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Chaoul V, Dib EY, Bedran J, Khoury C, Shmoury O, Harb F, Soueid J. Assessing Drug Administration Techniques in Zebrafish Models of Neurological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14898. [PMID: 37834345 PMCID: PMC10573323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914898] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, affect nearly one in six of the world's population. The burden of the resulting deaths and disability is set to rise during the next few decades as a consequence of an aging population. To address this, zebrafish have become increasingly prominent as a model for studying human neurological diseases and exploring potential therapies. Zebrafish offer numerous benefits, such as genetic homology and brain similarities, complementing traditional mammalian models and serving as a valuable tool for genetic screening and drug discovery. In this comprehensive review, we highlight various drug delivery techniques and systems employed for therapeutic interventions of neurological diseases in zebrafish, and evaluate their suitability. We also discuss the challenges encountered during this process and present potential advancements in innovative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chaoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Emanuel-Youssef Dib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Joe Bedran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Chakib Khoury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Omar Shmoury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Frédéric Harb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Jihane Soueid
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
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2
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Saleem S, Kannan RR. Zebrafish: A Promising Real-Time Model System for Nanotechnology-Mediated Neurospecific Drug Delivery. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2021; 16:135. [PMID: 34424426 PMCID: PMC8382796 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-021-03592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Delivering drugs to the brain has always remained a challenge for the research community and physicians. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a major hurdle for delivering drugs to specific parts of the brain and the central nervous system. It is physiologically comprised of complex network of capillaries to protect the brain from any invasive agents or foreign particles. Therefore, there is an absolute need for understanding of the BBB for successful therapeutic interventions. Recent research indicates the strong emergence of zebrafish as a model for assessing the permeability of the BBB, which is highly conserved in its structure and function between the zebrafish and mammals. The zebrafish model system offers a plethora of advantages including easy maintenance, high fecundity and transparency of embryos and larvae. Therefore, it has the potential to be developed as a model for analysing and elucidating the permeability of BBB to novel permeation technologies with neurospecificity. Nanotechnology has now become a focus area within the industrial and research community for delivering drugs to the brain. Nanoparticles are being developed with increased efficiency and accuracy for overcoming the BBB and delivering neurospecific drugs to the brain. The zebrafish stands as an excellent model system to assess nanoparticle biocompatibility and toxicity. Hence, the zebrafish model is indispensable for the discovery or development of novel technologies for neurospecific drug delivery and potential therapies for brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraiya Saleem
- Neuroscience Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Rajaretinam Rajesh Kannan
- Neuroscience Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India.
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3
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Haque E, Ward AC. Zebrafish as a Model to Evaluate Nanoparticle Toxicity. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8070561. [PMID: 30041434 PMCID: PMC6071110 DOI: 10.3390/nano8070561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are increasingly being developed for in vivo use, from targeted drug delivery to diagnostics, where they have enormous potential, while they are also being used for a variety of applications that can result in environmental exposure for humans. Understanding how specific nanoparticles interact with cells and cell systems is essential to gauge their safety with respect to either clinical or environmental exposure. Zebrafish is being increasingly employed as a model to evaluate nanoparticle biocompatibility. This review describes this model and how it can be used to assess nanoparticle toxicity at multiple levels, including mortality, teratogenicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, as well as alterations in reproduction, behavior and a range of other physiological readouts. This review also provides an overview of studies using this model to assess the toxicity of metal, metal oxide and carbon-based nanoparticles. It is anticipated that this information will inform research aimed at developing biocompatible nanoparticles for a range of uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enamul Haque
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
| | - Alister C Ward
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
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4
