancini
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Carere
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Ecohealth Unit, Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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2
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Coltogirone RA, Kuhn SL, Freeland SP, Bergeron SA. Fish in a Dish: Using Zebrafish in Authentic Science Research Experiences for Under-represented High School Students from West Virginia. Zebrafish 2024; 21:80-91. [PMID: 37449810 PMCID: PMC11035852 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2022.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Early research experiences positively affect students' interest in STEM careers, and develop practical science and critical thinking skills. However, outreach opportunities are not equally accessible for all students. In states like West Virginia, where many students live in rural Appalachian communities, opportunities for engaging in STEM experiences are limited. In addition, rural teachers may not be equipped to provide authentic research experiences for students due to lack of resources or support. For many students in West Virginia, the Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) is a major opportunity for STEM engagement. Since its inception in 1998, HSTA has spread to 26 of 55 counties in West Virginia. The program recruits first-generation, low-socioeconomic status, rurally living, and African American high school students who are under-represented in STEM fields. Our research laboratory partnered with HSTA to implement an innovative, hands-on research camp using zebrafish for students participating in their annual junior-level biomedical sciences summer camp. Our camp was held in-person and adapted to an online format during the Covid-19 pandemic. We used pre-post surveys in both camps to assess impacts on science confidence and to collect information about general perceptions of zebrafish, research, and STEM fields. We found that students participating in the in-person and online camps experienced similar overall gains in science confidence. We also identified strong interest in zebrafish, research, and STEM degrees among online students. Online students did not prefer virtual learning experiences; however, they still enjoyed our camp. We also surveyed high school teachers volunteering for HSTA to identify factors that would encourage use of zebrafish in classrooms. The most prominent needs include classroom supplies, experience, and funding. Our successful science-education partnership demonstrates that zebrafish research experiences foster positive outcomes for under-represented students, and can inform future outreach efforts and collaborations with teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Summer L. Kuhn
- Health Sciences Center & Health Sciences Technology Academy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Sean P. Freeland
- Health Sciences Center & Health Sciences Technology Academy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Sadie A. Bergeron
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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3
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Tsai JF, Wu TS, Yu FY, Liu BH. Neurotoxicity of mycotoxin citrinin: Novel evidence in developing zebrafish and underlying mechanisms in human neuron cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 171:113543. [PMID: 36460223 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Citrinin (CTN) is a mycotoxin that is found as a contaminant in various types of food/feed grains and fermented food supplements. Previous studies have already established the nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of CTN, but the neurotoxicity of CTN has not been clearly examined. In this study, CTN at 2-20 μM was first found to interfere with the neural ganglia formation and locomotive behavior of embryonic zebrafish, a vertebrate animal model, at 24 hpf and 6 dpf, respectively. Further exposure of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to 10 and 20 μM CTN for 72 h indicated that pathways responsible for neuron differentiation and projection guidance were down-regulated while oxidative stress and electron transport chain pathways were up-regulated based on the enrichment results of GSEA in the transcriptomic profiling. PCR analysis verified that CTN significantly down-regulated the expression of marker genes involved in neuron differentiation and synaptic signaling. CTN at the doses impairing cellular neurite outgrowth did not trigger mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction. The neurotoxic mechanisms of CTN provide new information that is valuable in the assessment of CTN-related health risk for the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Feng Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Shuan Wu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yih Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Biing-Hui Liu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Huang W, Xiao J, Shi X, Zheng S, Li H, Liu C, Wu K. Effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on behavior and dopamine signaling in zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 93:103885. [PMID: 35595013 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer, also known as a developmental toxicant, but its neurobehavioral toxicity remains elusive. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral toxicity and its possible mechanism in larval zebrafish. Embryos at gastrula period (~6 h post fertilization, hpf) were exposure to DEHP (0, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/L) for 7 days. Spontaneous tail movement in embryos and swimming activity in larvae were monitored. Alterations in the mRNA expression of genes involved in dopamine signaling and apoptosis pathway were assessed. In situ apoptotic cells were assessed by Acridine orange staining, and oxidative damage were measured using enzymatic assay. The behavior results showed that DEHP inhibited spontaneous tail movement and decreased locomotor activities in the light/dark behavioral test. Meanwhile, behavioral changes were accompanied by increased apoptosis and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and dopamine (DA) content, and perturbed the expression of genes associated with the synthesis (th), reuptake (dat) and metabolism (mao) of DA, with dopamine receptors (DRs), and with the apoptosis pathway (p53, bax, bcl2, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9). The findings will help to illuminate the possible neurobehavioral toxicity mechanisms of organism exposure to DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jiefeng Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Shi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shukai Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Haiyi Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, PR China
