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Lichtenegger A, Baumann B, Yasuno Y. Optical Coherence Tomography Is a Promising Tool for Zebrafish-Based Research-A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 10:5. [PMID: 36671577 PMCID: PMC9854701 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is an established vertebrae model in the field of biomedical research. With its small size, rapid maturation time and semi-transparency at early development stages, it has proven to be an important animal model, especially for high-throughput studies. Three-dimensional, high-resolution, non-destructive and label-free imaging techniques are perfectly suited to investigate these animals over various development stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an interferometric-based optical imaging technique that has revolutionized the diagnostic possibilities in the field of ophthalmology and has proven to be a powerful tool for many microscopic applications. Recently, OCT found its way into state-of-the-art zebrafish-based research. This review article gives an overview and a discussion of the relevant literature and an outlook for this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Lichtenegger
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan
| | - Bernhard Baumann
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshiaki Yasuno
- Computational Optics Group, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8573, Japan
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Cairns G, Burté F, Price R, O'Connor E, Toms M, Mishra R, Moosajee M, Pyle A, Sayer JA, Yu-Wai-Man P. A mutant wfs1 zebrafish model of Wolfram syndrome manifesting visual dysfunction and developmental delay. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20491. [PMID: 34650143 PMCID: PMC8516871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolfram syndrome (WS) is an ultra-rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder defined by early-onset diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy. The majority of patients harbour recessive mutations in the WFS1 gene, which encodes for Wolframin, a transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum protein. There is limited availability of human ocular and brain tissues, and there are few animal models for WS that replicate the neuropathology and clinical phenotype seen in this disorder. We, therefore, characterised two wfs1 zebrafish knockout models harbouring nonsense wfs1a and wfs1b mutations. Both homozygous mutant wfs1a-/- and wfs1b-/- embryos showed significant morphological abnormalities in early development. The wfs1b-/- zebrafish exhibited a more pronounced neurodegenerative phenotype with delayed neuronal development, progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and clear evidence of visual dysfunction on functional testing. At 12 months of age, wfs1b-/- zebrafish had a significantly lower RGC density per 100 μm2 (mean ± standard deviation; 19 ± 1.7) compared with wild-type (WT) zebrafish (25 ± 2.3, p < 0.001). The optokinetic response for wfs1b-/- zebrafish was significantly reduced at 8 and 16 rpm testing speeds at both 4 and 12 months of age compared with WT zebrafish. An upregulation of the unfolded protein response was observed in mutant zebrafish indicative of increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Mutant wfs1b-/- zebrafish exhibit some of the key features seen in patients with WS, providing a versatile and cost-effective in vivo model that can be used to further investigate the underlying pathophysiology of WS and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cairns
- International Centre for Life, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - F Burté
- International Centre for Life, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - R Price
- International Centre for Life, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - E O'Connor
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - R Mishra
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation, Trust, London, UK
| | - A Pyle
- The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J A Sayer
- International Centre for Life, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Renal Medicine, Freeman Hospital, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - P Yu-Wai-Man
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK.
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Neurodegeneration, Neuroprotection and Regeneration in the Zebrafish Retina. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030633. [PMID: 33809186 PMCID: PMC8000332 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, involve a gradual loss of neurons in the retina as the disease progresses. Central nervous system neurons are not able to regenerate in mammals, therefore, an often sought after course of treatment for neuronal loss follows a neuroprotective or regenerative strategy. Neuroprotection is the process of preserving the structure and function of the neurons that have survived a harmful insult; while regenerative approaches aim to replace or rewire the neurons and synaptic connections that were lost, or induce regrowth of damaged axons or dendrites. In order to test the neuroprotective effectiveness or the regenerative capacity of a particular agent, a robust experimental model of retinal neuronal damage is essential. Zebrafish are being used more often in this type of study because their eye structure and development is well-conserved between zebrafish and mammals. Zebrafish are robust genetic tools and are relatively inexpensive to maintain. The large array of functional and behavioral tests available in zebrafish makes them an attractive model for neuroprotection studies. Some common insults used to model retinal disease and study neuroprotection in zebrafish include intense light, chemical toxicity and mechanical damage. This review covers the existing retinal neuroprotection and regeneration literature in the zebrafish and highlights their potential for future studies.
