1
|
Timalsina B, Lee S, Kaang BK. Advances in the labelling and selective manipulation of synapses. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:668-687. [PMID: 39174832 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00851-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Synapses are highly specialized neuronal structures that are essential for neurotransmission, and they are dynamically regulated throughout the lifetime. Although accumulating evidence indicates that these structures are crucial for information processing and storage in the brain, their precise roles beyond neurotransmission are yet to be fully appreciated. Genetically encoded fluorescent tools have deepened our understanding of synaptic structure and function, but developing an ideal methodology to selectively visualize, label and manipulate synapses remains challenging. Here, we provide an overview of currently available synapse labelling techniques and describe their extension to enable synapse manipulation. We categorize these approaches on the basis of their conceptual bases and target molecules, compare their advantages and limitations and propose potential modifications to improve their effectiveness. These methods have broad utility, particularly for investigating mechanisms of synaptic function and synaptopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binod Timalsina
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sangkyu Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kelly JJ, Wen H, Brehm P. Single-cell RNAseq analysis of spinal locomotor circuitry in larval zebrafish. eLife 2023; 12:RP89338. [PMID: 37975797 PMCID: PMC10656102 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89338] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the neuronal types that form the specialized circuits controlling distinct behaviors has benefited greatly from the simplicity offered by zebrafish. Electrophysiological studies have shown that in addition to connectivity, understanding of circuitry requires identification of functional specializations among individual circuit components, such as those that regulate levels of transmitter release and neuronal excitability. In this study, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify the molecular bases for functional distinctions between motoneuron types that are causal to their differential roles in swimming. The primary motoneuron, in particular, expresses high levels of a unique combination of voltage-dependent ion channel types and synaptic proteins termed functional 'cassettes.' The ion channel types are specialized for promoting high-frequency firing of action potentials and augmented transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, both contributing to greater power generation. Our transcriptional profiling of spinal neurons further assigns expression of this cassette to specific interneuron types also involved in the central circuitry controlling high-speed swimming and escape behaviors. Our analysis highlights the utility of scRNAseq in functional characterization of neuronal circuitry, in addition to providing a gene expression resource for studying cell type diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy J Kelly
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Hua Wen
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| | - Paul Brehm
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yao Y, Baronio D, Chen YC, Jin C, Panula P. The Roles of Histamine Receptor 1 (hrh1) in Neurotransmitter System Regulation, Behavior, and Neurogenesis in Zebrafish. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6660-6675. [PMID: 37474883 PMCID: PMC10533647 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03447-z] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Histamine receptors mediate important physiological processes and take part in the pathophysiology of different brain disorders. Histamine receptor 1 (HRH1) is involved in the development of neurotransmitter systems, and its role in neurogenesis has been proposed. Altered HRH1 binding and expression have been detected in the brains of patients with schizophrenia, depression, and autism. Our goal was to assess the role of hrh1 in zebrafish development and neurotransmitter system regulation through the characterization of hrh1-/- fish generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry were used to study neurotransmitter systems and genes essential for brain development. Additionally, we wanted to reveal the role of this histamine receptor in larval and adult fish behavior using several quantitative behavioral methods including locomotion, thigmotaxis, dark flash and startle response, novel tank diving, and shoaling behavior. Hrh1-/- larvae displayed normal behavior in comparison with hrh1+/+ siblings. Interestingly, a transient abnormal expression of important neurodevelopmental markers was evident in these larvae, as well as a reduction in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase 1 (Th1)-positive cells, th1 mRNA, and hypocretin (hcrt)-positive cells. These abnormalities were not detected in adulthood. In summary, we verified that zebrafish lacking hrh1 present deficits in the dopaminergic and hypocretin systems during early development, but those are compensated by the time fish reach adulthood. However, impaired sociability and anxious-like behavior, along with downregulation of choline O-acetyltransferase a and LIM homeodomain transcription factor Islet1, were displayed by adult fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Yao
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Congyu Jin
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhong Y, Zhang N, Zhao F, Chang S, Chen W, Cao Q, Sun L, Wang Y, Gong Z, Lu L, Liu D, Yang L. RBFOX1 and Working Memory: From Genome to Transcriptome Revealed Posttranscriptional Mechanism Separate From Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:1042-1052. [PMID: 37881587 PMCID: PMC10593897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.08.006] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many psychiatric disorders share a working memory (WM) impairment phenotype, yet the genetic causes remain unclear. Here, we generated genetic profiles of WM deficits using attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder samples and validated the results in zebrafish models. Methods We used 2 relatively large attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder cohorts, 799 and 776 cases, respectively. WM impairment was assessed using the Rey Complex Figure Test. First, association analyses were conducted at single-variant, gene-based, and gene-set levels. Deeper insights into the biological mechanism were gained from further functional exploration by bioinformatic analyses and zebrafish models. Results Genomic analyses identified and replicated a locus with rs75885813 as the index single nucleotide polymorphism showing significant association with WM defects but not with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Functional feature exploration found that these single nucleotide polymorphisms may regulate the expression level of RBFOX1 through chromatin interaction. Further pathway enrichment analysis of potential associated single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed the involvement of posttranscription regulation that affects messenger RNA stability and/or alternative splicing. Zebrafish with functionally knocked down or genome-edited rbfox1 exhibited WM impairment but no hyperactivity. Transcriptome profiling of rbfox1-defective zebrafish indicated that alternative exon usages of snap25a might partially lead to reduced WM learning of larval zebrafish. Conclusions The locus with rs75885813 in RBFOX1 was identified as associated with WM. Rbfox1 regulates synaptic and long-term potentiation-related gene snap25a to adjust WM at the posttranscriptional level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxin Zhong
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Feng Zhao
- School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suhua Chang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Qingjiu Cao
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Li Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, International Data Group, McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Peking University, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kelly JJ, Wen H, Brehm P. Single cell RNA-seq analysis of spinal locomotor circuitry in larval zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543939. [PMID: 37333232 PMCID: PMC10274715 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the neuronal types that form the specialized circuits controlling distinct behaviors has benefited greatly from the simplicity offered by zebrafish. Electrophysiological studies have shown that additional to connectivity, understanding of circuitry requires identification of functional specializations among individual circuit components, such as those that regulate levels of transmitter release and neuronal excitability. In this study we use single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify the molecular bases for functional distinctions between motoneuron types that are causal to their differential roles in swimming. The primary motoneuron (PMn) in particular, expresses high levels of a unique combination of voltage-dependent ion channel types and synaptic proteins termed functional 'cassettes'. The ion channel types are specialized for promoting high frequency firing of action potentials and augmented transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, both contributing to greater power generation. Our transcriptional profiling of spinal neurons further assigns expression of this cassette to specific interneuron types also involved in the central circuitry controlling high speed swimming and escape behaviors. Our analysis highlights the utility of scRNAseq in functional characterization of neuronal circuitry, in addition to providing a gene expression resource for studying cell type diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy J Kelly