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Taylor JC, Dewberry LS, Totsch SK, Yessick LR, DeBerry JJ, Watts SA, Sorge RE. A novel zebrafish-based model of nociception. Physiol Behav 2017; 174:83-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Hahn ME, Timme-Laragy AR, Karchner SI, Stegeman JJ. Nrf2 and Nrf2-related proteins in development and developmental toxicity: Insights from studies in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 88:275-289. [PMID: 26130508 PMCID: PMC4698826 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important mechanism of chemical toxicity, contributing to developmental toxicity and teratogenesis as well as to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and diabetic embryopathy. Developing animals are especially sensitive to effects of chemicals that disrupt the balance of processes generating reactive species and oxidative stress, and those anti-oxidant defenses that protect against oxidative stress. The expression and inducibility of anti-oxidant defenses through activation of NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and related proteins is an essential process affecting the susceptibility to oxidants, but the complex interactions of Nrf2 in determining embryonic response to oxidants and oxidative stress are only beginning to be understood. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an established model in developmental biology and now also in developmental toxicology and redox signaling. Here we review the regulation of genes involved in protection against oxidative stress in developing vertebrates, with a focus on Nrf2 and related cap'n'collar (CNC)-basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors. Vertebrate animals including zebrafish share Nfe2, Nrf1, Nrf2, and Nrf3 as well as a core set of genes that respond to oxidative stress, contributing to the value of zebrafish as a model system with which to investigate the mechanisms involved in regulation of redox signaling and the response to oxidative stress during embryolarval development. Moreover, studies in zebrafish have revealed nrf and keap1 gene duplications that provide an opportunity to dissect multiple functions of vertebrate NRF genes, including multiple sensing mechanisms involved in chemical-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America.
| | - Alicia R Timme-Laragy
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sibel I Karchner
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John J Stegeman
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
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6
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Pickart MA, Klee EW. Zebrafish approaches enhance the translational research tackle box. Transl Res 2014; 163:65-78. [PMID: 24269745 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
During the past few decades, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been a workhorse for developmental biology and genetics. Concurrently, zebrafish have proved highly accessible and effective for translational research by providing a vertebrate animal model useful for gene discovery, disease modeling, chemical genetic screening, and other medically relevant studies. Key resources such as an annotated and complete genome sequence, and diverse tools for genetic manipulation continue to spur broad use of zebrafish. Thus, the purpose of this introductory review is to provide a window into the unique characteristics and diverse uses of zebrafish and to highlight in particular the increasing relevance of zebrafish as a translational animal model. This is accomplished by reviewing broad considerations of anatomic and physiological conservation, approaches for disease modeling and creation, general laboratory methods, genetic tools, genome conservation, and diverse opportunities for functional validation. Additional commentary throughout the review also guides the reader to the 4 new reviews found elsewhere in this special issue that showcase the many unique ways the zebrafish is improving understanding of renal regeneration, mitochondrial disease, dyslipidemia, and aging, for example. With many other possible approaches and a rapidly increasing number of medically relevant reports, zebrafish approaches enhance significantly the tools available for translational research and are actively improving the understanding of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric W Klee
- Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn
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7
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Gould RA, Aboulmouna LM, Varner JD, Butcher JT. Hierarchical approaches for systems modeling in cardiac development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 5:289-305. [PMID: 23463736 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ordered cardiac morphogenesis and function are essential for all vertebrate life. The heart begins as a simple contractile tube, but quickly grows and morphs into a multichambered pumping organ complete with valves, while maintaining regulation of blood flow and nutrient distribution. Though not identical, cardiac morphogenesis shares many molecular and morphological processes across vertebrate species. Quantitative data across multiple time and length scales have been gathered through decades of reductionist single variable analyses. These range from detailed molecular signaling pathways at the cellular levels to cardiac function at the tissue/organ levels. However, none of these components act in true isolation from others, and each, in turn, exhibits short- and long-range effects in both time and space. With the absence of a gene, entire signaling cascades and genetic profiles may be shifted, resulting in complex feedback mechanisms. Also taking into account local microenvironmental changes throughout development, it is apparent that a systems level approach is an essential resource to accelerate information generation concerning the functional relationships across multiple length scales (molecular data vs physiological function) and structural development. In this review, we discuss relevant in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, compare different computational frameworks for systems modeling, and the latest information about systems modeling of cardiac development. Finally, we conclude with some important future directions for cardiac systems modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Gould
