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Green AJ, Truong L, Thunga P, Leong C, Hancock M, Tanguay RL, Reif DM. Deep autoencoder-based behavioral pattern recognition outperforms standard statistical methods in high-dimensional zebrafish studies. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012423. [PMID: 39255309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an essential model organism in screening for developmental neurotoxic chemicals and their molecular targets. The success of zebrafish as a screening model is partially due to their physical characteristics including their relatively simple nervous system, rapid development, experimental tractability, and genetic diversity combined with technical advantages that allow for the generation of large amounts of high-dimensional behavioral data. These data are complex and require advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to comprehensively analyze and capture spatiotemporal responses. To accomplish this goal, we have trained semi-supervised deep autoencoders using behavior data from unexposed larval zebrafish to extract quintessential "normal" behavior. Following training, our network was evaluated using data from larvae shown to have significant changes in behavior (using a traditional statistical framework) following exposure to toxicants that include nanomaterials, aromatics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental contaminants. Further, our model identified new chemicals (Perfluoro-n-octadecanoic acid, 8-Chloroperfluorooctylphosphonic acid, and Nonafluoropentanamide) as capable of inducing abnormal behavior at multiple chemical-concentrations pairs not captured using distance moved alone. Leveraging this deep learning model will allow for better characterization of the different exposure-induced behavioral phenotypes, facilitate improved genetic and neurobehavioral analysis in mechanistic determination studies and provide a robust framework for analyzing complex behaviors found in higher-order model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Green
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Sciome LLC, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Connor Leong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Melody Hancock
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David M Reif
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Predictive Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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von Hellfeld R, Gade C, Leist M, Braunbeck T. Rearing conditions (isolated versus group rearing) affect rotenone-induced changes in the behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos in the coiling assay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34870-x. [PMID: 39240433 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Under regulations such as REACH, testing of novel and established compounds for their (neuro)toxic potential is a legal requirement in many countries. These are largely based on animal-, cost-, and time-intensive in vivo models, not in line with the 3 Rs' principle of animal experimentation. Thus, the development of alternative test methods has also received increasing attention in neurotoxicology. Such methods focus either on physiological alterations in brain development and neuronal pathways or on behavioral changes. An example of a behavioral developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assay is the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo coiling assay, which quantifies effects of compounds on the development of spontaneous movement of zebrafish embryos. While the importance of embryo-to-embryo contact prior to hatching in response to environmental contaminants or natural threats has been documented for many other clutch-laying fish species, little is known about the relevance of intra-clutch contacts for zebrafish. Here, the model neurotoxin rotenone was used to assess the effect of grouped versus separate rearing of the embryos on the expression of the coiling behavior. Some group-reared embryos reacted with hyperactivity to the exposure, to an extent that could not be recorded effectively with the utilized software. Separately reared embryos showed reduced activity, compared with group-reared individuals when assessing. However, even the control group embryos of the separately reared cohort showed reduced activity, compared with group-reared controls. Rotenone could thus be confirmed to induce neurotoxic effects in zebrafish embryos, yet modifying one parameter in an otherwise well-established neurotoxicity assay such as the coiling assay may lead to changes in behavior influenced by the proximity between individual embryos. This indicates a complex dependence of the outcome of behavior assays on a multitude of environmental parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca von Hellfeld
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK.
| | - Christoph Gade
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
- CAAT Europe, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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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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Desai SK, Zhou Y, Dilawari R, Routh AL, Popov V, Kenney LJ. RpoS activates formation of Salmonella Typhi biofilms and drives persistence in the gall bladder. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.26.564249. [PMID: 37961640 PMCID: PMC10634867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of strategies for targeting the asymptomatic carriage of Salmonella Typhi in chronic typhoid patients has suffered owing to our basic lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable the formation of S. Typhi biofilms. Traditionally, studies have relied on cholesterol-attached biofilms formed by a closely related serovar, Typhimurium, to mimic multicellular Typhi communities formed on human gallstones. In long-term infections, S. Typhi adopts the biofilm lifestyle to persist in vivo and survive in the carrier state, ultimately leading to the spread of infections via the fecal-oral route of transmission. In the present work, we studied S. Typhi biofilms directly, applied targeted as well as genome-wide genetic approaches to uncover unique biofilm components that do not conform to the CsgD-dependent pathway established in S. Typhimurium. We undertook a genome-wide Tn5 mutation screen in a highly successful parental lineage of S. Typhi, strain H58, in gallstone-mimicking conditions. We generated New Generation Sequencing libraries based on the ClickSeq technology to identify the key regulators, IraP and RpoS, and the matrix components as Sth fimbriae, Vi capsule and lipopolysaccharide. We discovered that the starvation sigma factor, RpoS, was required for the transcriptional activation of matrix-encoding genes in vitro, and for S. Typhi colonization in persistent infections in vivo, using a heterologous fish larval model. An rpoS null mutant failed to colonize the gall bladder in chronic zebrafish infections. Overall, our work uncovered a novel RpoS-driven paradigm for the formation of cholesterol-attached Typhi biofilms, and emphasized the role(s) of stress signaling pathways for adaptation in chronic infections. Our identification of the biofilm regulators in S. Typhi paves the way for the development of drugs against typhoid carriage, which will ultimately control the increased incidence of gall bladder cancer in typhoid carriers.
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Santacà M, Gatto E, Dadda M, Bruzzone M, Dal Maschio M, Bisazza A. Exploring the Importance of Environmental Complexity for Newly Hatched Zebrafish. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1031. [PMID: 38612270 PMCID: PMC11011065 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of an early impoverished social or physical environment on vertebrate neural development and cognition has been known for decades. While existing studies have focused on the long-term effects, measuring adult cognitive phenotypes, studies on the effects of environmental complexity on the early stages of development are lacking. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) hatchlings are assumed to have minimal interaction with their environment and are routinely reared in small, bare containers. To investigate the effects of being raised under such conditions on development of behaviour and cognition, hatchlings housed for 10 days in either an enriched or a standard environment underwent two cognitive tasks. The results were mixed. Subjects of the two treatments did not differ in performance when required to discriminate two areas. Conversely, we found a significant effect in a number discrimination task, with subjects from impoverished condition performing significantly worse. In both experiments, larvae reared in impoverished environment showed a reduced locomotor activity. Given the effects that enrichment appears to exert on larvae, a third experiment explored whether hatchlings exhibit a spontaneous preference for more complex environments. When offered a choice between a bare setting and one with objects of different shapes and colors, larvae spent over 70% of time in the enriched sector. Deepening these effects of an early impoverished environment on cognitive development is crucial for the welfare of captive zebrafish populations and for enhancing the quality and reliability of studies on larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Santacà
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.)
| | - Elia Gatto
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Dadda
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.)
| | - Matteo Bruzzone
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy (M.D.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Dal Maschio
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy (M.D.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Bisazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.)
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy (M.D.M.)