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hua Wen
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paul Brehm
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Loganathan D, Wu SH, Chen CY. Behavioural responses of zebrafish with sound stimuli in microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 23:106-114. [PMID: 36453125 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00758d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal activities of the human brain responsible for cognitive features have been theorized through several animal models that exhibited various complementary spatial learning modes by generating a flexible repertoire of behavioral strategies. However, for such studies associated with a neurodegenerative disease, which can be further manipulated to provide therapeutic strategies, the animal models employed in their developmental stages have been preferred over the adult ones. This pilot work was incepted to underscore the spatial memory capabilities that strengthened the intricate mechanism of memory acquisition potential in one of the low-order evolutionarily conserved species, such as zebrafish larvae. Initially, a reliable and more easily reproducible microfluidic platform integrating simple and intricate paths was designed to learn and test the spatial information in zebrafish larvae of 4-6 d.p.f. under non-invasive acoustic stimuli. Further, to acquire spatial information as the representation of spatial memory formation in zebrafish larvae, the acoustic startle responses were evaluated by quantifying various dynamic behaviors under distinct operating parameters. After significant conditioning sessions, the spatial memory was tested by employing variable 'freezing'. By the end of the 30 min-long test session, 6 d.p.f. larvae were found to exhibit the highest value of freezing of approximately 43% and 20% in the short and long paths, respectively. Even though a substantial rate of memory loss was observed, it can be envisaged to serve several behavioral strategies that process the dynamic cognitive memory among distinct spatiotemporal environments. Further, the proposed behavioral paradigm had the advantage of being more adaptable and reliably replicable by other researchers. As a consequence, different hypotheses can be readily tested to generate more reproducible findings towards distinct neurobehavioral characteristics. Therefore, the proposed paradigm for the consolidation of spatial memory based on the non-invasive spatial avoidance strategies could provide an enduring framework of reference for behavioral studies using zebrafish larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dineshkumar Loganathan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Heng Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maphanga VB, Skalicka-Wozniak K, Budzynska B, Skiba A, Chen W, Agoni C, Enslin GM, Viljoen AM. Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. alkaloids modify anxiety-like behaviour in a zebrafish model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 290:115068. [PMID: 35134486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L. (previously known as Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E. Br.) is indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to alleviate anxiety, stress and depression. Mesembrine and its alkaloid analogues such as mesembrenone, mesembrenol and mesembranol have been identified as the key compounds responsible for the reported effects on the central nervous system. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate M. tortuosum alkaloids for possible anxiolytic-like effects in the 5-dpf in vivo zebrafish model by assessing thigmotaxis and locomotor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Locomotor activity and reverse-thigmotaxis, recognised anxiety-related behaviours in 5-days post fertilization zebrafish larvae, were analysed under simulated stressful conditions of alternating light-dark challenges. Cheminformatics screening and molecular docking were also performed to rationalize the inhibitory activity of the alkaloids on the serotonin reuptake transporter, the accepted primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Mesembrine has been reported to have inhibitory effects on serotonin reuptake, with consequential anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects. RESULTS All four alkaloids assessed decreased the anxiety-related behaviour of zebrafish larvae exposed to the light-dark challenge. Significant increases in the percentage of time spent in the central arena during the dark phase were also observed when larvae were exposed to the pure alkaloids (mesembrenone, mesembrenol, mesembrine and mesembrenol) compared to the control. However, mesembrenone and mesembranol demonstrated a greater anxiolytic-like effect than the other alkaloids. In addition to favourable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties revealed via in silico predictions, high-affinity interactions characterized the binding of the alkaloids with the serotonin transporter. CONCLUSIONS M. tortuosum alkaloids demonstrated an anxiolytic-like effect in zebrafish larvae providing evidence for its traditional and modern day use as an anxiolytic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica B Maphanga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Wozniak
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Behavioral Studies Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andriana Skiba
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Weiyang Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Clement Agoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Gill M Enslin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Modeling zebrafish geotaxis as a feedback control process. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ... AMERICAN CONTROL CONFERENCE. AMERICAN CONTROL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:660-665. [PMID: 34671173 DOI: 10.23919/acc50511.2021.9483149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Developing mathematical models of the feedback control process underlying animal behavior is of critical importance to understand their interactions with the environment and emotional responses. For instance, fish geotaxis (the tendency to swim at the bottom of the tank) is known to be a highly sensitive measure of anxiety, but how and why animals tend to display such a complex response is yet to be fully clarified. Leveraging the theory of stochastic differential equations, we develop a data-driven model of geotaxis in the form of a feedback control loop where fish use information about the hydrostatic pressure to dive towards the bottom of the tank. The proposed framework extends open-loop models by incorporating a simple, yet effective, control mechanism to explain geotaxis. We focus on the zebrafish animal model, which is a species of choice in the study of anxiety disorders. We calibrate the model using available experimental data on acute ethanol treatment of adult zebrafish, and demonstrate its effectiveness across a wide range of comparisons between theoretical predictions and empirical observations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Khalili A, van Wijngaarden E, Youssef K, Zoidl GR, Rezai P. Microfluidic devices for behavioral screening of multiple Zebrafish Larvae: Design investigation process. Biotechnol J 2021; 17:e2100076. [PMID: 34480402 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have been introduced for phenotypic screening of zebrafish larvae in both fundamental and pre-clinical research. One of the remaining challenges for the broad use of microfluidic devices is their limited throughput, especially in behavioural assays. Previously, we introduced the tail locomotion of a semi-mobile zebrafish larva evoked on-demand with electric signal in a microfluidic device. Here, we report the lessons learned for increasing the number of specimens from one to four larvae in this device. Multiple parameters including loading and testing time per fish and loading and orientation efficiencies were refined to optimize the performance of modified designs. Simulations of the flow and electric field within the final device provided insight into the flow behavior and functionality of traps when compared to previous single-larva devices. Outcomes led to a new design which decreased the testing time per larva by approximately 60%. Further, loading and orientation efficiencies increased by more than 80%. Critical behavioural parameters such as response duration and tail beat frequency were similar in both single and quadruple-fish devices. The developed microfluidic device has significant advantages for greater throughput and efficiency when behavioral phenotyping is required in various applications, including chemical testing in toxicology and gene screening. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Khalili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Khaled Youssef