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Huckenpahler AL, Lookfong NA, Warr E, Heffernan E, Carroll J, Collery RF. Noninvasive Imaging of Cone Ablation and Regeneration in Zebrafish. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:18. [PMID: 32983626 PMCID: PMC7500127 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.10.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To observe and characterize cone degeneration and regeneration in a selective metronidazole-mediated ablation model of ultraviolet-sensitive (UV) cones in zebrafish using in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Methods Twenty-six sws1:nfsB-mCherry;sws2:eGFP zebrafish were imaged with OCT, treated with metronidazole to selectively kill UV cones, and imaged at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, or 56 days after ablation. Regions 200 × 200 µm were cropped from volume OCT scans to count individual UV cones before and after ablation. Fish eyes were fixed, and immunofluorescence staining was used to corroborate cone density measured from OCT and to track monocyte response. Results Histology shows significant loss of UV cones after metronidazole treatment with a slight increase in observable blue cone density one day after treatment (Kruskal, Wallis, P = 0.0061) and no significant change in blue cones at all other timepoints. Regenerated UV cones measured from OCT show significantly lower density than pre-cone-ablation at 14, 28, and 56 days after ablation (analysis of variance, P < 0.01, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively, 15.9% of expected nonablated levels). Histology shows significant changes to monocyte morphology (mixed-effects analysis, P < 0.0001) and retinal position (mixed-effects analysis, P < 0.0001). Conclusions OCT can be used to observe loss of individual cones selectively ablated by metronidazole prodrug activation and to quantify UV cone loss and regeneration in zebrafish. OCT images also show transient changes to the blue cone mosaic and inner retinal layers that occur concomitantly with selective UV cone ablation. Translational Relevance Profiling cone degeneration and regeneration using in vivo imaging enables experiments that may lead to a better understanding of cone regeneration in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Huckenpahler
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Emma Warr
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heffernan
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ross F Collery
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Ali Z, Zang J, Lagali N, Schmitner N, Salvenmoser W, Mukwaya A, Neuhauss SCF, Jensen LD, Kimmel RA. Photoreceptor Degeneration Accompanies Vascular Changes in a Zebrafish Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:43. [PMID: 32106290 PMCID: PMC7329949 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.2.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide in the working-age population, and the incidence is rising. Until now it has been difficult to define initiating events and disease progression at the molecular level, as available diabetic rodent models do not present the full spectrum of neural and vascular pathologies. Zebrafish harboring a homozygous mutation in the pancreatic transcription factor pdx1 were previously shown to display a diabetic phenotype from larval stages through adulthood. In this study, pdx1 mutants were examined for retinal vascular and neuronal pathology to demonstrate suitability of these fish for modeling DR. Methods Vessel morphology was examined in pdx1 mutant and control fish expressing the fli1a:EGFP transgene. We further characterized vascular and retinal phenotypes in mutants and controls using immunohistochemistry, histology, and electron microscopy. Retinal function was assessed using electroretinography. Results Pdx1 mutants exhibit clear vascular phenotypes at 2 months of age, and disease progression, including arterial vasculopenia, capillary tortuosity, and hypersprouting, could be detected at stages extending over more than 1 year. Neural-retinal pathologies are consistent with photoreceptor dysfunction and loss, but do not progress to blindness. Conclusions This study highlights pdx1 mutant zebrafish as a valuable complement to rodent and other mammalian models of DR, in particular for research into the mechanistic interplay of diabetes with vascular and neuroretinal disease. They are furthermore suited for molecular studies to identify new targets for treatment of early as well as late DR.
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Toms M, Dubis AM, Lim WS, Webster AR, Gorin MB, Moosajee M. Missense variants in the conserved transmembrane M2 protein domain of KCNJ13 associated with retinovascular changes in humans and zebrafish. Exp Eye Res 2019; 189:107852. [PMID: 31647904 PMCID: PMC6899441 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in KCNJ13 are associated with two retinal disorders; Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD). We describe a novel fibrovascular proliferation in the retina of two affected members of a KCNJ13-related LCA family with a homozygous c.458C > T, p.(Thr153Ile) missense mutation. Optical coherence tomography retinal imaging of the kcnj13 mutant zebrafish (obelixtd15 c.502T > C, p.[Phe168Leu]) revealed a late onset retinal degeneration at 12 months, with retinal thinning and associated retinovascular changes, including increased vessel calibre and vitreous deposits. Both human and zebrafish variants are missense and located within the conserved transmembrane M2 protein domain, suggesting that disruption of this region may contribute to retinovascular changes as an additional feature to the previously described LCA phenotype. Close monitoring of other patients with similar mutations may be required to minimise the ensuing retinal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Adam M Dubis
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Wei Sing Lim
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael B Gorin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Toms M, Burgoyne T, Tracey-White D, Richardson R, Dubis AM, Webster AR, Futter C, Moosajee M. Phagosomal and mitochondrial alterations in RPE may contribute to KCNJ13 retinopathy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3793. [PMID: 30846767 PMCID: PMC6405871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in KCNJ13 are associated with two retinal disorders; Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD). We examined the retina of kcnj13 mutant zebrafish (obelixtd15, c.502T > C p.[Phe168Leu]) to provide new insights into the pathophysiology underlying these conditions. Detailed phenotyping of obelixtd15 fish revealed a late onset retinal degeneration at 12 months. Electron microscopy of the obelixtd15 retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) uncovered reduced phagosome clearance and increased mitochondrial number and size prior any signs of retinal degeneration. Melanosome distribution was also affected in dark-adapted 12-month obelixtd15 fish. At 6 and 12 months, ATP levels were found to be reduced along with increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and heat shock protein 60. Quantitative RT-PCR of polg2, fis1, opa1, sod1/2 and bcl2a from isolated retina showed expression changes consistent with altered mitochondrial activity and retinal stress. We propose that the retinal disease in this model is primarily a failure of phagosome physiology with a secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings suggest that alterations in the RPE and photoreceptor cellular organelles may contribute to KCNJ13-related retinal degeneration and provide a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Adam M Dubis
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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