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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8
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Abstract
The vertebrate genome contains a predicted 50 000-100 000 genes, many of unknown function. The recent development of morpholino-based gene knock-down technology in zebrafish has opened the door to the genome-wide assignment of function based on sequence in a model vertebrate. This review describes technical aspects of morpholino use for functional genomics applications, including the potential for multigene targeting and known methodological limitations. The result of successful gene inactivation by this agent is proposed to yield embryos with a 'morphant' phenotypic designation. The establishment of a morphant database opens the door to true functional genomics using the vertebrate, Danio rerio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Ekker
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Transposon Research at the
University of Minnesota, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, 6-160
Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- *Stephen C. Ekker:
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Juarez MA, Su F, Chun S, Kiel MJ, Lyons SE. Distinct Roles for SCL in Erythroid Specification and Maturation in Zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:41636-44. [PMID: 16210319 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m507998200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell leukemia (SCL) transcription factor is essential for vertebrate hematopoiesis. Using the powerful zebrafish model for embryonic analysis, we compared the effects of either reducing or ablating Scl using morpholino-modified antisense RNAs. Ablation of Scl resulted in the loss of primitive and definitive hematopoiesis, consistent with its essential role in these processes. Interestingly, in embryos with severely reduced Scl levels, erythroid progenitors expressing gata1 and embryonic globin developed. Erythroid maturation was deficient in these Scl hypomorphs, supporting that Scl was required both for the erythroid specification and for the maturation steps, with maturation requiring higher Scl levels than specification. Although all hematopoietic functions were rescued by wild-type Scl mRNA, an Scl DNA binding mutant rescued primitive and definitive hematopoiesis but did not rescue primitive erythroid maturation. Together, we showed that there is a distinct Scl hypomorphic phenotype and demonstrated that distinct functions are required for the roles of Scl in the specification and differentiation of primitive and definitive hematopoietic lineages. Our results revealed that Scl participates in multiple processes requiring different levels and functions. Further, we identified an Scl hypomorphic phenotype distinct from the null state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne A Juarez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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10
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Abstract
Zebrafish produce nearly identical hematopoeitic cell lineages to those found in mammals and other higher vertebrates. As in mammals, blood cell development proceeds in distinct waves, constituting embryonic (primitive) and adult (definitive) hematopoiesis. The conservation of genes such as scl, pu.1, c/ebpalpha, mpo, l-plastin, and lysozyme C in myelopoiesis and the corresponding expression patterns in zebrafish suggests that shared genetic pathways regulate this complex developmental process. In the zebrafish model system, experimental approaches have been applied, including RNA in situ hybridization, morpholino injections, and the analysis of mutant and transgenic fish lines, leading to improved understanding of the regulation in vivo of key molecular pathways with conserved roles in vertebrate myelopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason N Berman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. 02115, USA
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11
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Onnebo SMN, Yoong SHS, Ward AC. Harnessing zebrafish for the study of white blood cell development and its perturbation. Exp Hematol 2004; 32:789-96. [PMID: 15345279 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2004.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of normal white blood cell development and its perturbation in disease through the use of clinical studies and traditional animal and cell line models. Despite this, however, many questions are still being answered and white blood cell disorders, including leukemia and lymphoma, remain a significant health problem. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful alternative vertebrate model for the study of development and disease. We review the recent application of zebrafish to the study of white blood cell development and its disruption, particularly leukemogenesis. Such studies have highlighted the overall conservation of these processes throughout vertebrates, and establish zebrafish as a useful experimental model. This organism is now poised to make an important contribution to our understanding of the underlying genetic control of white blood cell development and its disruption, as well as the identification of new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M N Onnebo
- Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Naruse K, Tanaka M, Mita K, Shima A, Postlethwait J, Mitani H. A medaka gene map: the trace of ancestral vertebrate proto-chromosomes revealed by comparative gene mapping. Genome Res 2004; 14:820-8. [PMID: 15078856 PMCID: PMC479108 DOI: 10.1101/gr.2004004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The mapping of Hox clusters and many duplicated genes in zebrafish indicated an extra whole-genome duplication in ray-fined fish. However, to reconstruct the preduplication chromosomes (proto-chromosomes), the comparative genomic studies of more distantly related teleosts are essential. Medaka and zebrafish are ideal for this purpose, because their lineages separated from their last common ancestor approximately 140 million years ago. To reconstruct ancient vertebrate chromosomes, including the chromosomes of the vertebrate ancestor of humans from 450 million years ago, we mapped 818 genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) on a single meiotic backcross panel obtained from inbred strains of the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Comparisons of linkage relationships of orthologous genes among three species of vertebrates (medaka, zebrafish, and human) indicate the number and content of the chromosomes of the last common ancestor of ray-fined fish and lobe-fined fish (including humans), and the extra whole genome duplication event in the ray-fin lineage occurred in the common ancestor of perhaps all teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Naruse
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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13
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Lo J, Lee S, Xu M, Liu F, Ruan H, Eun A, He Y, Ma W, Wang W, Wen Z, Peng J. 15000 unique zebrafish EST clusters and their future use in microarray for profiling gene expression patterns during embryogenesis. Genome Res 2003; 13:455-66. [PMID: 12618376 PMCID: PMC430290 DOI: 10.1101/gr.885403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A total of 15590 unique zebrafish EST clusters from two cDNA libraries have been identified. Most significantly, only 22% (3437) of the 15590 unique clusters matched 2805 (of 15200) clusters in the Danio rerio UniGene database, indicating that our EST set is complementary to the existing ESTs in the public database and will be invaluable in assisting the annotation of genes based on the upcoming zebrafish genome sequence. Blast search showed that 7824 of our unique clusters matched 6710 known or predicted proteins in the nonredundant database. A cDNA microarray representing approximately 3100 unique zebrafish cDNA clusters has been generated and used to profile the gene expression patterns across six different embryonic stages (cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, pharyngula, and hatching). Analysis of expression data using K-means clustering revealed that genes coding for muscle-specific proteins displayed similar expression patterns, confirming that the coordinate gene expression is important for myogenesis. Our results demonstrate that the combination of microarray technology with the zebrafish model system can provide useful information on how genes are coordinated in a genetic network to control zebrafish embryogenesis and can help to identify novel genes that are important for organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Lo
- Functional Genomics Lab, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 117609
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Spitsbergen JM, Kent ML. The state of the art of the zebrafish model for toxicology and toxicologic pathology research--advantages and current limitations. Toxicol Pathol 2003; 31 Suppl:62-87. [PMID: 12597434 PMCID: PMC1909756 DOI: 10.1080/01926230390174959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now the pre-eminent vertebrate model system for clarification of the roles of specific genes and signaling pathways in development. The zebrafish genome will be completely sequenced within the next 1-2 years. Together with the substantial historical database regarding basic developmental biology, toxicology, and gene transfer, the rich foundation of molecular genetic and genomic data makes zebrafish a powerful model system for clarifying mechanisms in toxicity. In contrast to the highly advanced knowledge base on molecular developmental genetics in zebrafish, our database regarding infectious and noninfectious diseases and pathologic lesions in zebrafish lags far behind the information available on most other domestic mammalian and avian species, particularly rodents. Currently, minimal data are available regarding spontaneous neoplasm rates or spontaneous aging lesions in any of the commonly used wild-type or mutant lines of zebrafish. Therefore, to fully utilize the potential of zebrafish as an animal model for understanding human development, disease, and toxicology we must greatly advance our knowledge on zebrafish diseases and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Spitsbergen
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Marine/Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, USA.