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georg R Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Proteome profile of telencephalon associates attenuated neurogenesis with chronic stress induced mood disorder phenotypes in zebrafish model. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 204:173170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
11
|
Cho W, Liu F, Hendrix A, McCray B, Asrat T, Connaughton V, Zestos AG. Timed Electrodeposition of PEDOT:Nafion onto Carbon Fiber-Microelectrodes Enhances Dopamine Detection in Zebrafish Retina. JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020; 167:115501. [PMID: 33927449 PMCID: PMC8081298 DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/aba33d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Carbon fiber-microelectrodes (CFMEs) are one of the standards for the detection of neurotransmitters such as dopamine (DA). In this study, we demonstrate that CFMEs electrodeposited with poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in the presence of Nafion exhibit enhanced sensitivity for DA detection. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the smooth outer surface morphologies of polymer coatings, which filled in the ridges and grooves of the bare unmodified carbon electrode and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed PEDOT:Nafion incorporation. PEDOT:Nafion coated CMFEs exhibited a statistically enhanced two-fold increase in DA sensitivity compared to unmodified microelectrodes, with stability and integrity of the coated microelectrodes maintained for at least 4 h. A scan rate test revealed a linear relationship with peak DA oxidative current (5 μM), indicating adsorption control of DA to the surface of the PEDOT:Nafion electrode. As proof of principle, PEDOT:Nafion coated electrodes were used to detect potassium chloride (KCl)-induced DA release in zebrafish (Danio rerio) retinal tissue ex vivo, thus illustrating their applicability as biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whirang Cho
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Favian Liu
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Aaron Hendrix
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Brazil McCray
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Thomas Asrat
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Victoria Connaughton
- Department of Biology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| | - Alexander G. Zestos
- Department of Chemistry, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bourin M. Experimental Anxiety Model for Anxiety Disorders: Relevance to Drug Discovery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1191:169-184. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
13
|
Wan Y, Wei Z, Looger LL, Koyama M, Druckmann S, Keller PJ. Single-Cell Reconstruction of Emerging Population Activity in an Entire Developing Circuit. Cell 2019; 179:355-372.e23. [PMID: 31564455 PMCID: PMC7055533 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Animal survival requires a functioning nervous system to develop during embryogenesis. Newborn neurons must assemble into circuits producing activity patterns capable of instructing behaviors. Elucidating how this process is coordinated requires new methods that follow maturation and activity of all cells across a developing circuit. We present an imaging method for comprehensively tracking neuron lineages, movements, molecular identities, and activity in the entire developing zebrafish spinal cord, from neurogenesis until the emergence of patterned activity instructing the earliest spontaneous motor behavior. We found that motoneurons are active first and form local patterned ensembles with neighboring neurons. These ensembles merge, synchronize globally after reaching a threshold size, and finally recruit commissural interneurons to orchestrate the left-right alternating patterns important for locomotion in vertebrates. Individual neurons undergo functional maturation stereotypically based on their birth time and anatomical origin. Our study provides a general strategy for reconstructing how functioning circuits emerge during embryogenesis. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Wan
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Ziqiang Wei
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Loren L Looger
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Minoru Koyama
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Shaul Druckmann
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Philipp J Keller
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fontana BD, Franscescon F, Rosemberg DB, Norton WH, Kalueff AV, Parker MO. Zebrafish models for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:9-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
15
|
Screening for drugs to reduce aggression in zebrafish. Neuropharmacology 2018; 156:107394. [PMID: 30336150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a common symptom of several human psychiatric disorders. However, the drugs available to treat aggression are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. The zebrafish is an ideal model for behavioural pharmacology. They are small, aggression can be measured reliably, and drugs can be applied by immersion in the tank water. The ability to visualise and manipulate circuits in the intact brain represents an excellent opportunity to understand how chemical compounds modify the signalling pathways that control this behaviour. This review discusses protocols to measure zebrafish aggression, the neural circuits that control this behaviour and how pharmacological studies can inform us about environmental toxicology and the development of therapeutic drugs for humans. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
Collapse
|
16
|
A Simple Setup to Perform 3D Locomotion Tracking in Zebrafish by Using a Single Camera. INVENTIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/inventions3010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
17
|
Peimani AR, Zoidl G, Rezai P. A microfluidic device to study electrotaxis and dopaminergic system of zebrafish larvae. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2018; 12:014113. [PMID: 29464011 PMCID: PMC5803004 DOI: 10.1063/1.5016381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish is a lower vertebrate model organism offering multiple applications for both fundamental and biomedical research into the nervous system from genes to behaviour. Investigation of zebrafish larvae's movement in response to various stimuli, which involves the dopaminergic system, is of interest in the field of sensory-motor integration. Nevertheless, the conventional methods of movement screening in Petri dishes and multi-well plates are mostly qualitative, uncontrollable, and inaccurate in terms of stimulus delivery and response analysis. We recently presented a microfluidic device built as a versatile platform for fluid flow stimulation and high speed time-lapse imaging of rheotaxis behaviour of zebrafish larvae. Here, we describe for the first time that this microfluidic device can also be used to test zebrafish larvae's sense of the electric field and electrotaxis in a systemic manner. We further show that electrotaxis is correlated with the dopamine signalling pathway in a time of day dependent manner and by selectively involving the D2-like dopamine receptors. The primary outcomes of this research opens avenues to study the molecular and physiological basis of electrotaxis, the effects of known agonist and antagonist compounds on the dopaminergic system, and the screen of novel pharmacological tools in the context of neurodegenerative disorders. We propose that this microfluidic device has broad application potential, including the investigation of complex stimuli, biological pathways, behaviors, and brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Reza Peimani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Georg Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Carreño Gutiérrez H, Vacca I, Pons AI, Norton WHJ. Automatic quantification of juvenile zebrafish aggression. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 296:23-31. [PMID: 29274793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although aggression is a common symptom of psychiatric disorders the drugs available to treat it are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. The zebrafish is an ideal model for aggression research. Zebrafish are small, amenable to genetic and pharmacological manipulation, and agonistic behaviour can be measured reliably. NEW METHOD In this study we have established a novel setup to automatically quantify aggression and locomotion in one-month old juvenile zebrafish, a stage at which fish exhibit adult-like behaviour but are small so that one camera can film several animals. RESULTS We have validated our novel software by comparison to manual quantification of behaviour, characterised the aggression of one-month old fish, and demonstrated that we can detect alterations to aggression caused by mutation or drug application. COMPARISON WITH OTHER METHODS The ability to record up to 12 juvenile fish allows us to speed up and standardise data acquisition compared to studies of single fish. CONCLUSIONS This setup appears to be suitable to screen for drugs that decrease zebrafish aggression as a first step toward developing novel treatments for this behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Carreño Gutiérrez