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Raza Y, Mertens E, Zink L, Lu Z, Doering JA, Wiseman S. Embryonic Exposure to the Benzotriazole Ultraviolet Stabilizer 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol Decreases Fertility of Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:385-397. [PMID: 37975561 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5790] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are emerging contaminants of concern. They are added to a variety of products, including building materials, personal care products, paints, and plastics, to prevent degradation caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Despite widespread occurrence in aquatic environments, little is known regarding the effects of BUVSs on aquatic organisms. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of exposure to 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol (UV-P) on the reproductive success of zebrafish (Danio rerio) following embryonic exposure. Embryos were exposed, by use of microinjection, to UV-P at <1.5 (control), 2.77, and 24.25 ng/g egg, and reared until sexual maturity, when reproductive performance was assessed, following which molecular and biochemical endpoints were analyzed. Exposure to UV-P did not have a significant effect on fecundity. However, there was a significant effect on fertilization success. Using UV-P-exposed males and females, fertility was decreased by 8.75% in the low treatment group and by 15.02% in the high treatment group relative to control. In a reproduction assay with UV-P-exposed males and control females, fertility was decreased by 11.47% in the high treatment group relative to the control. Embryonic exposure to UV-P might have perturbed male sex steroid synthesis as indicated by small changes in blood plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol and 11-ketotestosterone, and small statistically nonsignificant decreases in mRNA abundances of cyp19a1a, cyp11c1, and hsd17b3. In addition, decreased transcript abundances of genes involved in spermatogenesis, such as nanos2 and dazl, were observed. Decreases in later stages of sperm development were observed, suggesting that embryonic exposure to UV-P impaired spematogenesis, resulting in decreased sperm quantity. The present study is the first to demonstrate latent effects of BUVSs, specifically on fish reproduction. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:385-397. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily Mertens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lauren Zink
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zhe Lu
- Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
| | - Jon A Doering
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast & Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Steve Wiseman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Briñez-Gallego P, da Costa Silva DG, Horn AP, Hort MA. Effects of curcumin to counteract levodopa-induced toxicity in zebrafish. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:950-964. [PMID: 37767720 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2261120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction due to the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Currently, treatment of PD has focused on increasing dopamine levels, using a dopamine precursor, levodopa (L-DOPA) or stimulation of dopaminergic receptors. Prolonged use of L-DOPA is associated with the occurrence of motor complications and dyskinesia, attributed to neurotoxic effects of this drug. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin (CUR), a lipophilic polyphenol, to counteract L-DOPA induced toxicity. Zebrafish larvae were pre-treated with CUR (0.05 µM) or vehicle dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 24 hr and subsequently exposed to L-DOPA (1 mM) or vehicle. Immediately and 24 hr after L-DOPA exposure, spontaneous swimming and dark/light behavioral tests were performed. In addition, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation products were determined at the end of treatment. CUR significantly improved the motor impairment induced by 24 hr L-DOPA treatment, and reduced levels of ROS and lipoperoxidation products in zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, our results suggest that CUR acts as a neuroprotector against toxicity initiated by L-DOPA. Evidence suggests the observed effects of CUR are associated with its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Briñez-Gallego
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Dennis Guilherme da Costa Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Ana Paula Horn
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Mariana Appel Hort
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
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Chitolina R, Reis CG, Stahlhofer-Buss T, Linazzi A, Benvenutti R, Marcon M, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Effects of N-acetylcysteine and acetyl-L-carnitine on acute PTZ-induced seizures in larval and adult zebrafish. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1544-1555. [PMID: 37814098 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease, affecting approximately 1-2% of the global population. The hallmark of epilepsy is the occurrence of epileptic seizures, which are characterized by predictable behavioral changes reflecting the underlying neural mechanisms of the disease. Unfortunately, around 30% of patients do not respond to current pharmacological treatments. Consequently, exploring alternative therapeutic options for managing this condition is crucial. Two potential candidates for attenuating seizures are N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), as they have shown promising neuroprotective effects through the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. METHODS This study aimed to assess the effects of varying concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/L) of NAC and ALC on acute PTZ-induced seizures in zebrafish in both adult and larval stages. The evaluation of behavioral parameters such as seizure intensity and latency to the crisis can provide insights into the efficacy of these substances. RESULTS Our results indicate that both drugs at any of the tested concentrations were not able to reduce PTZ-induced epileptic seizures. On the other hand, the administration of diazepam demonstrated a notable reduction in seizure intensity and increased latencies to higher scores of epileptic seizures. CONCLUSION Consequently, we conclude that, under the conditions employed in this study, NAC and ALC do not exhibit any significant effects on acute seizures in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Chitolina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Thailana Stahlhofer-Buss
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Linazzi
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matheus Marcon
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Hu Y, Zhao S, Liu Z, Kang T, Hsueh AJ, Li J. Gonacin: A germ cell-derived hormone with glucogenic, orexigenic, and gonadal activities. iScience 2023; 26:108065. [PMID: 37860761 PMCID: PMC10582579 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108065] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish require abundant nutrients to generate a large number of eggs for spawning. Based on the evolutionary conservation of human FBN2 and its C-terminal placensin-like sequences in fish, we identified a peptide hormone gonacin (GONAdal Cell placensIN) and found its high expression in early-stage germ cells in the ovary and testis of zebrafish. We demonstrated that gonacin is essential for food intake, glucose release, and ovarian development in zebrafish. Similar expression patterns and functions of gonacin were also demonstrated in rainbow trout. Gonacin represents the first hormone secreted by germ cells with endocrine functions in vertebrates, bridging the energy homeostasis and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Shengyou Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tao Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Aaron J.W. Hsueh
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jianzhen Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Bui CV, Boswell CW, Ciruna B, Rocheleau JV. Apollo-NADP + reveals in vivo adaptation of NADPH/NADP + metabolism in electrically activated pancreatic β cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8317. [PMID: 37792934 PMCID: PMC10550227 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Several genetically encoded sensors have been developed to study live cell NADPH/NADP+ dynamics, but their use has been predominantly in vitro. Here, we developed an in vivo assay using the Apollo-NADP+ sensor and microfluidic devices to measure endogenous NADPH/NADP+ dynamics in the pancreatic β cells of live zebrafish embryos. Flux through the pentose phosphate pathway, the main source of NADPH in many cell types, has been reported to be low in β cells. Thus, it is unclear how these cells compensate to meet NADPH demands. Using our assay, we show that pyruvate cycling is the main source of NADP+ reduction in β cells, with contributions from folate cycling after acute electrical activation. INS1E β cells also showed a stress-induced increase in folate cycling and further suggested that this cycling requires both increased glycolytic intermediates and cytosolic NAD+. Overall, we show in vivo application of the Apollo-NADP+ sensor and reveal that β cells are capable of adapting NADPH/NADP+ redox during stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy V. Bui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis W. Boswell
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Ciruna
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan V. Rocheleau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Cleal M, Fontana BD, Hillman C, Parker MO. Ontogeny of working memory and behavioural flexibility in the free movement pattern (FMP) Y-maze in zebrafish. Behav Processes 2023; 212:104943. [PMID: 37689254 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104943] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of executive skills such as working memory, decision-making and adaptive responding occur at different stages of central nervous system development. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used in behavioural neuroscience for complex behavioural tasks, and there is a critical need to understand the ontogeny of their executive functions. Zebrafish across developmental stages (4, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days post fertilisation (dpf)), were assessed to track development of working memory (WM) and behavioural flexibility (BF) using the free movement pattern Y-maze (FMP Y-maze). Several differences in both WM and BF were identified during the transition from yolk-dependent to independent feeding. Specifically, WM is evident in all age groups, even from 4 dpf. However, BF is not developed until larvae start free feeding, and show significant improvement thereafter, with young adults (90 dpf) demonstrating the most well-defined BF. We demonstrate, for the first time, objective WM processes in 4 dpf zebrafish larvae. This suggests that those wishing to study WM in zebrafish may be able to do so from 4 dpf, thus drastically increasing throughput. In addition, we show that zebrafish follow distinct stages of cognitive development and age-related changes during the early developmental period. Finally, our findings indicate distinct WM and BF mechanisms, which may be useful to study for translational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Cleal
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Barbara D Fontana
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Courtney Hillman
- Surrey Sleep Research centre, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK; Surrey Sleep Research centre, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, UK.