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15
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Law JM. Issues related to the use of fish models in toxicologic pathology: session introduction. Toxicol Pathol 2003; 31 Suppl:49-52. [PMID: 12597431 DOI: 10.1080/01926230390174922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ready or not, fish models are "here to stay." No longer are fish confined to a few specialized laboratories, nor are they exclusively the purview of zoologists or environmental toxicologists. In fact, the institution that does not house at least 1 fish facility is probably not at the forefront of cutting edge research. In toxicologic pathology, fish models are increasingly being used to provide high animal numbers at relatively low cost in carcinogenicity testing and developmental research, and to provide mechanistic information on fundamental cellular processes. In this session, we attempt to provide some perspective for the pathologist that is faced with planning or performing experiments or testing protocols using fish models, or with reading or interpreting fish studies. First, we cover how to approach fish studies from the contract laboratory standpoint, including sectioning, quality control, and GLP considerations. Then, we discuss specifics on the use of the rainbow trout, zebrafish, and Japanese medaka models. The rainbow trout has a rich history in carcinogenicity and mechanistic cancer research. Similarly, the 2 workhorses in the small fish category, zebrafish and medaka, have found their way into many laboratories doing developmental biology and genomics research as well as carcinogenicity testing. Some fascinating genetically altered fish models have been developed with both of these species. This manuscript provides a session overview of the use of small fish models in toxicologic pathology, along with some historical perspective on how these models have played a role in the current state of the science.
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Affiliation(s)
- J McHugh Law
- Laboratory for Toxicologic and Molecular Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA.
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16
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Stickney HL, Schmutz J, Woods IG, Holtzer CC, Dickson MC, Kelly PD, Myers RM, Talbot WS. Rapid mapping of zebrafish mutations with SNPs and oligonucleotide microarrays. Genome Res 2002; 12:1929-34. [PMID: 12466297 PMCID: PMC187572 DOI: 10.1101/gr.777302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic screens in zebrafish have identified thousands of mutations in hundreds of essential genes. The genetic mapping of these mutations is necessary to link DNA sequences to the gene functions defined by mutant phenotypes. Here, we report two advances that will accelerate the mapping of zebrafish mutations: (1) The construction of a first generation single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map of the zebrafish genome comprising 2035 SNPs and 178 small insertions/deletions, and (2) the development of a method for mapping mutations in which hundreds of SNPs can be scored in parallel with an oligonucleotide microarray. We have demonstrated the utility of the microarray technique in crosses with haploid and diploid embryos by mapping two known mutations to their previously identified locations. We have also used this approach to localize four previously unmapped mutations. We expect that mapping with SNPs and oligonucleotide microarrays will accelerate the molecular analysis of zebrafish mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Stickney
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Abstract
Many genes are members of large families that have arisen during evolution through gene duplication events. Our increasing understanding of gene organization at the scale of whole genomes is revealing further evidence for the extensive retention of genes that arise during duplication events of various types. Duplication is thought to be an important means of providing a substrate on which evolution can work. An understanding of gene duplication and its resolution is crucial for revealing mechanisms of genetic redundancy. Here, we consider both the theoretical framework and the experimental evidence to explain the preservation of duplicated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Prince
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, The University of Chicago, 1027 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60615, USA.
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Lyons SE, Lawson ND, Lei L, Bennett PE, Weinstein BM, Liu PP. A nonsense mutation in zebrafish gata1 causes the bloodless phenotype in vlad tepes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:5454-9. [PMID: 11960002 PMCID: PMC122790 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.082695299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vlad tepes (vlt(m651)) is one of only five "bloodless" zebrafish mutants isolated through large-scale chemical mutagenesis screening. It is characterized by a severe reduction in blood cell progenitors and few or no blood cells at the onset of circulation. We now report characterization of the mutant phenotype and the identification of the gene mutated in vlt(m651). Embryos homozygous for the vlt(m651) mutation had normal expression of hematopoietic stem cell markers through 24 h postfertilization, as well as normal expression of myeloid and lymphoid markers. Analysis of erythroid development revealed variable expression of erythroid markers. Through positional and candidate gene cloning approaches we identified a nonsense mutation in the gata1 gene, 1015C --> T (Arg-339 --> Stop), in vlt(m651). The nonsense mutation was located C-terminal to the two zinc fingers and resulted in a truncated protein that was unable to bind DNA or mediate GATA-specific transactivation. A BAC clone containing the zebrafish gata1 gene was able to rescue the bloodless phenotype in vlt(m651). These results show that the vlt(m651) mutation is a previously uncharacterized gata1 allele in the zebrafish. The vlt(m651) mutation sheds new light on Gata1 structure and function in vivo, demonstrates that Gata1 plays an essential role in zebrafish hematopoiesis with significant conservation of function between mammals and zebrafish, and offers a powerful tool for future studies of the hematopoietic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Lyons