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Barnaby W, Dorman Barclay HE, Nagarkar A, Perkins M, Teicher G, Trapani JG, Downes GB. GABAA α subunit control of hyperactive behavior in developing zebrafish. Genetics 2022; 220:6519832. [PMID: 35106556 PMCID: PMC8982038 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors mediate rapid responses to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and are robust regulators of the brain and spinal cord neural networks that control locomotor behaviors, such as walking and swimming. In developing zebrafish, gross pharmacological blockade of these receptors causes hyperactive swimming, which is also a feature of many zebrafish epilepsy models. Although GABAA receptors are important to control locomotor behavior, the large number of subunits and homeostatic compensatory mechanisms have challenged efforts to determine subunit-selective roles. To address this issue, we mutated each of the 8 zebrafish GABAA α subunit genes individually and in pairs using a CRISPR-Cas9 somatic inactivation approach and, then, we examined the swimming behavior of the mutants at 2 developmental stages, 48 and 96 h postfertilization. We found that disrupting the expression of specific pairs of subunits resulted in different abnormalities in swimming behavior at 48 h postfertilization. Mutation of α4 and α5 selectively resulted in longer duration swimming episodes, mutations in α3 and α4 selectively caused excess, large-amplitude body flexions (C-bends), and mutation of α3 and α5 resulted in increases in both of these measures of hyperactivity. At 96 h postfertilization, hyperactive phenotypes were nearly absent, suggesting that homeostatic compensation was able to overcome the disruption of even multiple subunits. Taken together, our results identify subunit-selective roles for GABAA α3, α4, and α5 in regulating locomotion. Given that these subunits exhibit spatially restricted expression patterns, these results provide a foundation to identify neurons and GABAergic networks that control discrete aspects of locomotor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Barnaby
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Akanksha Nagarkar
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Gregory Teicher
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Josef G Trapani
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Gerald B Downes
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Corresponding author: Biology Department, Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, 611 North Pleasant St., Morrill Science Center, Building 4 North, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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6
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Xia M, Wang X, Xu J, Qian Q, Gao M, Wang H. Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate exposure to zebrafish causes neurodevelopmental toxicity and abnormal locomotor behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143694. [PMID: 33267995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The organophosphate flame retardant, tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), is ubiquitous in environmental matrices; however, there is a paucity of information concerning its systemic toxicity. Herein, we investigated the effects of TCPP exposure on zebrafish neurodevelopment and swimming behavior to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicity. Under TCPP gradient concentration exposure, the hatching rates were declined by up to 33.3% in 72 hpf, and the malformation rates increased from 15% to 50%. Meanwhile, TCPP led to abnormal behaviors including decreased locomotive activity in the dark and slow/insensitive responses to sound and light stimulation of larvae. TCPP caused excessive apoptosis and ROS accumulation in early embryonic development, with hair cell defects and structural deformity of neuromast. Abnormal expression of neurodevelopment (pax6a, nova1, sox11b, syn2a, foxo3a and robo2) and apoptosis-related genes (baxa, bcl2a and casp8) revealed molecular mechanisms regarding abnormal behavioral and phenotypic symptoms. Chronic TCPP exposure led to anxiety-like behavior and excessive panic, lower capacity for discrimination and risk avoidance, and conditioned place preference in adults. Social interaction tests demonstrated that long-term TCPP stress resulted in unsociable, eccentric, lonely and silent behaviors in adults. Zebrafish memory and cognitive function were severely reduced as concluded from T-maze tests. Potential mechanisms triggering behavioral abnormality were attributed to histopathological injury of diencephalon, abnormal changes in nerve-related genes at transcription and expression levels, and inhibited activity of AChE by TCPP stress. These findings provide an important reference for risk assessment and early warning to TCPP exposure, and offer insights for prevention/mitigation of pollutant-induced nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xia
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Qiuhui Qian
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Ming Gao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Huili Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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7