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12
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Green AJ, Truong L, Thunga P, Leong C, Hancock M, Tanguay RL, Reif DM. Deep autoencoder-based behavioral pattern recognition outperforms standard statistical methods in high-dimensional zebrafish studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.13.557544. [PMID: 37745446 PMCID: PMC10515950 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.13.557544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an essential tool in screening for developmental neurotoxic chemicals and their molecular targets. The success of zebrafish as a screening model is partially due to their physical characteristics including their relatively simple nervous system, rapid development, experimental tractability, and genetic diversity combined with technical advantages that allow for the generation of large amounts of high-dimensional behavioral data. These data are complex and require advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to comprehensively analyze and capture spatiotemporal responses. To accomplish this goal, we have trained semi-supervised deep autoencoders using behavior data from unexposed larval zebrafish to extract quintessential "normal" behavior. Following training, our network was evaluated using data from larvae shown to have significant changes in behavior (using a traditional statistical framework) following exposure to toxicants that include nanomaterials, aromatics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental contaminants. Further, our model identified new chemicals (Perfluoro-n-octadecanoic acid, 8-Chloroperfluorooctylphosphonic acid, and Nonafluoropentanamide) as capable of inducing abnormal behavior at multiple chemical-concentrations pairs not captured using distance moved alone. Leveraging this deep learning model will allow for better characterization of the different exposure-induced behavioral phenotypes, facilitate improved genetic and neurobehavioral analysis in mechanistic determination studies and provide a robust framework for analyzing complex behaviors found in higher-order model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Department of Statistics, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Connor Leong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Melody Hancock
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David M Reif
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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13
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Konadu B, Cox CK, Garrett MR, Gibert Y. Excess glucose or fat differentially affects metabolism and appetite-related gene expression during zebrafish embryogenesis. iScience 2023; 26:107063. [PMID: 37534154 PMCID: PMC10391732 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish embryos use their yolk sac reserve as the sole nutrient source during embryogenesis. The two main forms of energy fuel can be found in the form of glucose or fat. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to glucose or injected with free fatty acid/Triacylglycerol (FFA/TAG) into the yolk sac at 24 hpf. At 72 hpf, glucose exposed or FFA/TAG injected had differential effects on gene expression in embryos, with fat activating lipolysis and β-oxidation and glucose activating the insulin pathway. Bulk RNA-seq revealed that more gene expression was affected by glucose exposure compared to FFA/TAGs injection. Appetite-controlling genes were also differently affected by glucose exposure or FFA/TAG injections. Because the embryo did not yet feed itself at the time of our analysis, gene expression changes occurred in absence of actual hunger and revealed how the embryo manages its nutrient intake before active feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Konadu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Carol K. Cox
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Michael R. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Yann Gibert
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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14
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Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil A, Anjan Sawale R, Claude Vanwalleghem G. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00142-3. [PMID: 37301234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Rajlakshmi Anjan Sawale
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gilles Claude Vanwalleghem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Widrick JJ, Lambert MR, Kunkel LM, Beggs AH. Optimizing assays of zebrafish larvae swimming performance for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:629-641. [PMID: 37183669 PMCID: PMC10485652 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2211802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Zebrafish larvae are one of the few vertebrates amenable to large-scale drug discovery screens. Larval swimming behavior is often used as an outcome variable and many fields of study have developed assays for evaluating swimming performance. An unintended consequence of this wide interest is that details related to assay methodology and interpretation become scattered across the literature. The aim of this review is to consolidate this information, particularly as it relates to high-throughput approaches. AREAS COVERED The authors describe larval swimming behaviors as this forms the basis for understanding their experimentally evoked swimming or spontaneous activity. Next, they detail how swimming activity can serve as an outcome variable, particularly in the multi-well formats used in large-scale screening studies. They also highlight biological and technical factors that can impact the sensitivity and variability of these measurements. EXPERT OPINION Careful attention to animal husbandry, experimental design, data acquisition, and interpretation of results can improve screen outcomes by maximizing swimming activity while minimizing intra- and inter-larval variability. The development of more sensitive, quantitative methods of assessing swimming performance that can be incorporated into high-throughput workflows will be important in order to take full advantage of the zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. Widrick
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthias R. Lambert
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Louis M. Kunkel
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- The Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alan H. Beggs
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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16
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Underwood KL, Walker WJ, Garrett PI, Linch S, Rynes TP, Mruk K. Optimizing spinal cord injury in zebrafish larvae: effects of age on the injury response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541337. [PMID: 37292959 PMCID: PMC10245662 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are an increasingly popular model to study spinal cord injury (SCI) regeneration. The transparency of larval zebrafish makes them ideal to study cellular processes in real time. Standardized approaches, including age of injury, are not readily available making comparisons of the results with other models challenging. In this study, we systematically examined the response to spinal cord transection of larval zebrafish at three different ages (3-7 days post fertilization or dpf) to determine whether the developmental complexity of the central nervous system affects the overall response to SCI. We then used imaging and behavioral analysis to evaluate whether differences existed based on the age of injury. All ages of larval zebrafish upregulated the required genes for glial bridge formation, ctgfa and gfap, at the site of injury, consistent with studies from adult zebrafish. Though all larval ages upregulated factors required to promote glial bridging, young larval zebrafish (3 dpf) were better able to regenerate axons independent of the glial bridge, unlike older zebrafish (7 dpf). Consistent with this data, locomotor experiments demonstrated that some swimming behavior occurs independent of glial bridge formation, further highlighting the need for standardization of this model and recovery assays. Overall, we found subtle cellular differences based on the age of transection in zebrafish, underlining the importance of considering age when designing experiments aimed at understanding regeneration.
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17
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Bansal P, Roitman MF, Jung EE. Caloric state modulates locomotion, heart rate and motor neuron responses to acute administration of d-amphetamine in zebrafish larvae. Physiol Behav 2023; 264:114144. [PMID: 36889488 PMCID: PMC10070120 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychostimulant drugs increase behavioral, cardiac and brain responses in humans and other animals. Acute food deprivation or chronic food restriction potentiates the stimulatory effects of abused drugs and increases the propensity for relapse to drug seeking in drug-experienced animals. The mechanisms by which hunger affects cardiac and behavioral activities are only beginning to be elucidated. Moreover, changes in motor neuron activities at the single neuron level induced by psychostimulants, and their modulation by food restriction, remain unknown. Here we investigated how food deprivation affects responses to d-amphetamine by measuring locomotor activity, cardiac output, and individual motor neuron activity in zebrafish larvae. We used wild-type larval zebrafish to record behavioral and cardiac responses and the larvae of Tg(mnx1:GCaMP5) transgenic zebrafish to record motor neuron responses. Physiological state gated responses to d-amphetamine. That is, d-amphetamine evoked significant increases in motor behavior (swimming distances), heart rate and motor neuron firing frequency in food-deprived but not fed zebrafish larvae. The results extend the finding that signals arising from food deprivation are a key potentiator of the drug responses induced by d-amphetamine to the zebrafish model. The larval zebrafish is an ideal model to further elucidate this interaction and identify key neuronal substrates that may increase vulnerability to drug reinforcement, drug-seeking and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushkar Bansal
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 842 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Mitchell F Roitman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Erica E Jung
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 842 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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18
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Simonian R, Pannia E, Hammoud R, Noche RR, Cui X, Kranenburg E, Kubant R, Ashcraft P, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Dowling JJ, Anderson GH. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and high-dose FA supplementation disrupt embryonic development of energy balance and metabolic homeostasis in zebrafish. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:1575-1588. [PMID: 36637428 PMCID: PMC10117162 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Folic acid (synthetic folate, FA) is consumed in excess in North America and may interact with common pathogenic variants in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR); the most prevalent inborn error of folate metabolism with wide-ranging obesity-related comorbidities. While preclinical murine models have been valuable to inform on diet-gene interactions, a recent Folate Expert panel has encouraged validation of new animal models. In this study, we characterized a novel zebrafish model of mthfr deficiency and evaluated the effects of genetic loss of mthfr function and FA supplementation during embryonic development on energy homeostasis and metabolism. mthfr-deficient zebrafish were generated using CRISPR mutagenesis and supplemented with no FA (control, 0FA) or 100 μm FA (100FA) throughout embryonic development (0-5 days postfertilization). We show that the genetic loss of mthfr function in zebrafish recapitulates key biochemical hallmarks reported in MTHFR deficiency in humans and leads to greater lipid accumulation and aberrant cholesterol metabolism as reported in the Mthfr murine model. In mthfr-deficient zebrafish, energy homeostasis was also impaired as indicated by altered food intake, reduced metabolic rate and lower expression of central energy-regulatory genes. Microglia abundance, involved in healthy neuronal development, was also reduced. FA supplementation to control zebrafish mimicked many of the adverse effects of mthfr deficiency, some of which were also exacerbated in mthfr-deficient zebrafish. Together, these findings support the translatability of the mthfr-deficient zebrafish as a preclinical model in folate research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Simonian
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Emanuela Pannia
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Rola Hammoud
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Ramil R Noche
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale Zebrafish Research Core, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Xiucheng Cui
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Eva Kranenburg
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ruslan Kubant
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Paula Ashcraft
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
| | - Brandi Wasek
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
| | - James J Dowling
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - G Harvey Anderson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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19
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Hasani H, Sun J, Zhu SI, Rong Q, Willomitzer F, Amor R, McConnell G, Cossairt O, Goodhill GJ. Whole-brain imaging of freely-moving zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1127574. [PMID: 37139528 PMCID: PMC10150962 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1127574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the holy grails of neuroscience is to record the activity of every neuron in the brain while an animal moves freely and performs complex behavioral tasks. While important steps forward have been taken recently in large-scale neural recording in rodent models, single neuron resolution across the entire mammalian brain remains elusive. In contrast the larval zebrafish offers great promise in this regard. Zebrafish are a vertebrate model with substantial homology to the mammalian brain, but their transparency allows whole-brain recordings of genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators at single-neuron resolution using optical microscopy techniques. Furthermore zebrafish begin to show a complex repertoire of natural behavior from an early age, including hunting small, fast-moving prey using visual cues. Until recently work to address the neural bases of these behaviors mostly relied on assays where the fish was immobilized under the microscope objective, and stimuli such as prey were presented virtually. However significant progress has recently been made in developing brain imaging techniques for zebrafish which are not immobilized. Here we discuss recent advances, focusing particularly on techniques based on light-field microscopy. We also draw attention to several important outstanding issues which remain to be addressed to increase the ecological validity of the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hasani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Jipeng Sun