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 49, Room 3A18, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Singer A, Perlman H, Yan Y, Walker C, Corley-Smith G, Brandhorst B, Postlethwait J. Sex-specific recombination rates in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Genetics 2002; 160:649-57. [PMID: 11861568 PMCID: PMC1461993 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/160.2.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, the rate of genetic recombination is not uniform along the length of chromosomes or between sexes. To compare the relative recombination rates during meiosis in male and female zebrafish, we constructed a genetic map based on male meiosis. We developed a meiotic mapping panel of 94 androgenetic haploid embryos that were scored for genetic polymorphisms. The resulting male map was compared to female and sex-average maps. We found that the recombination rate in male meiosis is dramatically suppressed relative to that of female meiosis, especially near the centromere. These findings have practical applications for experimental design. The use of exclusively female meiosis in a positional cloning project maximizes the ratio of genetic map distance to physical distance. Alternatively, the use of exclusively male meiosis to localize a mutation initially to a linkage group or to maintain relationships of linked alleles minimizes recombination, thereby facilitating some types of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Singer
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
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Abstract
Historically, small fish species have proven useful both as environmental sentinels and as versatile test animals in toxicity and carcinogenicity bioassays. They can be bred in large numbers, have low maintenance and bioassay costs, and have a low background incidence of tumors. However, more mechanistic information is needed to help validate the information garnered from these models and to keep pace with other more fully developed animal models. This paper focuses on mechanistic considerations when using small fish models for carcinogenicity testing. Several small aquarium fish species have proven useful. The Japanese medaka is perhaps the best characterized small fish model for carcinogenicity testing; however, the zebrafish is emerging as an important model because it is well characterized genetically. Both route and methodology of exposure may affect the outcome of the study. Most studies have been conducted by introducing the test compound into the ambient water, but dietary exposures and embryo microinjection have also been used. Other considerations in study design include use of an initiating carcinogen, such as diethlynitrosamine, and differences in xenobiotic metabolism, such as the fact that fish CYP2B is refractory to phenobarbital induction. The small size of these models has perhaps limited some types of mechanistic studies, such as formation and repair of DNA adducts in response to carcinogen exposure. However, improved analytical methods are allowing greater resolution and should be applied to small fish species. Slide-based methods such as immunohistochemistry are an important adjunct to routine histopathology and should be included in study design. However, there is a need for development of more species-specific antibodies for fish research. There is also a need for more fish-specific data on cytokines, serum biochemistry, and oncogenes to strengthen the use of these important test models.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Law
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Abstract
This brief review summarizes features of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, that make it a suitable model organism for studies of regulatory physiology. The review presents the argument that random mutagenesis screens are a valuable gene-finding strategy to identify genes of functional importance and that their utility, although well established for developmental issues, will extend to a variety of topics of interest to the regulatory physiologist. Particular attention is drawn to the range of functional responses amenable to mutagenesis screens in larval zebrafish. Other virtues of the organism, the range of genomic tools, the potential for innovative optical methods, and the tractability for genetic and other experimental manipulations, are also described. Finally, the review provides examples of functional studies in zebrafish, including studies in sensory neurons, cardiac rhythm disturbances, gastrointestinal function, and studies of the developing kidney, that illustrate potential applications. Because of the relative ease with which combinatorial studies can be performed, the zebrafish may eventually be particularly valuable in understanding the functional interaction between subtle gene defects that cause polygenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine P Briggs
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2560, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Although at least 35,000 human genes have been sequenced and mapped, adequate expression or functional information is available for only approximately 15% of them. Gene-trap mutagenesis is a technique that randomly generates loss-of-function mutations and reports the expression of many mouse genes. At present, several large-scale, gene-trap screens are being carried out with various new vectors, which aim to generate a public resource of mutagenized embryonic stem (ES) cells. This resource now includes more than 8,000 mutagenized ES-cell lines, which are freely available, making it an appropriate time to evaluate the recent advances in this area of genomic technology and the technical hurdles it has yet to overcome.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chimera/genetics
- DNA, Recombinant/administration & dosage
- DNA, Recombinant/genetics
- Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
- Electroporation
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Nonmammalian
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic/genetics
- Forecasting
- Gene Library
- Gene Targeting
- Genes/drug effects
- Genes/radiation effects
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Lac Operon
- Mice
- Mice, Mutant Strains/genetics
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microinjections
- Mutagenesis, Insertional/methods
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Mutagens/pharmacology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Stem Cells
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Stanford
- Programme in Development and Fetal Health, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Room 983, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5.