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Mignani L, Zizioli D, Borsani G, Monti E, Finazzi D. The Downregulation of c19orf12 Negatively Affects Neuronal and Musculature Development in Zebrafish Embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:596069. [PMID: 33425903 PMCID: PMC7785858 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.596069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial membrane Protein Associated Neurodegeneration (MPAN) is a rare genetic disorder due to mutations in C19orf12 gene. In most cases, the disorder is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and the main clinical features are progressive spastic para/tetraparesis, dystonia, motor axonal neuropathy, parkinsonisms, psychiatric symptoms, and optic atrophy. Besides iron accumulation in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra, the neuropathology shows features also observed in Parkinson’s Disease brains, such as α-synuclein-positive Lewy bodies and hyperphosphorylated tau. Mutations in the gene have been found in other neurodegenerative disorders, including PD, hereditary spastic paraplegia, pallido-pyramidal syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The biological function of C19orf12 gene is poorly defined. In humans, it codes for two protein isoforms: the longer one is present in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and contact regions between mitochondria and ER. Mutations in the gene appear to be linked to defects in mitochondrial activity, lipid metabolism and autophagy/mitophagy. To increase the available tools for the investigation of MPAN pathogenesis, we generated a new animal model in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish genome contains four co-orthologs of human C19orf12. One of them, located on chromosome 18, is expressed at higher levels at early stages of development. We downregulated its expression by microinjecting embryos with a specific ATG-blocking morpholino, and we analyzed embryonal development. Most embryos showed morphological defects such as unsettled brain morphology, with smaller head and eyes, reduced yolk extension, tilted and thinner tail. The severity of the defects progressively increased and all injected embryos died within 7 days post fertilization. Appropriate controls confirmed the specificity of the observed phenotype. Changes in the expression and distribution of neural markers documented a defective neuronal development, particularly evident in the eyes, the optic tectum, the midbrain-hindbrain boundary; Rohon Beard and dorsal root ganglia neurons were also affected. Phalloidin staining evidenced a significant perturbation of musculature formation that was associated with defective locomotor behavior. These data are consistent with the clinical features of MPAN and support the validity of the model to investigate the pathogenesis of the disease and evaluate molecules with potential therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Borsani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Finazzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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8
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White LED Light Exposure Inhibits the Development and Xanthophore Pigmentation of Zebrafish Embryo. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10810. [PMID: 31346212 PMCID: PMC6658701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm in all living organisms is disturbed continuously by artificial light sources and artificial lighting has become a hazard for public health. Circadian rhythm of melatonin maintains high levels of melatonin during the night and low levels during the day. N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, AANAT) is one of the four enzymes required for melatonin synthesis and mtnr1ba is a melatonin receptor-encoding mRNA that is expressed widely in the embryonic brain. Pax7 has important roles during neural crest development and especially xanthophore pigmentation. Due to its diurnal nature, zebrafish provide a special opportunity for research on circadian rhythms that are regulated by melatonin. Here in this study, we showed that when compared with the white light control group, white LED light exposure resulted in loss of yellow pigmentation, decreased body length and locomotor activity, oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and decreased expressions of aanat2, mtnr1ba, and pax7 in zebrafish embryos. Histological analysis of this group revealed disorganization of the spaces among photoreceptor cells, decreased total retinal thickness and photoreceptor cell layer thickness compared with the control group. Artificial lighting pollution has the potential to become an important risk factor for different diseases including cancer especially for industrialized countries, therefore, more studies should be performed and necessary regulations should be made regarding this risk factor.
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Al-Kandari H, Younes N, Al-Jamal O, Zakaria ZZ, Najjar H, Alserr F, Pintus G, Al-Asmakh MA, Abdullah AM, Nasrallah GK. Ecotoxicological Assessment of Thermally- and Hydrogen-Reduced Graphene Oxide/TiO₂ Photocatalytic Nanocomposites Using the Zebrafish Embryo Model. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E488. [PMID: 30925821 PMCID: PMC6523634 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have recently attracted great interest in water pollution management. Using the zebrafish embryo model, we investigated the environmental impacts of two thermally (RGOTi)- and hydrogen (H₂RGOTi)-reduced graphene oxide/TiO₂ semiconductor photocatalysts recently employed in AOPs. For this purpose, acutoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurobehavioral toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, and hatching rate were determinate. For the RGOTi, the no observed effect concentration (NOEC, mortality/teratogenicity score <20%) and the median lethal concentration (LC50) were <400 and 748.6 mg/L, respectively. H₂RGOTi showed a NOEC similar to RGOTi. However, no significant mortality was detected at all concentrations used in the acutoxicity assay (up to1000 mg/L), thus indicating a hypothetical LC50 higher than 1000 mg/L. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service Acute Toxicity Rating Scale, RGOTi can be classified as "practically not toxic" and H₂RGOTi as "relatively harmless". However, both nanocomposites should be used with caution at concentration higher than the NOEC (400 mg/L), in particular RGOTi, which significantly (i) caused pericardial and yolk sac edema; (ii) decreased the hatching rate, locomotion, and hematopoietic activities; and (iii) affected the heart rate. Indeed, the aforementioned teratogenic phenotypes were less devastating in H₂RGOTi-treated embryos, suggesting that the hydrogen-reduced graphene oxide/TiO₂ photocatalysts may be more ecofriendly than the thermally-reduced ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halema Al-Kandari
- Department of Health Environment, College of Health Sciences, PAAET, P.O. Box 1428, Faiha, Kuwait City 72853, Kuwait.