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Irene Vacca
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Anna Inguanzo Pons
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Huang TH, Niesman P, Arasu D, Lee D, De La Cruz AL, Callejas A, Hong EJ, Lois C. Tracing neuronal circuits in transgenic animals by transneuronal control of transcription ( TRACT). eLife 2017; 6:32027. [PMID: 29231171 PMCID: PMC5777821 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the computations that take place in brain circuits requires identifying how neurons in those circuits are connected to one another. We describe a technique called TRACT (TRAnsneuronal Control of Transcription) based on ligand-induced intramembrane proteolysis to reveal monosynaptic connections arising from genetically labeled neurons of interest. In this strategy, neurons expressing an artificial ligand (‘donor’ neurons) bind to and activate a genetically-engineered artificial receptor on their synaptic partners (‘receiver’ neurons). Upon ligand-receptor binding at synapses the receptor is cleaved in its transmembrane domain and releases a protein fragment that activates transcription in the synaptic partners. Using TRACT in Drosophila we have confirmed the connectivity between olfactory receptor neurons and their postsynaptic targets, and have discovered potential new connections between neurons in the circadian circuit. Our results demonstrate that the TRACT method can be used to investigate the connectivity of neuronal circuits in the brain. One of the main obstacles to understanding how the brain works is that we know relatively little about how its nerve cells or neurons are connected to one another. These connections make up the brain’s wiring diagram. Current methods for revealing this wiring all have limitations. The most popular method – serial electron microscopy – can reveal the connections in a small region of the brain in great detail, but it cannot show connections between neurons that are far apart. Huang et al. have now created a genetic system for visualizing these connections. For neurons to communicate, one neuron must produce a signal called a ligand. This ligand can then bind to and activate its partner neuron. Huang et al. modified the DNA of neurons so that every time those cells produced a specific ligand, they also produced a red fluorescent protein. Similar modifications ensured that every time the ligand activated a partner neuron, the activated neuron produced a green fluorescent protein. Viewing the red and green neurons under a microscope enabled Huang et al. to see which cells were communicating with which others. While these experiments took place in fruit flies, the same approach should also work in other laboratory animals, including fish, mice and rats. Once we know the wiring diagram of the brain, the next step is to investigate the role of the various connections. To understand how a computer works, for example, we might change the connections between its circuit components and look at how this affects the computer’s output. With this new method, we can change how neurons communicate with one another in the brain, and then look at the effects on behavior. This should provide insights into the workings of the human brain, and clues to what goes wrong in disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hao Huang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Peter Niesman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Deepshika Arasu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Donghyung Lee
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Aubrie L De La Cruz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Antuca Callejas
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, School of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Elizabeth J Hong
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Carlos Lois
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shin M, Field TM, Stucky CS, Furgurson MN, Johnson MA. Ex Vivo Measurement of Electrically Evoked Dopamine Release in Zebrafish Whole Brain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1880-1888. [PMID: 28617576 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have recently emerged as useful model organism for the study of neuronal function. Here, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon-fiber microelectrodes was used to measure locally evoked dopamine release and uptake in zebrafish whole brain preparations and results were compared with those obtained from brain slices. Evoked dopamine release ([DA]max) was similar in whole brain and sagittal brain slice preparations (0.49 ± 0.13 μM in whole brain and 0.59 ± 0.28 μM in brain slices). Treatment with α-methyl-p-tyrosine methyl ester (αMPT), an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase, diminished release and the electrochemical signal reappeared after subsequent drug washout. No observed change in stimulated release current occurred after treatment with desipramine or fluoxetine in the whole brain. Treatment with the uptake inhibitors, nomifensine or GBR 12909 increased [DA]max, while treatment with sulpiride, a D2 dopamine autoreceptor antagonist, resulted in increased stimulated dopamine release in whole brain, but had no effect on release in slices. Dopamine release in whole brains increased progressively up to an electrical stimulation frequency of 25 Hz, while release in slices increased up to a frequency of only 10 Hz and then plateaued, highlighting another key difference between these preparations. We observed a lag in peak dopamine release following stimulation, which we address using diffusion models and pharmacological treatments. Collectively, these results demonstrate the electrochemical determination of dopamine release in the whole, intact brain of a vertebrate species ex vivo and are an important step for carrying out further experiments in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Shin
- Department of Chemistry, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Thomas M. Field
- Department of Chemistry, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Chase S. Stucky
- Department of Chemistry, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Mia N. Furgurson
- Department of Chemistry, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Michael A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huang TH, Velho T, Lois C. Monitoring cell-cell contacts in vivo in transgenic animals. Development 2016; 143:4073-4084. [PMID: 27660327 DOI: 10.1242/dev.142406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We used a synthetic genetic system based on ligand-induced intramembrane proteolysis to monitor cell-cell contacts in animals. Upon ligand-receptor interaction in sites of cell-cell contact, the transmembrane domain of an engineered receptor is cleaved by intramembrane proteolysis and releases a protein fragment that regulates transcription in the interacting partners. We demonstrate that the system can be used to regulate gene expression between interacting cells, both in vitro and in vivo, in transgenic Drosophila We show that the system allows for detection of interactions between neurons and glia in the Drosophila nervous system. In addition, we observed that when the ligand is expressed in subsets of neurons with a restricted localization in the brain it leads to activation of transcription in a selected set of glial cells that interact with those neurons. This system will be useful to monitor cell-cell interactions in animals, and can be used to genetically manipulate cells that interact with one another.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hao Huang
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Beckman Institute MC 139-74, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Tarciso Velho
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Beckman Institute MC 139-74, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.,Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59056-450, Brazil
| | - Carlos Lois