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Woods IG, Kelly PD, Chu F, Ngo-Hazelett P, Yan YL, Huang H, Postlethwait JH, Talbot WS. A Comparative Map of the Zebrafish Genome. Genome Res 2000. [DOI: 10.1101/gr.164600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish mutations define the functions of hundreds of essential genes in the vertebrate genome. To accelerate the molecular analysis of zebrafish mutations and to facilitate comparisons among the genomes of zebrafish and other vertebrates, we used a homozygous diploid meiotic mapping panel to localize polymorphisms in 691 previously unmapped genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Together with earlier efforts, this work raises the total number of markers scored in the mapping panel to 2119, including 1503 genes and ESTs and 616 previously characterized simple-sequence length polymorphisms. Sequence analysis of zebrafish genes mapped in this study and in prior work identified putative human orthologs for 804 zebrafish genes and ESTs. Map comparisons revealed 139 new conserved syntenies, in which two or more genes are on the same chromosome in zebrafish and human. Although some conserved syntenies are quite large, there were changes in gene order within conserved groups, apparently reflecting the relatively frequent occurrence of inversions and other intrachromosomal rearrangements since the divergence of teleost and tetrapod ancestors. Comparative mapping also shows that there is not a one-to-one correspondence between zebrafish and human chromosomes. Mapping of duplicate gene pairs identified segments of 20 linkage groups that may have arisen during a genome duplication that occurred early in the evolution of teleosts after the divergence of teleost and mammalian ancestors. This comparative map will accelerate the molecular analysis of zebrafish mutations and enhance the understanding of the evolution of the vertebrate genome.
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Kelly PD, Chu F, Woods IG, Ngo-Hazelett P, Cardozo T, Huang H, Kimm F, Liao L, Yan YL, Zhou Y, Johnson SL, Abagyan R, Schier AF, Postlethwait JH, Talbot WS. Genetic linkage mapping of zebrafish genes and ESTs. Genome Res 2000; 10:558-67. [PMID: 10779498 PMCID: PMC310859 DOI: 10.1101/gr.10.4.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic screens in zebrafish (Danio rerio) have isolated mutations in hundreds of genes essential for vertebrate development, physiology, and behavior. We have constructed a genetic linkage map that will facilitate the identification of candidate genes for these mutations and allow comparisons among the genomes of zebrafish and other vertebrates. On this map, we have localized 771 zebrafish genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) by scoring single-stranded conformational polymorphisms (SSCPs) in a meiotic mapping panel. Of these sequences, 642 represent previously unmapped genes and ESTs. The mapping panel was comprised of 42 homozygous diploid individuals produced by heat shock treatment of haploid embryos at the one-cell stage (HS diploids). This "doubled haploid" strategy combines the advantages of mapping in haploid and standard diploid systems, because heat shock diploid individuals have only one allele at each locus and can survive to adulthood, enabling a relatively large quantity of genomic DNA to be prepared from each individual in the mapping panel. To integrate this map with others, we also scored 593 previously mapped simple-sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) in the mapping panel. This map will accelerate the molecular analysis of zebrafish mutations and facilitate comparative analysis of vertebrate genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Kelly
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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