- Department of Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Shuyu I. Zhu
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Qiangzhou Rong
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Florian Willomitzer
- Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rumelo Amor
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gail McConnell
- Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Cossairt
- Department of Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Geoffrey J. Goodhill
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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20
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Kozol RA, Yuiska A, Han JH, Tolentino B, Lopatto A, Lewis P, Paz A, Keene AC, Kowalko JE, Duboué ER. Novel Husbandry Practices Result in Rapid Rates of Growth and Sexual Maturation Without Impacting Adult Behavior in the Blind Mexican Cavefish. Zebrafish 2023; 20:86-94. [PMID: 37071855 PMCID: PMC10123811 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal model systems are dependent on the standardization of husbandry protocols that maximize growth and reduce generation time. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, exists as eyed surface and blind cave dwelling populations. The opportunity for comparative approaches between independently evolved populations has led to the rapid growth of A. mexicanus as a model for evolution and biomedical research. However, a slow and inconsistent growth rate remains a major limitation to the expanded application of A. mexicanus. Fortunately, this temporal limitation can be addressed through husbandry changes that accelerate growth rates while maintaining optimal health outcomes. Here, we describe a husbandry protocol that produces rapid growth rates through changes in diet, feeding frequency, growth sorting and progressive changes in tank size. This protocol produced robust growth rates and decreased the age of sexual maturity in comparison to our previous protocol. To determine whether changes in feeding impacted behavior, we tested fish in exploration and schooling assays. We found no difference in behavior between the two groups, suggesting that increased feeding and rapid growth will not impact the natural variation in behavioral traits. Taken together, this standardized husbandry protocol will accelerate the development of A. mexicanus as a genetic model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Kozol
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Anders Yuiska
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Ji Heon Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Bernadeth Tolentino
- Department of Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arthur Lopatto
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Peter Lewis
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Alexandra Paz
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Alex C. Keene
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Johanna E. Kowalko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erik R. Duboué
- College of Arts and Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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21
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A solid dispersion of Citrus reticulata peel biowaste as an effective antiepileptic: Sustainable approach toward value addition and agro-industrial waste valorisation. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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22
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Xu H, Tang X, Chen J, Shi Y, Liu J, Han C, Zhu X, Zhang T, Zhou J, Miao W. Development and optimization of an effective method for evaluating habituation learning behavior in larval zebrafish. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 386:109793. [PMID: 36640926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109793] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habituation learning is a simple and conserved behavior in all organisms which could be induced by repeated stimuli. However, no standard and universal methods for training and evaluating the habituation learning behavior in larval zebrafish were available. NEW METHOD This study aims to establish effective training and detection protocols for habituation learning behavior in larval zebrafish by using the ViewPoint system. For this purpose, the detection threshold of velocity-a parameter for distinguishing the escape reaction and the spontaneous motion, the detection sensitivity-a parameter for determining the size of the identified object, the number of stimuli, and the age of larvae were optimized to obtain the best performance. RESULTS In this study, the optimized parameters were as follows: the detection threshold of velocity at 13, the luminous intensity at 8 %, the detection sensitivity at 32, the number of stimuli at 150, and the age of larvae at 6 dpf. Furthermore, we validated the utility of the established protocol by showing a consistent memory impairment induced by cycloheximide (CHX). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD A similar method was reported previously. However, the equipment used in those assays, including the hardware and software, were neither standard nor universal, which might impede the extensive application of the habituation learning assays. Here, we developed an alternative method for studying the habituation learning behavior in larval zebrafish using the ViewPoint system. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided an alternative method for studying the habituation learning behavior in larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Xu
- Otolaryngology Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medical, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuxia Tang
- Otolaryngology Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medical, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Otolaryngology Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medical, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Shi
- Otolaryngology Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medical, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Otolaryngology Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medical, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Han
- Hunter Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Tao Zhang
- Hunter Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinghe Zhou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wenyu Miao
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Hunter Biotechnology, Hangzhou, China.
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An optofluidic platform for interrogating chemosensory behavior and brainwide neural representation in larval zebrafish. Nat Commun 2023; 14:227. [PMID: 36641479 PMCID: PMC9840631 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying chemosensory processing desires precise chemical cue presentation, behavioral response monitoring, and large-scale neuronal activity recording. Here we present Fish-on-Chips, a set of optofluidic tools for highly-controlled chemical delivery while simultaneously imaging behavioral outputs and whole-brain neuronal activities at cellular resolution in larval zebrafish. These include a fluidics-based swimming arena and an integrated microfluidics-light sheet fluorescence microscopy (µfluidics-LSFM) system, both of which utilize laminar fluid flows to achieve spatiotemporally precise chemical cue presentation. To demonstrate the strengths of the platform, we used the navigation arena to reveal binasal input-dependent behavioral strategies that larval zebrafish adopt to evade cadaverine, a death-associated odor. The µfluidics-LSFM system enables sequential presentation of odor stimuli to individual or both nasal cavities separated by only ~100 µm. This allowed us to uncover brainwide neural representations of cadaverine sensing and binasal input summation in the vertebrate model. Fish-on-Chips is readily generalizable and will empower the investigation of neural coding in the chemical senses.
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Burgess HA, Burton EA. A Critical Review of Zebrafish Neurological Disease Models-1. The Premise: Neuroanatomical, Cellular and Genetic Homology and Experimental Tractability. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvac018. [PMID: 37649777 PMCID: PMC10464506 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in the number of genes linked to neurological disorders, necessitating new models to explore underlying mechanisms and to test potential therapies. Over a similar period, many laboratories adopted zebrafish as a tractable model for studying brain development, defining neural circuits and performing chemical screens. Here we discuss strengths and limitations of using the zebrafish system to model neurological disorders. The underlying premise for many disease models is the high degree of homology between human and zebrafish genes, coupled with the conserved vertebrate Bauplan and repertoire of neurochemical signaling molecules. Yet, we caution that important evolutionary divergences often limit the extent to which human symptoms can be modeled meaningfully in zebrafish. We outline advances in genetic technologies that allow human mutations to be reproduced faithfully in zebrafish. Together with methods that visualize the development and function of neuronal pathways at the single cell level, there is now an unprecedented opportunity to understand how disease-associated genetic changes disrupt neural circuits, a level of analysis that is ideally suited to uncovering pathogenic changes in human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold A Burgess
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Edward A Burton
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,15260, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
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Burton EA, Burgess HA. A Critical Review of Zebrafish Neurological Disease Models-2. Application: Functional and Neuroanatomical Phenotyping Strategies and Chemical Screens. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2:kvac019. [PMID: 37637775 PMCID: PMC10455049 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Extensive phylogenetic conservation of molecular pathways and neuroanatomical structures, associated with efficient methods for genetic modification, have been exploited increasingly to generate zebrafish models of human disease. A range of powerful approaches can be deployed to analyze these models with the ultimate goal of elucidating pathogenic mechanisms and accelerating efforts to find effective treatments. Unbiased neurobehavioral assays can provide readouts that parallel clinical abnormalities found in patients, although some of the most useful assays quantify responses that are not routinely evaluated clinically, and differences between zebrafish and human brains preclude expression of the full range of neurobehavioral abnormalities seen in disease. Imaging approaches that use fluorescent reporters and standardized brain atlases coupled with quantitative measurements of brain structure offer an unbiased means to link experimental manipulations to changes in neural architecture. Together, quantitative structural and functional analyses allow dissection of the cellular and physiological basis underlying neurological phenotypes. These approaches can be used as outputs in chemical modifier screens, which provide a major opportunity to exploit zebrafish models to identify small molecule modulators of pathophysiology that may be informative for understanding disease mechanisms and possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Burton
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Harold A Burgess
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Peng CH, Lin WY, Li CY, Dharini KK, Chang CY, Hong JT, Lin MD. Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria fortunei J. Sm.) antagonizes glucocorticoid-induced mineralization reduction in zebrafish larvae by modulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115565. [PMID: 35863613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115565] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gu Sui Bu (GSB), the dried rhizome of Drynaria fortunei J. Sm., is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating fractures and osteoporosis. Although glucocorticoids are widely prescribed in modern medicine, the efficacy of GSB in treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY GIOP is one of the most prevalent forms of osteoporosis and increases the risk of fracture, which can cause severe complications in elderly people. Safe, efficacious, and cost-effective treatment options for GIOP are thus warranted. The present study investigated the efficacy and mechanism of GSB for treating GIOP. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established an efficient and robust in vivo GIOP model by optimizing zebrafish larvae rearing conditions and the dose and duration of dexamethasone treatment. Bone calcification was evaluated through calcein staining. To quantify the degree of vertebral mineralization in the larvae, we developed a scoring system based on the rate of vertebral calcification; this system reduced quantification errors among individual zebrafish caused by inconsistencies in staining or imaging parameters. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to access the expression levels of genes essential to the differentiation and function of bone cells. High-performance liquid chromatography was employed to identify naringin in the GSB extract. RESULTS GSB significantly reversed the dexamethasone-induced calcification delay in zebrafish larvae. GSB enhanced osteoblast activity by increasing the expression of collagen I, osteopontin, and osteonectin and repressed bone resorption by decreasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (mmps), including mmp9 and mmp13a. We also identified naringin as one of the constituents of GSB responsible for the herbal extract's anti-GIOP activity. CONCLUSIONS Using the in vivo zebrafish GIOP model that we established, the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines in treating GIOP could be systematically investigated. GSB has an osteogenic effect and may thus be an efficacious and cost-effective treatment option for GIOP. Notably, bone resorption activity was found to be retained after GSB treatment, which would be beneficial for maintaining normal bone remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Huan Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 97002, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 97002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Pingtung University, Pingtung, 90003, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Yu Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Ting Hong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Der Lin
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan; Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 97002, Taiwan.