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Beckman Institute MC 139-74, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cognition Enhancing Activity of Sulforaphane Against Scopolamine Induced Cognitive Impairment in Zebra Fish (Danio rerio). Neurochem Res 2016; 41:2538-2548. [PMID: 27255600 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1965-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of large quantities of vegetables especially cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli and Brussels sprouts) can protect against chronic diseases. Sulforaphane, an isothiocynate found in cruciferous vegetables has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in several experimental paradigms. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of sulforaphane on cognitive impairment in zebra fish model using a novel method of fear conditioning. Initially, the normal behaviour of zebra fishes was studied in light-dark tank for 10 min daily for 10 days. Fishes were then divided into seven groups of twelve in each. Group I served as normal, group II served as fear conditioned control, group III and group IV were sulforaphane (25 µM/L) and piracetam (200 mg/L) treated respectively. Group V served as scopolamine (400 µM/L) induced memory impairment fishes. Group VI and VII were sulforaphane (25 µM/L) and piracetam (200 mg/L) treated scopolamine induced memory impairment groups respectively. In normal behavioural analysis, fishes preferred to stay in dark compartment. The average number of entries into the dark and time spent in dark were significantly more. Fishes in group II to VII were individually subjected to fear conditioning passive avoidance task and evaluated for learned task memory. It was observed that the average number of entries into dark and time spent in dark were significantly decreased. After exposure to respective treatment fishes in group III to VII were subjected to cognitive evaluation. There was no significant difference in cognition of group III and IV fishes exposed to sulforaphane and piracetam alone respectively. Fishes exposed to scopolamine showed a significant cognitive impairment. Sulforaphane exposure prior to scopolamine significantly retained the memory of learned task. These findings suggest that sulforaphane might be a promising therapeutic agent for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
|
23
|
Olt J, Ordoobadi AJ, Marcotti W, Trapani JG. Physiological recordings from the zebrafish lateral line. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 133:253-79. [PMID: 27263416 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During sensory transduction, external physical stimuli are translated into an internal biological signal. In vertebrates, hair cells are specialized mechanosensory receptors that transduce sound, gravitational forces, and head movements into electrical signals that are transmitted with remarkable precision and efficiency to afferent neurons. Hair cells have a conserved structure between species and are also found in the lateral line system of fish, including zebrafish, which serve as an ideal animal model to study sensory transmission in vivo. In this chapter, we describe the methods required to investigate the biophysical properties underlying mechanosensation in the lateral line of the zebrafish in vivo from microphonic potentials and single hair cell patch-clamp recordings to single afferent neuron recordings. These techniques provide real-time measurements of hair-cell transduction and transmission following delivery of controlled and defined stimuli and their combined use on the intact zebrafish provides a powerful platform to investigate sensory encoding in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Olt
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - W Marcotti
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu X, Lin J, Zhang Y, Peng X, Guo N, Li Q. Effects of diphenylhydantoin on locomotion and thigmotaxis of larval zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 53:41-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
25
|
Schaefer IC, Siebel AM, Piato AL, Bonan CD, Vianna MR, Lara DR. The side-by-side exploratory test. Behav Pharmacol 2015; 26:691-6. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
26
|
Jones LJ, McCutcheon JE, Young AMJ, Norton WHJ. Neurochemical measurements in the zebrafish brain. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:246. [PMID: 26441575 PMCID: PMC4561813 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is an ideal model organism for behavioral genetics and neuroscience. The high conservation of genes and neurotransmitter pathways between zebrafish and other vertebrates permits the translation of research between species. Zebrafish behavior can be studied at both larval and adult stages and recent research has begun to establish zebrafish models for human disease. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical technique that permits the detection of neurotransmitter release and reuptake. In this study we have used in vitro FSCV to measure the release of analytes in the adult zebrafish telencephalon. We compare different stimulation methods and present a characterization of neurochemical changes in the wild-type zebrafish brain. This study represents the first FSCV recordings in zebrafish, thus paving the way for neurochemical analysis of the fish brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - James E McCutcheon
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew M J Young
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jarema KA, Hunter DL, Shaffer RM, Behl M, Padilla S. Acute and developmental behavioral effects of flame retardants and related chemicals in zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 52:194-209. [PMID: 26348672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As polybrominated diphenyl ethers are phased out, numerous compounds are emerging as potential replacement flame retardants for use in consumer and electronic products. Little is known, however, about the neurobehavioral toxicity of these replacements. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral effects of acute or developmental exposure to t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDP), isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (IDDP), isopropylated phenyl phosphate (IPP), tricresyl phosphate (TMPP; also abbreviated TCP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP; also abbreviated TPP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP; also abbreviated TDCPP), tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP), and 2,2-,4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Larvae (n≈24 per dose per compound) were exposed to test compounds (0.4-120 μM) at sub-teratogenic concentrations either developmentally or acutely, and locomotor activity was assessed at 6 days post fertilization. When given developmentally, all chemicals except BPDP, IDDP and TBBPA produced behavioral effects. When given acutely, all chemicals produced behavioral effects, with TPHP, TBBPA, EHDP, IPP, and BPDP eliciting the most effects at the most concentrations. The results indicate that these replacement flame retardants may have developmental or pharmacological effects on the vertebrate nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Jarema
- Toxicology Assessment Division NHEERL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Deborah L Hunter
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rachel M Shaffer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Uehara T, Li B, Kim BM, Yoon SS, Quach QK, Kim H, Chon TS. Inferring conflicting behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to food and predator based on a self-organizing map (SOM) and intermittency test. ECOL INFORM 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
29
|
Kim H, Nguyen TV, Uehara T, Heo M, Chon TS. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) movement in addressing stress to conflicting stimuli, foods and predators. Ecol Modell 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
30
|
Fallani FDV, Corazzol M, Sternberg JR, Wyart C, Chavez M. Hierarchy of neural organization in the embryonic spinal cord: Granger-causality graph analysis of in vivo calcium imaging data. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2014; 23:333-41. [PMID: 25122836 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2014.2341632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of genetically encoded calcium indicators enables monitoring in vivo the activity of neuronal populations. Most analysis of these calcium transients relies on linear regression analysis based on the sensory stimulus applied or the behavior observed. To estimate the basic properties of the functional neural circuitry, we propose a network approach to calcium imaging recorded at single cell resolution. Differently from previous analysis based on cross-correlation, we used Granger-causality estimates to infer information propagation between the activities of different neurons. The resulting functional network was then modeled as a directed graph and characterized in terms of connectivity and node centralities. We applied our approach to calcium transients recorded at low frequency (4 Hz) in ventral neurons of the zebrafish spinal cord at the embryonic stage when spontaneous coiling of the tail occurs. Our analysis on population calcium imaging data revealed a strong ipsilateral connectivity and a characteristic hierarchical organization of the network hubs that supported established propagation of activity from rostral to caudal spinal cord. Our method could be used for detecting functional defects in neuronal circuitry during development and pathological conditions.