| | - Nadin Younes
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Ola Al-Jamal
- Biomedical Research Center, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Zain Z Zakaria
- Biomedical Research Center, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Huda Najjar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Farah Alserr
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Research Center, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Maha A Al-Asmakh
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Research Center, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Aboubakr M Abdullah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Doha, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Research Center, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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10
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Laboissonniere LA, Smith CL, Mesenbrink J, Chowdhury R, Burney A, Lang M, Sierra M, Stark A, Maldonado-Casalduc G, Muller M, Trimarchi JM. ALS-associated genes display CNS expression in the developing zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2018; 30:14-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Younes N, Salem R, Al-Asmakh M, Altamash T, Pintus G, Khraisheh M, Nasrallah GK. Toxicity evaluation of selected ionic liquid compounds on embryonic development of Zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 161:17-24. [PMID: 29857229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydrate formation in seafloor pipelines is considered an economic and flow assurance issue for the oil and gas industries. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been recently used as potential hydrate inhibitors. Although branded as green compounds, their ecotoxicity in case of leakage from pipelines onto the aquatic environment needs more deep evaluations. Here, we investigate the impacts of three ILs previously used as successful thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors namely choline chloride (ChC1), 1-methyl-1-propyl pyrrolidinium triflate (PMPy [triflate]) and tetra-methyl ammonium acetate (TMAA). Mortality (including LC50), teratogenicity, locomotion and neurotoxicity, and hatching rate were utilized to investigate any potential acute toxicity of these ILs on embryonic development of zebrafish. No significant mortality or teratogenic effects were found for all tested compounds in a concentration range between 50 and 200 mg/L. The LC50 was significantly higher than the tested dose >200 mg/L. While, up to 200 mg/L all compound had no impact on the survival rate, ChCl showed a significant effect on neuromuscular development as judged by the increase of spontaneous tail coiling activity (25 VS 4 burst/ minutes of the negative control-treated embryos). Further, apart from PMPy [triflate], ChC1 and TMAA had a significant adverse effect on the hatching rate of the treated embryos at concentrations of 200 mg/L. However, this effect was very mild at lower concentrations (≤100 mg/L). Our data indicate that within the tested concentrations both TMAA and PMPy [triflate] had no or little potential harmful effect on embryonic development of aquatic fauna "green", while ChC1 should be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin Younes
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Women's Science building, C01, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Rola Salem
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Women's Science building, C01, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Maha Al-Asmakh
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Women's Science building, C01, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tausif Altamash
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Women's Science building, C01, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Majeda Khraisheh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Women's Science building, C01, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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12
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Overexpression of Human Mutant PANK2 Proteins Affects Development and Motor Behavior of Zebrafish Embryos. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 21:120-131. [PMID: 30141000 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a genetic and early-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by iron accumulation in the basal ganglia. It is due to mutations in Pantothenate Kinase 2 (PANK2), an enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of vitamin B5, first and essential step in coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. Most likely, an unbalance of the neuronal levels of this important cofactor represents the initial trigger of the neurodegenerative process, yet a complete understanding of the connection between PANK2 malfunctioning and neuronal death is lacking. Most PKAN patients carry mutations in both alleles and a loss of function mechanism is proposed to explain the pathology. When PANK2 mutants were analyzed for stability, dimerization capacity, and enzymatic activity in vitro, many of them showed properties like the wild-type form. To further explore this aspect, we overexpressed the wild-type protein, two mutant forms with reduced kinase activity and two retaining the catalytic activity in zebrafish embryos and analyzed the morpho-functional consequences. While the wild-type protein had no effects, all mutant proteins generated phenotypes that partially resembled those observed in pank2 and coasy morphants and were rescued by CoA and vitamin B5 supplementation. The overexpression of PANK2 mutant forms appears to be associated with perturbation in CoA availability, irrespective of their catalytic activity.