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27
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Silva RFO, Pinho BR, Santos MM, Oliveira JMA. Disruptions of circadian rhythms, sleep, and stress responses in zebrafish: New infrared-based activity monitoring assays for toxicity assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 305:135449. [PMID: 35750227 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural disruptions are sensitive indicators of alterations to normal animal physiology and can be used for toxicity assessment. The small vertebrate zebrafish is a leading model organism for toxicological studies. The ability to continuously monitor the toxicity of drugs, pollutants, or environmental changes over several days in zebrafish can have high practical application. Although video-recordings can be used to monitor short-term zebrafish behaviour, it is challenging to videorecord prolonged experiments (e.g. circadian behaviour over several days) because of the darkness periods (nights) and the heavy data storage and image processing requirements. Alternatively, infrared-based activity monitors, widely used in invertebrate models such as drosophila, generate simple and low-storage data and could optimize large-scale prolonged behavioural experiments in zebrafish, thus favouring the implementation of high-throughput testing strategies. Here, we validate the use of a Locomotor Activity Monitor (LAM) to study the behaviour of zebrafish larvae, and we characterize the behavioural phenotypes induced by abnormal light conditions and by the Parkinsonian toxin MPP+. When zebrafish were deprived from daily light-cycle synchronization, the LAM detected various circadian disruptions, such as increased activity period, phase shifts, and decreased inter-daily stability. Zebrafish exposed to MPP+ (10, 100, 500 μM) showed a concentration-dependent decrease in activity, sleep disruptions, impaired habituation to repetitive startles (visual-motor responses), and a slower recovery to normal activity after the startle-associated stress. These phenotypes evidence the feasibility of using infrared-based LAM to assess multi-parameter behavioural disruptions in zebrafish. The procedures in this study have wide applicability and may yield standard methods for toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui F O Silva
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Brígida R Pinho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - LA - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Group of Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants and FCUP- Dep. Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge M A Oliveira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal.
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28
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Okeke ES, Luo M, Feng W, Zhang Y, Mao G, Chen Y, Zeng Z, Qian X, Sun L, Yang L, Wu X. Transcriptomic profiling and differential analysis revealed the neurodevelopmental toxicity mechanisms of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae in response to tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE) exposure. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 259:109382. [PMID: 35640788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyetyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE) is among the main derivatives of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Result from previous study showed that TBBPA-DHEE can cause neurotoxicity in rat. In this study, zebrafish larvae were used for evaluation of TBBPA-DHEE-induced developmental toxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress and the potential molecular mechanisms of action. Our result showed that TBBPA-DHEE exposure caused a significant concentration-dependent developmental toxicity endpoints like death rate, malformation rate, growth rate. TBBPA-DHEE altered locomotor and enzymes activities of larvae and caused apoptosis within the brain indicating the potential TBBPA-DHEE-induced cardiac, brain impairment in the zebrafish larvae. Our transcriptomic analysis shows that 691 genes were differentially expressed (DEGs) (539 upregulated, 152 downregulated). The KEGG and GO enrichment pathway analysis shows that the DEGs were involved in development, immunity, enzyme activity. Our study provides novel evidence on the neurodevelopmental toxicity and toxicity mechanism of TBBPA-DHEE which are vital for assessment of the environmental toxicity and risk assessment of the chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Biochemistry, FBS & Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
| | - Mengna Luo
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengjia Zeng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian Qian
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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29
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Shaw PAG, Panda SK, Stanca A, Luyten W. Optimization of a locomotion-based zebrafish seizure model. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 375:109594. [PMID: 35421798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109594] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locomotor assays in zebrafish have emerged as a screening test in early drug discovery for antiseizure compounds. However, parameters differ considerably between published studies, which may explain some discrepant results with (candidate) antiseizure medications. NEW METHOD We optimized a locomotor-based seizure assay in zebrafish with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) as the pharmacological proconvulsant to generate a therapeutic window in which proconvulsant-treated zebrafish larvae could be discriminated from a non-treated control. To generate a reliable control, exposure time and concentration of valproate (VPA, anticonvulsant) was optimized. RESULTS Wells with one or three larvae show a similar PTZ dose-dependent increase in locomotion with less variability in motility for the latter. Zebrafish immersed in 10 mM PTZ showed a significant increase in movement with a sustained effect, without any indication of toxicity. Animals treated with 3 mM VPA showed the strongest reduction of PTZ-induced movement without toxicity. The decrease in PTZ-induced locomotion was greater after 18 h versus 2 h. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) For the larval zebrafish PTZ-induced seizure model, varying experimental parameters have been reported in literature. Our results show that PTZ is often used at toxic concentrations, and we provide instead reliable conditions to quantify convulsant behaviour using an infrared-beam motility assay. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using three zebrafish larvae per well to quantify locomotion in 96-multiwell plates. Larvae should preferably be exposed to 10 mM PTZ for 1 h, consisting of 30 min acclimation and 30 min subsequent recording. As positive control for anticonvulsant activity, we recommend exposure to 3 mM VPA for 18 h before administration of PTZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujogya Kumar Panda
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center of Environment Climate Change and Public Health, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India.
| | - Alexandru Stanca
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Walter Luyten
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Leach LL, Fisher GB, Gross JM. Nitroreductase/Metronidazole-Mediated Ablation and a MATLAB Platform (RpEGEN) for Studying Regeneration of the Zebrafish Retinal Pigment Epithelium. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/63658. [PMID: 35311832 PMCID: PMC9036407 DOI: 10.3791/63658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) resides at the back of the eye and performs functions essential for maintaining the health and integrity of adjacent retinal and vascular tissues. At present, the limited reparative capacity of mammalian RPE, which is restricted to small injuries, has hindered progress to understanding in vivo RPE regenerative processes. Here, a detailed methodology is provided to facilitate the study of in vivo RPE repair utilizing the zebrafish, a vertebrate model capable of robust tissue regeneration. This protocol describes a transgenic nitroreductase/metronidazole (NTR/MTZ)-mediated injury paradigm (rpe65a:nfsB-eGFP), which results in ablation of the central two-thirds of the RPE after 24 h treatment with MTZ, with subsequent tissue recovery. Focus is placed on RPE ablations in larval zebrafish and methods for testing the effects of pharmacological compounds on RPE regeneration are also outlined. Generation and validation of RpEGEN, a MATLAB script created to automate quantification of RPE regeneration based on pigmentation, is also discussed. Beyond active RPE repair mechanisms, this protocol can be expanded to studies of RPE degeneration and injury responses as well as the effects of RPE damage on adjacent retinal and vascular tissues, among other cellular and molecular processes. This zebrafish system holds significant promise in identifying genes, networks, and processes that drive RPE regeneration and RPE disease-related mechanisms, with the long-term goal of applying this knowledge to mammalian systems and, ultimately, toward therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay L. Leach
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - G. Burch Fisher
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Jeffrey M. Gross
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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Road Runoff Characterization: Ecotoxicological Assessment Combined with (Non-)Target Screenings of Micropollutants for the Identification of Relevant Toxicants in the Dissolved Phase. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14040511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Road runoff (RR) is an important vector of micropollutants towards groundwater and soils, threatening the environment and ecosystems. Through combined chemical and biological approaches, the purpose of this study was to get insights on specific toxicants present in RR from two sites differing by their traffic intensity and their toxicological risk assessment. Non-target screening was performed by HRMS on RR dissolved phase. Ecotoxicological risk was evaluated in a zebrafish embryos model and on rat liver mitochondrial respiratory chain. Specific HRMS fingerprints were obtained for each site, reflecting their respective traffic intensities. Several micropollutants, including 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) and benzotriazole (BZT) were identified in greater concentrations at the high-traffic site. The origin of DPG was confirmed by analyzing HRMS fingerprints from shredded tires. RR samples from each site, DPG and BZT were of relatively low toxicity (no mortality) to zebrafish embryos, but all generated distinct and marked stress responses in the light–dark transition test, while DPG/BZT mixes abolished this effect. The moderate-traffic RR and DPG inhibited mitochondrial complex I. Our study highlights (i) the unpredictability of pollutants cocktail effect and (ii) the importance of a multi-approaches strategy to characterize environmental matrices, essential for their management at the source and optimization of depollution devices.