Collapse
|
31
|
Rogers LJ. Asymmetry of brain and behavior in animals: Its development, function, and human relevance. Genesis 2014; 52:555-71. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley J. Rogers
- Centre for Neuroscience and Animal Behavior; School of Science and Technology, University of New England; Armidale New South Wales 2450 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stewart AM, Kalueff AV. The behavioral effects of acute Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and heroin (diacetylmorphine) exposure in adult zebrafish. Brain Res 2013; 1543:109-19. [PMID: 24216135 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of psychotropic drugs in clinical and translational brain research continues to grow, and the need for novel experimental models and screens is becoming widely recognized. Mounting evidence supports the utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for studying various pharmacological manipulations, as an alternative model complementing the existing rodent paradigms in this field. Here, we explore the effects of acute 20-min exposure to two commonly abused psychotropic compounds, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and heroin, on adult zebrafish behavior in the novel tank test. Overall, THC administration (30 and 50 mg/L) produces an anxiogenic-like reduction of top swimming, paralleled with a slower, continuous bottom swimming. In contrast, heroin exposure (15 and 25 mg/L) evoked a hyperlocomotor response (with rapid bouts of bottom swimming and frequent 'bouncing' motions) without altering anxiety-sensitive top/bottom endpoints. The behavioral effects of these two compounds in zebrafish seem to parallel the respective rodent and human findings. Collectively, this emphasizes the growing significance of novel emerging aquatic models in translational drug abuse research and small molecule screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) and ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell 70458, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, Tulane University Medical School, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Norton WHJ. Toward developmental models of psychiatric disorders in zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:79. [PMID: 23637652 PMCID: PMC3636468 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a diverse set of diseases that affect all aspects of mental function including social interaction, thinking, feeling, and mood. Although psychiatric disorders place a large economic burden on society, the drugs available to treat them are often palliative with variable efficacy and intolerable side-effects. The development of novel drugs has been hindered by a lack of knowledge about the etiology of these diseases. It is thus necessary to further investigate psychiatric disorders using a combination of human molecular genetics, gene-by-environment studies, in vitro pharmacological and biochemistry experiments, animal models, and investigation of the non-biological basis of these diseases, such as environmental effects. Many psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, and schizophrenia can be triggered by alterations to neural development. The zebrafish is a popular model for developmental biology that is increasingly used to study human disease. Recent work has extended this approach to examine psychiatric disorders as well. However, since psychiatric disorders affect complex mental functions that might be human specific, it is not possible to fully model them in fish. In this review, I will propose that the suitability of zebrafish for developmental studies, and the genetic tools available to manipulate them, provide a powerful model to study the roles of genes that are linked to psychiatric disorders during neural development. The relative speed and ease of conducting experiments in zebrafish can be used to address two areas of future research: the contribution of environmental factors to disease onset, and screening for novel therapeutic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H J Norton
- Department of Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huntingford FA. The physiology of fish behaviour: a selective review of developments over the past 40 years(§). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2012; 81:2103-2126. [PMID: 23252730 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03480.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
During the past 40 years many new techniques have emerged that have been pivotal in furthering understanding of the physiology of fish behaviour. Behavioural studies have been enhanced by video recording systems and software for computerized event recording analysis, fine scale anatomical studies by fluorescence confocal microscopy, neurophysiological studies by visualisation and neuroendocrinology with techniques for identifying, localizing and quantifying many neurochemicals within the central nervous system. This array of approaches has been complemented by developments in molecular biology that include the ability to monitor expression profiles for known genes in specific neural structures and within the whole transcriptome. This article explores how the deployment of new techniques during the last four decades has advanced the understanding of two extensively studied systems. The first of these is the fast-start escape response, concentrating on work on goldfish Carassius auratus and zebrafish Danio rerio. The second is the link between social experience and neuroendocrinology and how this relates to life-history traits in the cichlid Burton's mouthbrooder Astatotilapia burtoni. These two case studies are then used to explore the extent to which the behaviour of animals can be explained in terms of underlying physiological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F A Huntingford
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Wiggin TD, Anderson TM, Eian J, Peck JH, Masino MA. Episodic swimming in the larval zebrafish is generated by a spatially distributed spinal network with modular functional organization. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:925-34. [PMID: 22572943 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00233.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the diverse methods vertebrates use for locomotion, there is evidence that components of the locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) are conserved across species. When zebrafish begin swimming early in development, they perform short episodes of activity separated by periods of inactivity. Within these episodes, the trunk flexes with side-to-side alternation and the traveling body wave progresses rostrocaudally. To characterize the distribution of the swimming CPG along the rostrocaudal axis, we performed transections of the larval zebrafish spinal cord and induced fictive swimming using N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). In both intact and spinalized larvae, bursting is found throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the spinal cord, and the properties of fictive swimming observed were dependent on the concentration of NMDA. We isolated series of contiguous spinal segments by performing multiple spinal transections on the same larvae. Although series from all regions of the spinal cord have the capacity to produce bursts, the capacity to produce organized episodes of fictive swimming has a rostral bias: in the rostral spinal cord, only 12 contiguous body segments are necessary, whereas 23 contiguous body segments are necessary in the caudal spinal cord. Shorter series of segments were often active but produced either continuous rhythmic bursting or sporadic, nonrhythmic bursting. Both episodic and continuous bursting alternated between the left and right sides of the body and showed rostrocaudal progression, demonstrating the functional dissociation of the circuits responsible for episodic structure and fine burst timing. These findings parallel results in mammalian locomotion, and we propose a hierarchical model of the larval zebrafish swimming CPG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Wiggin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