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13
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Wang F, Fang M, Hinton DE, Chernick M, Jia S, Zhang Y, Xie L, Dong W, Dong W. Increased coiling frequency linked to apoptosis in the brain and altered thyroid signaling in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) exposed to the PBDE metabolite 6-OH-BDE-47. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:342-350. [PMID: 29421749 PMCID: PMC7006228 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of brominated flame retardants that are ubiquitously detected in the environment and associated with adverse health outcomes. 6-OH-BDE-47 is a metabolite of the flame retardant, 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), and there is increasing concern regarding its developmental neurotoxicity and endocrine disrupting properties. In this study, we report that early life exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to 6-OH-BDE-47 (50 and 100 nM) resulted in higher coiling frequency and significantly increased apoptotic cells in the brain. These effects were partially rescued by overexpression of thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) mRNA. Moreover, exposure to 100 nM 6-OH-BDE-47 significantly reduced the number of hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)-immunoreactive (5-HT-ir) neurons and the mRNA expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2). These results indicate that 6-OH-BDE-47 affected thyroid hormone regulation through THRβ and negatively impacted the nervous system, in turn, affecting coiling behavior. Correlations of these endpoints suggest that coiling frequency could be used as an indicator of neurotoxicity in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Collage of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - David E Hinton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Melissa Chernick
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Shenglan Jia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yingdan Zhang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Lingtian Xie
- The Environmental Research Institute, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Wenjing Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Collage of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Wu Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, Collage of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
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14
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Liu J, Sun L, Zhang H, Shi M, Dahlgren RA, Wang X, Wang H. Response mechanisms to joint exposure of triclosan and its chlorinated derivatives on zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavior. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:820-832. [PMID: 29874755 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) frequently co-exist in real-world aquatic environments; the latter two contaminants contributing to TCS photolytic products or chlorinated derivatives. There is a paucity of information regarding their joint toxicity to aquatic organisms leading us to study their effects on the swimming behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Herein, we reported that 0.28 mg/L TDT exposure (mixtures of TCS, 2,4,6-TCP and 2,4-DCP) enhanced 24-hpf embryonic spontaneous movement frequency, 96-hpf larval activity; however, the 0.56 and 1.12 mg/L TDT treatments decreased all of these behavioral endpoints. All adult behavioral tests demonstrated that chronic TDT exposure (0.14 mg/L) led to hyperactivity and restlessness in adult zebrafish. A 0.14 mg/L TD DATE /@ "M/d/yyyy" 11/21/2017T treatment led to anxiety-like behavior in a bottom dwelling test and excessive panic and low hedging capacity in a conditioned place preference test. Social interaction test demonstrated that zebrafish preferred quiet and isolated space in response to TDT stress. Zebrafish memory was significantly decreased in a T-maze experiment. Whole mount in situ hybridization of pax2a and bcl2l11 genes revealed that their differential expression in the brain and skeleton were related to the corresponding phenotypic behavioral abnormality. A series of biomarker and estrogen receptor assays demonstrated that TDT acute exposure caused abnormal energy metabolism and neurological diseases. AO staining revealed that TDT exposure produced vascular ablation in the head, as well as the occurrence of massive apoptosis in the brain. TEM observation showed pyknosis of nucleus following TDT exposure. These results allow assessment of mechanisms for zebrafish abnormal behavior in response to TDT exposure, and are useful for early intervention and gene therapy of contaminant-induced diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Limei Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Mengru Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Randy A Dahlgren
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xuedong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
| | - Huili Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China.
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15
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Ateş PS, Ünal İ, Üstündağ ÜV, Alturfan AA, Yiğitbaşı T, Emekli-Alturfan E. Methylparaben induces malformations and alterations on apoptosis, oxidant-antioxidant status, ccnd1
and myca
expressions in zebrafish embryos. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 32:e22036. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Perihan Seda Ateş
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Marmara University; Maltepe Istanbul Turkey
| | - İsmail Ünal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Marmara University; Maltepe Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ünsal Veli Üstündağ
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Medipol University; Kavacık Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ata Alturfan
- Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty; Istanbul University; Istanbul Turkey
| | - Türkan Yiğitbaşı
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Medipol University; Kavacık Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ebru Emekli-Alturfan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Dentistry; Marmara University; Maltepe Istanbul Turkey
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16
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Ramlan NF, Sata NSAM, Hassan SN, Bakar NA, Ahmad S, Zulkifli SZ, Abdullah CAC, Ibrahim WNW. Time dependent effect of chronic embryonic exposure to ethanol on zebrafish: Morphology, biochemical and anxiety alterations. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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17
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Zebrafish Embryo as an In Vivo Model for Behavioral and Pharmacological Characterization of Methylxanthine Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030596. [PMID: 28282918 PMCID: PMC5372612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish embryo is emerging as an important tool for behavior analysis as well as toxicity testing. In this study, we compared the effect of nine different methylxanthine drugs using zebrafish embryo as a model. We performed behavioral analysis, biochemical assay and Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) test in zebrafish embryos after treatment with methylxanthines. Each drug appeared to behave in different ways and showed a distinct pattern of results. Embryos treated with seven out of nine methylxanthines exhibited epileptic-like pattern of movements, the severity of which varied with drugs and doses used. Cyclic AMP measurement showed that, despite of a significant increase in cAMP with some compounds, it was unrelated to the observed movement behavior changes. FET test showed a different pattern of toxicity with different methylxanthines. Each drug could be distinguished from the other based on its effect on mortality, morphological defects and teratogenic effects. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between the toxic doses (TC50) calculated in zebrafish embryos and lethal doses (LD50) in rodents obtained from TOXNET database. Taken together, all these findings elucidate the potentiality of zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model for behavioral and toxicity testing of methylxanthines and other related compounds.