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Kasprzak R, Grzeszkiewicz AB, Górecka A. Performance of Co-Housed Neon Tetras ( Paracheirodon innesi) and Glowlight Rasboras ( Trigonostigma hengeli) Fed Commercial Flakes and Lyophilized Natural Food. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123520. [PMID: 34944294 PMCID: PMC8697964 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Little to no research has been conducted thus far regarding aquarium fish nutrition. In order to ensure the welfare of house-kept ornamentals, such studies should take into account that there are distinct biological differences occurring between different fish species/taxa, especially in regard to the structure of their digestive organs. Accordingly, a 12-week trial was executed to assess the effects of two commercial flakes and a mix of lyophilized natural food on the condition of co-reared neon tetras, Paracheirodon innesi (Characidae), and glowlight rasboras, Trigonostigma hengeli (Danionidae). The four feeding groups were as follows: (T)-Tetra flakes; (O)-Omega flakes; (TO)-Tetra + Omega; (TOL)-Tetra + Omega + Lyophilizate (twice a week). There were no differences in final body weight (FBW) between the feeding groups of either species, but in the case of neon tetras, FBW increased significantly from the initial value only for the T group. However, histological observations and measurements of digestive organs (livers, intestines) showed pronounced differences between the two species. The supplementation with natural food in group TOL caused lipoid hepatic degeneration only in the rasboras. The healthiest histological structure of livers and longest intestinal folds were found in group T of the tetras and group TO of the rasboras. Whole-mount staining for bone and cartilage did not reveal any significant deformities or differences in terms of bone mineralization. In conclusion, it was outlined that concurrent feeding of co-housed, anatomically diverse ornamental fish species is a highly ambiguous task, because the nutritional strategy applied for a community tank may yield radically divergent effects, most of which may remain unnoticed when depending only on external body observations and measurements. Most emphatically, this was highlighted in regard to the dietary supplementation with natural food-although no significant effects were observed in neon tetras, severe lipoid liver degeneration occurred in glowlight rasboras.
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Licitra R, Martinelli M, Petrocchi Jasinski L, Marchese M, Kiferle C, Fronte B. In Vivo Evaluation of Cannabis sativa Full Extract on Zebrafish Larvae Development, Locomotion Behavior and Gene Expression. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121224. [PMID: 34959625 PMCID: PMC8705266 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, humans have been using Cannabis sativa for both recreational and medical purposes. Nowadays, cannabis-based products have gained scientific interest due to their beneficial effects on several syndromes and illnesses. The biological activity of cannabinoids is essentially due to the interaction with the endocannabinoid system, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a very well-known and powerful in vivo model for studying such specific interactions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different doses of a Cannabis sativa whole extract [dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] on zebrafish eggs’ hatchability, embryo post-hatching survival, larvae locomotion behavior and mRNA gene expression. The results showed the absence of toxicity, and no significant differences were observed between treatments for both embryo hatching and survival rate. In addition, larvae exposed to the cannabis extract at the highest dose [containing 1.73 nM and 22.3 nM of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively] showed an increased locomotion compared to the control and DMSO treated groups. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed that the highest dosage of cannabis induced an over-expression of cnr1 and cnr2 cannabinoid receptors. In conclusion, the exposition of zebrafish larvae to the whole extract of Cannabis sativa showed no negative effects on embryo development and survival and enhanced the larvae’s locomotor performances. These findings may open up possible Cannabis sativa applications in human pharmacology as well as in other animal sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Marco Martinelli
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | | | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology—ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Claudia Kiferle
- PlantLab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (M.M.); (C.K.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (B.F.)
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Guerrero-Tortolero DA, Vázquez-Islas G, Campos-Ramos R. A Transcriptome Insight During Early Fish Larval Development Followed by Starvation in Seriola rivoliana. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:749-765. [PMID: 34647196 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10061-4] [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: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated a time-course larval transcriptional analysis (RNA-seq) in the longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana, from hatching to day four at 22 °C, without providing zooplankton as food. Larval starvation is a critical physiological stage that must be prevented to ensure survival. However, the transcriptional mechanisms to endure starvation have not been investigated in marine fish. Differential gene expression showed newly day-specific transcriptome events during larval development. On day 1 (yolk sac absorption), the predominant upregulated developmental processes were larval growth, muscle and vision development, cytoskeletal structure, protein synthesis, protein and fat digestion-absorption, and hormone biosynthesis, whereas the cell cycle was suppressed. On day 2 (yolk sac exhaustion), a new stage of energy regeneration (ATP) was supplied by the oil drop reserve, whereas protein digestion-absorption and growth were suppressed. On day 3 (mouth opening and starvation), stress signals and nutrition deprivation upregulated the p53 signal and triggered autophagy and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways as an alternative catabolic pathway to enduring starvation, and the circadian rhythm was established. On day 4 (starving and weakened larvae condition), autophagy supported subsequent protein synthesis, activated the immune system, and promoted estrogen signaling and skeleton renovation. However, larvae suppressed muscle development, vision and carbohydrate, and fat digestion-absorption and became lethargic, evidencing limited physiological support by autophagy to maintain survival without exogenous nutrition in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grecia Vázquez-Islas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S, Mexico
| | - Rafael Campos-Ramos
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Calle IPN 195, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S, Mexico.
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Characteristics of the New Insulin-Resistant Zebrafish Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070642. [PMID: 34358068 PMCID: PMC8308799 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance, which occurs when insulin levels are sufficiently high over a prolonged period, causing the cells to fail to respond normally to the hormone. As a system for insulin resistance and diabetes drug development, insulin-resistant rodent models have been clearly established, but there is a limitation to high-throughput drug screening. Recently, zebrafish have been identified as an excellent system for drug discovery and identification of therapeutic targets, but studies on insulin resistance models have not been extensively performed. Therefore, we aimed to make a rapid insulin-resistant zebrafish model that complements the existing rodent models. To establish this model, zebrafish were treated with 10 μM insulin for 48 h. This model showed characteristics of insulin-resistant disease such as damaged pancreatic islets. Then we confirmed the recovery of the pancreatic islets after pioglitazone treatment. In addition, it was found that insulin-resistant drugs have as significant an effect in zebrafish as in humans, and these results proved the value of the zebrafish insulin resistance model for drug selection. In addition, RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the mechanism involved. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that insulin resistance altered gene expression due to the MAPK signaling and calcium signaling pathways. This model demonstrates the utility of the zebrafish model for drug testing and drug discovery in insulin resistance and diabetes.
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Zhang L, Chen C, Fu J, Lilley B, Berlinicke C, Hansen B, Ding D, Wang G, Wang T, Shou D, Ye Y, Mulligan T, Emmerich K, Saxena MT, Hall KR, Sharrock AV, Brandon C, Park H, Kam TI, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Shim JS, Hanes J, Ji H, Liu JO, Qian J, Ackerley DF, Rohrer B, Zack DJ, Mumm JS. Large-scale phenotypic drug screen identifies neuroprotectants in zebrafish and mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. eLife 2021; 10:e57245. [PMID: 34184634 PMCID: PMC8425951 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and associated inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are caused by rod photoreceptor degeneration, necessitating therapeutics promoting rod photoreceptor survival. To address this, we tested compounds for neuroprotective effects in multiple zebrafish and mouse RP models, reasoning drugs effective across species and/or independent of disease mutation may translate better clinically. We first performed a large-scale phenotypic drug screen for compounds promoting rod cell survival in a larval zebrafish model of inducible RP. We tested 2934 compounds, mostly human-approved drugs, across six concentrations, resulting in 113 compounds being identified as hits. Secondary tests of 42 high-priority hits confirmed eleven lead candidates. Leads were then evaluated in a series of mouse RP models in an effort to identify compounds effective across species and RP models, that is, potential pan-disease therapeutics. Nine of 11 leads exhibited neuroprotective effects in mouse primary photoreceptor cultures, and three promoted photoreceptor survival in mouse rd1 retinal explants. Both shared and complementary mechanisms of action were implicated across leads. Shared target tests implicated parp1-dependent cell death in our zebrafish RP model. Complementation tests revealed enhanced and additive/synergistic neuroprotective effects of paired drug combinations in mouse photoreceptor cultures and zebrafish, respectively. These results highlight the value of cross-species/multi-model phenotypic drug discovery and suggest combinatorial drug therapies may provide enhanced therapeutic benefits for RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Conan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jie Fu
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Brendan Lilley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Cynthia Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Baranda Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Guohua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Tao Wang
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- School of Chemistry, Xuzhou College of Industrial TechnologyXuzhouChina
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Daniel Shou
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ying Ye
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Timothy Mulligan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Kevin Emmerich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Meera T Saxena
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Kelsi R Hall
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Abigail V Sharrock
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Carlene Brandon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Hyejin Park
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Tae-In Kam
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Joong Sup Shim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, TaipaMacauChina
| | - Justin Hanes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - David F Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Baerbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jeff S Mumm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
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The immune response is a critical regulator of zebrafish retinal pigment epithelium regeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2017198118. [PMID: 34006636 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2017198118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) because of dysfunction or disease can lead to blindness in humans. Harnessing the intrinsic ability of the RPE to self-repair is an attractive therapeutic strategy; however, mammalian RPE is limited in its regenerative capacity. Zebrafish possess tremendous intrinsic regenerative potential in ocular tissues, including the RPE, but little is known about the mechanisms driving RPE regeneration. Here, utilizing transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines, pharmacological manipulations, transcriptomics, and imaging analyses, we identified elements of the immune response as critical mediators of intrinsic RPE regeneration. After genetic ablation, the RPE express immune-related genes, including leukocyte recruitment factors such as interleukin 34 We demonstrate that macrophage/microglia cells are responsive to RPE damage and that their function is required for the timely progression of the regenerative response. These data identify the molecular and cellular underpinnings of RPE regeneration and hold significant potential for translational approaches aimed toward promoting a pro-regenerative environment in mammalian RPE.