On the strengths of forward genetics and embryology, the zebrafish Danio rerio has become an ideal system for the study of early vertebrate development. However, additional tools will be needed to perform more sophisticated analyses and to successfully carry this model into new areas of study such as adult physiology, cancer, and aging. As improved tools make transgenesis more and more efficient, the stage has been set for precise modification of the zebrafish genome such as are done in other model organisms. Genome engineering strategies employing site-specific recombinase (SSR) systems such as Cre/lox and Flp/FRT have become invaluable to the study of gene function in the mouse and Drosophila and are now being exploited in zebrafish as well. My laboratory has begun to use another such SSR, the integrase encoded by the Streptomyces bacteriophage PhiC31, for manipulation of the zebrafish genome. The PhiC31 integrase promotes recombination between an attachment site in the phage (attP) and another on the bacterial chromosome (attB). Here I describe strategies using the PhiC31 integrase to mediate recombination of transgenes containing attP and attB sites in cis to excise elements with spatial and temporal specificity. The feasibility of the intramolecular recombination approach having been established, I discuss prospects for employing PhiC31 integrase for intermolecular recombination, i.e., transgene integration at defined sites in the genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A Lister
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980033, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Norton WHJ. Measuring Larval Zebrafish Behavior: Locomotion, Thigmotaxis, and Startle. NEUROMETHODS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-597-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
39
|
Roberts AC, Reichl J, Song MY, Dearinger AD, Moridzadeh N, Lu ED, Pearce K, Esdin J, Glanzman DL. Habituation of the C-start response in larval zebrafish exhibits several distinct phases and sensitivity to NMDA receptor blockade. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29132. [PMID: 22216183 PMCID: PMC3247236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish larva has been a valuable model system for genetic and molecular studies of development. More recently, biologists have begun to exploit the surprisingly rich behavioral repertoire of zebrafish larvae to investigate behavior. One prominent behavior exhibited by zebrafish early in development is a rapid escape reflex (the C-start). This reflex is mediated by a relatively simple neural circuit, and is therefore an attractive model behavior for neurobiological investigations of simple forms of learning and memory. Here, we describe two forms of short-lived habituation of the C-start in response to brief pulses of auditory stimuli. A rapid form, persisting for ≥1 min but <15 min, was induced by 120 pulses delivered at 0.5–2.0 Hz. A more extended form (termed “short-term habituation” here), which persisted for ≥25 min but <1 h, was induced by spaced training. The spaced training consisted of 10 blocks of auditory pulses delivered at 1 Hz (5 min interblock interval, 900 pulses per block). We found that these two temporally distinguishable forms of habituation are mediated by different cellular mechanisms. The short-term form depends on activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), whereas the rapid form does not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Roberts
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jun Reichl
- Undergraduate Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Monica Y. Song
- Undergraduate Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Amanda D. Dearinger
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Naseem Moridzadeh
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Elaine D. Lu
- Undergraduate Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kaycey Pearce
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph Esdin
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David L. Glanzman
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Calfornia Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
MacPhail RC, Hunter DL, Irons TD, Padilla S. Locomotion and Behavioral Toxicity in Larval Zebrafish: Background, Methods, and Data. Zebrafish 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118102138.ch12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
|
41
|
Kanungo J, Cuevas E, Ali SF, Paule MG. Ketamine induces motor neuron toxicity and alters neurogenic and proneural gene expression in zebrafish. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 33:410-7. [PMID: 22045596 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine, a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptors, is a pediatric anesthetic that has been shown to be neurotoxic in rodents and nonhuman primates when administered during the brain growth spurt. Recently, the zebrafish has become an attractive model for toxicity assays, in part because the predictive capability of the zebrafish model, with respect to chemical effects, compares well with that from mammalian models. In the transgenic (hb9:GFP) embryos used in this study, green fluorescent protein (GFP) is expressed in the motor neurons, facilitating the visualization and analysis of motor neuron development in vivo. In order to determine whether ketamine induces motor neuron toxicity in zebrafish, embryos of these transgenic fish were treated with different concentrations of ketamine (0.5 and 2.0 mm). For ketamine exposures lasting up to 20 h, larvae showed no gross morphological abnormalities. Analysis of GFP-expressing motor neurons in the live embryos, however, revealed that 2.0 mm ketamine adversely affected motor neuron axon length and decreased cranial and motor neuron populations. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that ketamine down-regulated the motor neuron-inducing zinc finger transcription factor Gli2b and the proneural gene NeuroD even at 0.5 mm concentration, while up-regulating the expression of the proneural gene Neurogenin1 (Ngn1). Expression of the neurogenic gene, Notch1a, was suppressed, indicating that neuronal precursor generation from uncommitted cells was favored. These results suggest that ketamine is neurotoxic to motor neurons in zebrafish and possibly affects the differentiating/differentiatedneurons rather than neuronal progenitors. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotshna Kanungo
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
In vivo imaging and quantitative analysis of changes in axon length using transgenic zebrafish embryos. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:618-23. [PMID: 21903162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe an imaging procedure to measure axon length in zebrafish embryos in vivo. Automated fluorescent image acquisition was performed with the ImageXpress Micro high content screening reader and further analysis of axon lengths was performed on archived images using AcuityXpress software. We utilized the Neurite Outgrowth Application module with a customized protocol (journal) to measure the axons. Since higher doses of ethanol (2-2.5%, v/v) have been shown to deform motor neurons and axons during development, here we used ethanol to treat transgenic [hb9:GFP (green fluorescent protein)] zebrafish embryos at 28 hpf (hours post-fertilization). These embryos express GFP in the motor neurons and their axons. Embryos after ethanol treatment were arrayed in 384-well plates for automated fluorescent image acquisition in vivo. Average axon lengths of high dose ethanol-treated embryos were significantly lower than the control. Another experiment showed that there was no significant difference in the axon lengths between the embryos grown for 24h at 22°C and 28.5°C. These test experiments demonstrate that using axon development as an end-point, compound screening can be performed in a time-efficient manner.