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18
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Shih YH, Dvornikov AV, Zhu P, Ma X, Kim M, Ding Y, Xu X. Exon- and contraction-dependent functions of titin in sarcomere assembly. Development 2016; 143:4713-4722. [PMID: 27836965 DOI: 10.1242/dev.139246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Titin-truncating variants (TTNtvs) are the major cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); however, allelic heterogeneity (TTNtvs in different exons) results in variable phenotypes, and remains a major hurdle for disease diagnosis and therapy. Here, we generated a panel of ttn mutants in zebrafish. Four single deletion mutants in ttn.2 or ttn.1 resulted in four phenotypes and three double ttn.2/ttn.1 mutants exhibited more severe phenotypes in somites. Protein analysis identified ttnxu071 as a near-null mutant and the other six mutants as hypomorphic alleles. Studies of ttnxu071 uncovered a function of titin in guiding the assembly of nascent myofibrils from premyofibrils. By contrast, sarcomeres were assembled in the hypomorphic ttn mutants but either became susceptible to biomechanical stresses such as contraction or degenerated during development. Further genetic studies indicated that the exon usage hypothesis, but not the toxic peptide or the Cronos hypothesis, could account for these exon-dependent effects. In conclusion, we modeled TTNtv allelic heterogeneity during development and paved the way for future studies to decipher allelic heterogeneity in adult DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Huan Shih
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Alexey V Dvornikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Maengjo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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19
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Monesson-Olson BD, Troconis EL, Trapani JG. Recording field potentials from zebrafish larvae during escape responses. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 13:A52-A58. [PMID: 25565920 PMCID: PMC4281049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Among vertebrates, startle responses are a ubiquitous method for alerting, and avoiding or escaping from alarming or dangerous stimuli. In zebrafish larvae, fast escape behavior is easily evoked through either acoustic or tactile stimuli. For example, a light touch to the head will excite trigeminal neurons that in turn excite a large reticulospinal neuron in the hindbrain called the Mauthner cell (M-cell). The M-cell action potential then travels down the contralateral trunk of the larva exciting motoneurons, which subsequently excite the entire axial musculature, producing a large amplitude body bend away from the source of the stimulus. This body conformation is known as the "C-bend" due to the shape of the larva during the behavior. As a result of the semi-synchronized activation of the M-cell, the population of motor neurons, and the axial trunk muscles, a large field potential is generated and can be recorded from free-swimming or fixed-position larvae. Undergraduate laboratories that record field potentials during escape responses in larval zebrafish are relatively simple to setup and allow students to observe and study the escape reflex circuit. Furthermore, by testing hypotheses, analyzing data and writing journal-style laboratory reports, students have multiple opportunities to learn about many neuroscience topics including vertebrate reflexes; sensory transduction; synaptic-, neuro-, and muscle-physiology; the M-cell mediated escape response; and the zebrafish as a model organism. Here, we detail the equipment, software, and recording setup necessary to observe field potentials in an undergraduate teaching lab. Additionally, we discuss potential advanced laboratory exercises and pedagogical outcomes. Finally, we note possible low-cost alternatives for recording field potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josef G. Trapani
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Josef G. Trapani, Biology Department, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002.