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Samaee SM, Atashbar Kangarloei B, Noori F, Estévez A. An Endeavor to Find Starter Feed Alternatives and Techniques for Zebrafish First-Feeding Larvae: The Effects on Viability, Morphometric Traits, Digestive Enzymes, and Expression of Growth-Related Genes. Zebrafish 2021; 18:73-91. [PMID: 33538651 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Low and variable growth and survival rates (SR) of 6-10 days postfertilization zebrafish larvae are a problem. This problem seems to be linked to starter feed characteristics. This study is an attempt to find alternatives to address these requests. For this, larvae were fed fresh and lyophilized microalgae (Chlorella, Scenedesmus, and Haematococcus), egg yolk (YOLK), lyophilized Artemia nauplii (LAN), and a combination of them. The lowest SR was observed in algae-fed larvae. All died on day 11 showing an emaciated appearance, similar to starved larvae. The highest SR was observed in YOLK- and LAN-fed larvae, which also showed an elongated anterior part of the body. Negative correlations of SR with vegfaa (vascular endothelial growth factor) and morphometric traits with igf2a (insulin-like growth factor) were also found and supported by changes at the molecular level. The presence of algae in the digestive tract of the larvae and the observation of fecal droppings indicate that the algae have an appropriate size and are palatable. The increase in the digestive enzyme activity shows the larval effort to digest the algae. The fact that the algae-fed larvae died even before the larvae were kept in starvation indicates the dramatic amount of energy that the larvae spent in microalgae digestion. Although both YOLK- and LAN-fed larvae had the highest SR, LAN group started to feed on Artemia nauplii sooner. This can be linked to the delayed growth in YOLK-fed larvae and an accelerated growth in the case of LAN-fed group. LAN is an expensive feed with negative effects on water quality, whereas YOLK is a cheap and nutritionally balanced feed with fine granular texture that contributes to a larval SR similar to LAN without affecting water quality. In conclusion, microalgae cannot be considered a suitable starter food for zebrafish, whereas LAN and YOLK can be considered good starter feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behrooz Atashbar Kangarloei
- Department of Ecology and Resource Assessment, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Noori
- Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Mawed SA, Zhang J, Ren F, He Y, Mei J. atg7 and beclin1 are essential for energy metabolism and survival during the larval-to-juvenile transition stage of zebrafish. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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40
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Lucore EC, Connaughton VP. Observational learning and irreversible starvation in first-feeding zebrafish larvae: is it okay to copy from your friends? ZOOLOGY 2021; 145:125896. [PMID: 33581423 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Starvation is one cause of high mortality during the early life stages of many fish species. If larvae do not learn to feed, or if no food is available during early stages, irreversible starvation occurs and larvae reach the Point of No Return (PNR), the developmental period/age when they will not feed even if food is available. Fish larvae may learn to how to feed by observing conspecifics or through personal/individual experience with prey items that are encountered. We examined food acquisition in first-feeding zebrafish larvae to determine the impact of delayed feeding and identify the time of irreversible starvation and the PNR. Next, we examined how feeding ability, and the PNR, is altered by either observational learning or previous experience, to determine which paradigm facilitates successful feeding.Our data indicate that zebrafish larvae learn to feed, with the PNR at 7-8 days postfertilization (dpf). Exposure to prey items immediately after hatching (3-5 dpf) results in the highest survival rates. Zebrafish larvae learning to feed by observing conspecifics also had high survival, though the PNR was not changed. In contrast, previous experience with prey items caused an earlier PNR and reduced survival. Overall, these results that indicate feeding is a learned behavior in zebrafish larvae and interacting with/observing conspecifics during the early larval period is a better predictor of feeding ability than previous experience with food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Lucore
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
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41
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van de Venter M, Didloff J, Reddy S, Swanepoel B, Govender S, Dambuza NS, Williams S, Koekemoer TC, Venables L. Wild-Type Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Larvae as a Vertebrate Model for Diabetes and Comorbidities: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:E54. [PMID: 33396883 PMCID: PMC7824285 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have become a popular alternative to higher animals in biomedical and pharmaceutical research. The development of stable mutant lines to model target specific aspects of many diseases, including diabetes, is well reported. However, these mutant lines are much more costly and challenging to maintain than wild-type zebrafish and are simply not an option for many research facilities. As an alternative to address the disadvantages of advanced mutant lines, wild-type larvae may represent a suitable option. In this review, we evaluate organ development in zebrafish larvae and discuss established methods that use wild-type zebrafish larvae up to seven days post fertilization to test for potential drug candidates for diabetes and its commonly associated conditions of oxidative stress and inflammation. This provides an up to date overview of the relevance of wild-type zebrafish larvae as a vertebrate antidiabetic model and confidence as an alternative tool for preclinical studies. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of established methods and suggest recommendations for future developments to promote the use of zebrafish, specifically larvae, rather than higher animals in the early phase of antidiabetic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna van de Venter
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Jenske Didloff
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Shanika Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Bresler Swanepoel
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Sharlene Govender
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Ntokozo Shirley Dambuza
- Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa;
| | - Saralene Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Trevor Craig Koekemoer
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
| | - Luanne Venables
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; (J.D.); (S.R.); (B.S.); (S.G.); (S.W.); (T.C.K.); (L.V.)
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42
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Panlilio JM, Aluru N, Hahn ME. Developmental Neurotoxicity of the Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Domoic Acid: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Altered Behavior in the Zebrafish Model. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:117002. [PMID: 33147070 PMCID: PMC7641300 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce potent neurotoxins that threaten human health, but current regulations may not be protective of sensitive populations. Early life exposure to low levels of the HAB toxin domoic acid (DomA) produces long-lasting behavioral deficits in rodent and primate models; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. The zebrafish is a powerful in vivo vertebrate model system for exploring cellular processes during development and thus may help to elucidate mechanisms of DomA developmental neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVES We used the zebrafish model to investigate how low doses of DomA affect the developing nervous system, including windows of susceptibility to DomA exposure, structural and molecular changes in the nervous system, and the link to behavioral alterations. METHODS To identify potential windows of susceptibility, DomA (0.09-0.18 ng) was delivered to zebrafish through caudal vein microinjection during distinct periods in early neurodevelopment. Following exposure, structural and molecular targets were identified using live imaging of transgenic fish and RNA sequencing. To assess the functional consequences of exposures, we quantified startle behavior in response to acoustic/vibrational stimuli. RESULTS Larvae exposed to DomA at 2 d postfertilization (dpf), but not at 1 or 4 dpf, showed consistent deficits in startle behavior at 7 dpf, including lower responsiveness and altered kinematics. Similarly, myelination in the spinal cord was disorganized after exposure at 2 dpf but not 1 or 4 dpf. Time-lapse imaging revealed disruption of the initial stages of myelination. DomA exposure at 2 dpf down-regulated genes required for maintaining myelin structure and the axonal cytoskeleton. DISCUSSION These results in zebrafish reveal a developmental window of susceptibility to DomA-induced behavioral deficits and identify altered gene expression and disrupted myelin structure as possible mechanisms. The results establish a zebrafish model for investigating the mechanisms of developmental DomA toxicity, including effects with potential relevance to exposed sensitive human populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Panlilio
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)–WHOI Joint Graduate Program in Oceanography and Oceanographic Engineering, Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
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Pedersen AF, Meyer DN, Petriv AMV, Soto AL, Shields JN, Akemann C, Baker BB, Tsou WL, Zhang Y, Baker TR. Nanoplastics impact the zebrafish (Danio rerio) transcriptome: Associated developmental and neurobehavioral consequences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115090. [PMID: 32693326 PMCID: PMC7492438 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a ubiquitous pollutant detected not only in marine and freshwater bodies, but also in tap and bottled water worldwide. While MPs have been extensively studied, the toxicity of their smaller counterpart, nanoplastics (NPs), is not well documented. Despite likely large-scale human and animal exposure to NPs, the associated health risks remain unclear, especially during early developmental stages. To address this, we investigated the health impacts of exposures to both 50 and 200 nm polystyrene NPs in larval zebrafish. From 6 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf), developing zebrafish were exposed to a range of fluorescent NPs (10-10,000 parts per billion). Dose-dependent increases in accumulation were identified in exposed larval fish, potentially coinciding with an altered behavioral response as evidenced through swimming hyperactivity. Notably, exposures did not impact mortality, hatching rate, or deformities; however, transcriptomic analysis suggests neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction at both high and low concentrations. Furthermore, results of this study suggest that NPs can accumulate in the tissues of larval zebrafish, alter their transcriptome, and affect behavior and physiology, potentially decreasing organismal fitness in contaminated ecosystems. The uniquely broad scale of this study during a critical window of development provides crucial multidimensional characterization of NP impacts on human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam F Pedersen
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Danielle N Meyer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology - School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Anna-Maria V Petriv
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Abraham L Soto
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Jeremiah N Shields
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Camille Akemann
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology - School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Bridget B Baker
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Wei-Ling Tsou
- Department of Pharmacology - School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Yongli Zhang
- College of Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Dr, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology - School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA.