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20
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Tomasiewicz HG, Hesselbach R, Carvan MJ, Goldberg B, Berg CA, Petering DH. Zebrafish as a model system for environmental health studies in the grade 9-12 classroom. Zebrafish 2014; 11:384-95. [PMID: 24941301 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2013.0881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing zebrafish embryos were used as a model system for high school students to conduct scientific investigations that reveal features of normal development and to test how different environmental toxicants impact the developmental process. The primary goal of the module was to engage students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, with particular focus on underserved inner-city high schools, in inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation. In addition, the module served as a platform for both teachers and students to design additional inquiry-based experiments. In this module, students spawned adult zebrafish to generate developing embryos, exposed the embryos to various toxicants, then gathered, and analyzed data obtained from control and experimental embryos. The module provided a flexible, experimental framework for students to test the effects of numerous environmental toxicants, such as ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine, on the development of a model vertebrate organism. Students also observed the effects of dose on experimental outcomes. From observations of the effects of the chemical agents on vertebrate embryos, students drew conclusions on how these chemicals could impact human development and health. Results of pre-tests and post-tests completed by participating students indicate statistically significant changes in awareness of the impact of environmental agents on fish and human beings In addition, the program's evaluator concluded that participation in the module resulted in significant changes in the attitude of students and teachers toward science in general and environmental health in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Tomasiewicz
- 1 Children's Environmental Health Sciences Core Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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21
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Li WC, Wagner M, Porter NJ. Behavioral observation of Xenopus tadpole swimming for neuroscience labs. JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 12:A107-A113. [PMID: 24693257 PMCID: PMC3970992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscience labs benefit from reliable, easily-monitored neural responses mediated by well-studied neural pathways. Xenopus laevis tadpoles have been used as a simple vertebrate model preparation in motor control studies. Most of the neuronal pathways underlying different aspects of tadpole swimming behavior have been revealed. These include the skin mechanosensory touch and pineal eye light-sensing pathways whose activation can initiate swimming, and the cement gland pressure-sensing pathway responsible for stopping swimming. A simple transection in the hindbrain can cut off the pineal eye and cement gland pathways from the swimming circuit in the spinal cord, resulting in losses of corresponding functions. Additionally, some pharmacological experiments targeting neurotransmission can be designed to affect swimming and, fluorescence-conjugated α-bungarotoxin can be used to label nicotinic receptors at neuromuscular junctions. These experiments can be readily adapted for undergraduate neuroscience teaching labs. Possible expansions of some experiments for more sophisticated pharmacological or neurophysiological labs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chang Li
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Wen-Chang Li, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, the University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TS, UK.
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22
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Abstract
Long QT 7 syndrome (LQT7, also known as Andersen-Tawil syndrome) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder that causes cardiac arrhythmias, periodic paralysis, and dysmorphic features. Mutations in the human KCNJ2 gene, which encodes for the subunit of the potassium inwardly-rectifying channel (IK1), have been associated with the disorder. The majority of mutations are considered to be dominant-negative as mutant proteins interact to limit the function of wild type KCNJ2 proteins. Several LQT7 syndrome mouse models have been created that vary in the physiological similarity to the human disease. To complement the LQT7 mouse models, we investigated the usefulness of the zebrafish as an alternative model via a transient approach. Initial bioinformatic analysis identified the zebrafish orthologue of the human KCNJ2 gene, together with a spatial expression profile that was similar to that of human. The expression of a kcnj2-12 transcript carrying an in-frame deletion of critical amino acids identified in human studies resulted in embryos that exhibited defects in muscle development, thereby affecting movement, a decrease in jaw size, pupil-pupil distance, and signs of scoliosis. These defects correspond to some phenotypes expressed by human LQT7 patients.
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23
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Expression of a Mutant kcnj2 Gene Transcript in Zebrafish. ISRN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 2013:324839. [PMID: 27335675 PMCID: PMC4890933 DOI: 10.1155/2013/324839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Long QT 7 syndrome (LQT7, also known as Andersen-Tawil syndrome) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder that causes cardiac arrhythmias, periodic paralysis, and dysmorphic features. Mutations in the human KCNJ2 gene, which encodes for the subunit of the potassium inwardly-rectifying channel (IK1), have been associated with the disorder. The majority of mutations are considered to be dominant-negative as mutant proteins interact to limit the function of wild type KCNJ2 proteins. Several LQT7 syndrome mouse models have been created that vary in the physiological similarity to the human disease. To complement the LQT7 mouse models, we investigated the usefulness of the zebrafish as an alternative model via a transient approach. Initial bioinformatic analysis identified the zebrafish orthologue of the human KCNJ2 gene, together with a spatial expression profile that was similar to that of human. The expression of a kcnj2-12 transcript carrying an in-frame deletion of critical amino acids identified in human studies resulted in embryos that exhibited defects in muscle development, thereby affecting movement, a decrease in jaw size, pupil-pupil distance, and signs of scoliosis. These defects correspond to some phenotypes expressed by human LQT7 patients.
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24
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Tegelenbosch RA, Noldus LP, Richardson MK, Ahmad F. Zebrafish embryos and larvae in behavioural assays. BEHAVIOUR 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Kyzar E, Zapolsky I, Green J, Gaikwad S, Pham M, Collins C, Roth A, Stewart AM, St-Pierre P, Hirons B, Kalueff AV. The Zebrafish Neurophenome Database (ZND): a dynamic open-access resource for zebrafish neurophenotypic data. Zebrafish 2011; 9:8-14. [PMID: 22171801 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2011.0725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used in neuroscience research, where their utility as a model organism is rapidly expanding. Low cost, ease of experimental manipulations, and sufficient behavioral complexity make zebrafish a valuable tool for high-throughput studies in biomedicine. To complement the available repositories for zebrafish genetic information, there is a growing need for the collection of zebrafish neurobehavioral and neurological phenotypes. For this, we are establishing the Zebrafish Neurophenome Database (ZND; www.tulane.edu/∼znpindex/search ) as a new dynamic online open-access data repository for behavioral and related physiological data. ZND, currently focusing on adult zebrafish, combines zebrafish neurophenotypic data with a simple, easily searchable user interface, which allow scientists to view and compare results obtained by other laboratories using various treatments in different testing paradigms. As a developing community effort, ZND is expected to foster innovative research using zebrafish by federating the growing body of zebrafish neurophenotypic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Kyzar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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26
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Friedrich T, Lambert AM, Masino MA, Downes GB. Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease. Dis Model Mech 2011; 5:248-58. [PMID: 22046030 PMCID: PMC3291646 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.008383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of zebrafish mutants that demonstrate abnormal locomotive behavior can elucidate the molecular requirements for neural network function and provide new models of human disease. Here, we show that zebrafish quetschkommode (que) mutant larvae exhibit a progressive locomotor defect that culminates in unusual nose-to-tail compressions and an inability to swim. Correspondingly, extracellular peripheral nerve recordings show that que mutants demonstrate abnormal locomotor output to the axial muscles used for swimming. Using positional cloning and candidate gene analysis, we reveal that a point mutation disrupts the gene encoding dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (Dbt), a component of a mitochondrial enzyme complex, to generate the que phenotype. In humans, mutation of the DBT gene causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism that can result in mental retardation, severe dystonia, profound neurological damage and death. que mutants harbor abnormal amino acid levels, similar to MSUD patients and consistent with an error in branched-chain amino acid metabolism. que mutants also contain markedly reduced levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate within the brain and spinal cord, which probably contributes to their abnormal spinal cord locomotor output and aberrant motility behavior, a trait that probably represents severe dystonia in larval zebrafish. Taken together, these data illustrate how defects in branched-chain amino acid metabolism can disrupt nervous system development and/or function, and establish zebrafish que mutants as a model to better understand MSUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Friedrich
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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27
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Vargas R, Jóhannesdóttir IT, Sigurgeirsson B, Thorsteinsson H, Karlsson KAE. The zebrafish brain in research and teaching: a simple in vivo and in vitro model for the study of spontaneous neural activity. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2011; 35:188-196. [PMID: 21652504 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00099.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been established as a key animal model in neuroscience. Behavioral, genetic, and immunohistochemical techniques have been used to describe the connectivity of diverse neural circuits. However, few studies have used zebrafish to understand the function of cerebral structures or to study neural circuits. Information about the techniques used to obtain a workable preparation is not readily available. Here, we describe a complete protocol for obtaining in vitro and in vivo zebrafish brain preparations. In addition, we performed extracellular recordings in the whole brain, brain slices, and immobilized nonanesthetized larval zebrafish to evaluate the viability of the tissue. Each type of preparation can be used to detect spontaneous activity, to determine patterns of activity in specific brain areas with unknown functions, or to assess the functional roles of different neuronal groups during brain development in zebrafish. The technique described offers a guide that will provide innovative and broad opportunities to beginner students and researchers who are interested in the functional analysis of neuronal activity, plasticity, and neural development in the zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Vargas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Reykjavik University, Iceland.
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28
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Antipsychotic drugs prevent the motor hyperactivity induced by psychotomimetic MK-801 in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Brain Res 2010; 214:417-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2010] [Revised: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Rana N, Moond M, Marthi A, Bapatla S, Sarvepalli T, Chatti K, Challa AK. Caffeine-Induced Effects on Heart Rate in Zebrafish Embryos and Possible Mechanisms of Action: An Effective System for Experiments in Chemical Biology. Zebrafish 2010; 7:69-81. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2009.0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Rana
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
- Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Mamta Moond
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
- Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Amarnath Marthi
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Swetha Bapatla
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Kiranam Chatti
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anil Kumar Challa
- Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
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