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44
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Lagogiannis K, Diana G, Meyer MP. Learning steers the ontogeny of an efficient hunting sequence in zebrafish larvae. eLife 2020; 9:55119. [PMID: 32773042 PMCID: PMC7561354 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal-directed behaviors may be poorly coordinated in young animals but, with age and experience, behavior progressively adapts to efficiently exploit the animal’s ecological niche. How experience impinges on the developing neural circuits of behavior is an open question. We have conducted a detailed study of the effects of experience on the ontogeny of hunting behavior in larval zebrafish. We report that larvae with prior experience of live prey consume considerably more prey than naive larvae. This is mainly due to increased capture success and a modest increase in hunt rate. We demonstrate that the initial turn to prey and the final capture manoeuvre of the hunting sequence were jointly modified by experience and that modification of these components predicted capture success. Our findings establish an ethologically relevant paradigm in zebrafish for studying how the brain is shaped by experience to drive the ontogeny of efficient behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Lagogiannis
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Diana
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin P Meyer
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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45
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Morbiato E, Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Fantinati A, Savchuk S, Appolonova S, Frisoni P, Tagliaro F, Neri M, Grignolio S, Bertolucci C, Marti M. Potential of the zebrafish model for the forensic toxicology screening of NPS: A comparative study of the effects of APINAC and methiopropamine on the behavior of zebrafish larvae and mice. Neurotoxicology 2020; 78:36-46. [PMID: 32050087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The increased diffusion of the so-called novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and their continuous change in structure andconceivably activity has led to the need of a rapid screening method to detect their biological effects as early as possible after their appearance in the market. This problem is very felt in forensic pathology and toxicology, so the preclinical study is fundamental in the approach to clinical and autopsy cases of difficult interpretation intoxication. Zebrafish is a high-throughput suitable model to rapidly hypothesize potential aversive or beneficial effects of novel molecules. In the present study, we measured and compared the behavioral responses to two novel neuroactive drugs, namely APINAC, a new cannabimimetic drug, and methiopropamine (MPA), a methamphetamine-like compound, on zebrafish larvae (ZL) and adult mice. By using an innovative statistical approach (general additive models), it was found that the spontaneous locomotor activity was impaired by the two drugs in both species: the disruption extent varied in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Sensorimotor function was also altered: i) the visual object response was reduced in mice treated with APINAC, whereas it was not after exposure to MPA; ii) the visual placing responses were reduced after treatment with both NPS in mice. Furthermore, the visual motor response detected in ZL showed a reduction after treatment with APINAC during light-dark and dark-light transition. The same pattern was found in the MPA exposed groups only at the dark-light transition, while at the transition from light to dark, the individuals showed an increased response. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the impairment of spontaneous motor and sensorimotor behavior induced by MPA and APINAC administration in both species, thus confirming the usefulness of ZL as a model for a rapid behavioural-based drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Morbiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sergey Savchuk
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana Appolonova
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy; Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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Sehonova P, Hodkovicova N, Urbanova M, Örn S, Blahova J, Svobodova Z, Faldyna M, Chloupek P, Briedikova K, Carlsson G. Effects of antidepressants with different modes of action on early life stages of fish and amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:112999. [PMID: 31404734 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Drugs are excreted from the human body as both original substances and as metabolites and enter aquatic environment through waste water. The aim of this study was to widen the current knowledge considering the effects of waterborne antidepressants with different modes of action-amitriptyline, venlafaxine, sertraline-on embryos of non-target aquatic biota-fish (represented by Danio rerio) and amphibians (represented by Xenopus tropicalis). The tested concentrations were 0.3; 3; 30; 300 and 3000 μg/L in case of amitriptyline and venlafaxine and 0.1; 1; 10; 100 and 1000 μg/L for sertraline. Test on zebrafish embryos was carried out until 144 h post fertilization, while test on Xenopus embryos was terminated after 48 h. Lethal and sublethal effects as well as swimming alterations were observed at higher tested concentrations that are not present in the environment. In contrast, mRNA expression of genes related to heart, eye, brain and bone development (nkx2.5, otx 2, bmp4 and pax 6) seems to be impacted also at environmentally relevant concentrations. In a wider context, this study reveals several indications on the ability of antidepressants to affect non target animals occupying environments which may be contaminated by such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Sehonova
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikola Hodkovicova
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Urbanova
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Örn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jana Blahova
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenka Svobodova
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Faldyna
- Department of Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Chloupek
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Briedikova
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gunnar Carlsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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47
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Emergence of consistent intra-individual locomotor patterns during zebrafish development. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13647. [PMID: 31541136 PMCID: PMC6754443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49614-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of larval zebrafish locomotor behavior has emerged as a powerful indicator of perturbations in the nervous system and is used in many fields of research, including neuroscience, toxicology and drug discovery. The behavior of larval zebrafish however, is highly variable, resulting in the use of large numbers of animals and the inability to detect small effects. In this study, we analyzed whether individual locomotor behavior is stable over development and whether behavioral parameters correlate with physiological and morphological features, with the aim of better understanding the variability and predictability of larval locomotor behavior. Our results reveal that locomotor activity of an individual larva remains consistent throughout a given day and is predictable throughout larval development, especially during dark phases, under which larvae demonstrate light-searching behaviors and increased activity. The larvae’s response to startle-stimuli was found to be unpredictable, with no correlation found between response strength and locomotor activity. Furthermore, locomotor activity was not associated with physiological or morphological features of a larva (resting heart rate, body length, size of the swim bladder). Overall, our findings highlight the areas of intra-individual consistency, which could be used to improve the sensitivity of assays using zebrafish locomotor activity as an endpoint.
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48
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Aleström P, D'Angelo L, Midtlyng PJ, Schorderet DF, Schulte-Merker S, Sohm F, Warner S. Zebrafish: Housing and husbandry recommendations. Lab Anim 2019; 54:213-224. [PMID: 31510859 PMCID: PMC7301644 DOI: 10.1177/0023677219869037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This article provides recommendations for the care of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio) as part of the further implementation of Annex A to the European Convention on the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes, EU Commission Recommendation 2007/526/EC and the fulfilment of Article 33 of EU Directive 2010/63, both concerning the housing and care of experimental animals. The recommendations provide guidance on best practices and ranges of husbandry parameters within which zebrafish welfare, as well as reproducibility of experimental procedures, are assured. Husbandry procedures found today in zebrafish facilities are numerous. While the vast majority of these practices are perfectly acceptable in terms of zebrafish physiology and welfare, the reproducibility of experimental results could be improved by further standardisation of husbandry procedures and exchange of husbandry information between laboratories. Standardisation protocols providing ranges of husbandry parameters are likely to be more successful and appropriate than the implementation of a set of fixed guidance values neglecting the empirically successful daily routines of many facilities and will better reflect the wide range of environmental parameters that characterise the natural habitats occupied by zebrafish. A joint working group on zebrafish housing and husbandry recommendations, with members of the European Society for Fish Models in Biology and Medicine (EUFishBioMed) and of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) has been given a mandate to provide guidelines based on a FELASA list of parameters, ‘Terms of Reference’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aleström
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Italian Association of Laboratory Animal Sciences (AISAL); Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paul J Midtlyng
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel F Schorderet
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale of Lausanne, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, WWU Münster, Faculty of Medicine, Münster, Germany.,CiM Cluster of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Münster, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frederic Sohm
- UMS AMAGEN, CNRS, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Susan Warner
- Karolinska Institutet, Comparative Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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49
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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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