Collapse
|
43
|
Padilla S, Hunter DL, Padnos B, Frady S, MacPhail RC. Assessing locomotor activity in larval zebrafish: Influence of extrinsic and intrinsic variables. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:624-30. [PMID: 21871562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating methods to screen and prioritize large numbers of chemicals for developmental toxicity. We are exploring methods to detect developmentally neurotoxic chemicals using zebrafish behavior at 6 days of age. The behavioral paradigm simultaneously tests individual larval zebrafish under both light and dark conditions in a 96-well plate using a video tracking system. We have found that many variables affect the level or pattern of locomotor activity, including age of the larvae, size of the well, and the presence of malformations. Some other variables, however, do not appear to affect larval behavior including type of rearing solution (10% Hank's vs. 1:3 Danieau vs 60 mg/kg Instant Ocean vs 1× and 1:10× EPA Moderately Hard Water). Zebrafish larval behavior using a microtiter plate format may be an ideal endpoint for screening developmentally neurotoxic chemicals, but it is imperative that many test variables be carefully specified and controlled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Padilla
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
Recent studies have identified the leucine rich repeat protein LRRTM2 as a post-synaptic ligand of Neurexins. Neurexins also bind the post-synaptic adhesion molecules, Neuroligins. All three families of genes have been implicated in the etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Does the binding promiscuity of Neurexins now suggest complex cooperativity or redundancy at the synapse? While recent studies in primary neuronal cultures and also systematic extracellular protein interaction screens suggest summative effects of these systems, we propose that studying these interactions in the developing zebrafish embryo or larvae may shed more light on their functions during synaptogenesis in vivo. These gene families have recently been extensively characterized in zebrafish, demonstrating high sequence conservation with the human genes. The simpler circuitry of the zebrafish, together with the characterization of the expression patterns down to single, identifiable neurons and the ability to knock-down or over-express multiple genes in a rapid way lend themselves to dissecting complex interaction pathways. Furthermore, the capability of performing high-throughput drug screens suggests that these small vertebrates may prove extremely useful in identifying pharmacological approaches to treating autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Washbourne
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Piato ÂL, Capiotti KM, Tamborski AR, Oses JP, Barcellos LJG, Bogo MR, Lara DR, Vianna MR, Bonan CD. Unpredictable chronic stress model in zebrafish (Danio rerio): behavioral and physiological responses. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:561-7. [PMID: 21187119 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a promising model organism to study development, toxicology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, among other areas. Despite the increasing number of studies using zebrafish, behavioral studies with this species are still elementary when compared to rodents. The aim of this study was to develop a model of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) in zebrafish. We evaluated the effects of UCS protocol during 7 or 14 days on behavioral and physiological parameters. The effects of stress were evaluated in relation to anxiety and exploratory behavior, memory, expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and cortisol levels. As expected, UCS protocol increased the anxiety levels, impaired cognitive function, and increased CRF while decreased GR expression. Moreover, zebrafish submitted to 7 or 14 days of UCS protocol presented increased cortisol levels. The protocol developed here is a complementary model for studying the neurobiology and the effects of chronic stress in behavioral and physiological parameters. In addition, this protocol is less time consuming than standard rodent models commonly used to study chronic stress. These results confirm UCS in zebrafish as an adequate model to preclinical studies of stress, although further studies are warranted to determine its predictive validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo L Piato
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, 90619-900, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
This protocol describes conditioned place preference (CPP) in zebrafish following a single exposure to a substance. In the CPP paradigm, animals show a preference for an environment that has previously been associated with a substance (drug), thus indicating the positive-reinforcing qualities of that substance. The test tank consists of two visually distinct compartments separated by a central alley. The protocol involves three steps: the determination of initial preference, one conditioning session and the determination of final preference. This procedure is carried out in ∼2 d; other reported CPP protocols take up to 2 weeks. An increase in preference for the drug-associated compartment is observed after a single exposure. Establishment of this high-throughput protocol in zebrafish makes it possible to investigate the molecular and cellular basis of choice behavior, reward and associative learning. The protocol is also a tool for testing psychoactive compounds in the context of a vertebrate brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mathur
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Blackiston D, Shomrat T, Nicolas CL, Granata C, Levin M. A second-generation device for automated training and quantitative behavior analyses of molecularly-tractable model organisms. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14370. [PMID: 21179424 PMCID: PMC3003703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A deep understanding of cognitive processes requires functional, quantitative analyses of the steps leading from genetics and the development of nervous system structure to behavior. Molecularly-tractable model systems such as Xenopus laevis and planaria offer an unprecedented opportunity to dissect the mechanisms determining the complex structure of the brain and CNS. A standardized platform that facilitated quantitative analysis of behavior would make a significant impact on evolutionary ethology, neuropharmacology, and cognitive science. While some animal tracking systems exist, the available systems do not allow automated training (feedback to individual subjects in real time, which is necessary for operant conditioning assays). The lack of standardization in the field, and the numerous technical challenges that face the development of a versatile system with the necessary capabilities, comprise a significant barrier keeping molecular developmental biology labs from integrating behavior analysis endpoints into their pharmacological and genetic perturbations. Here we report the development of a second-generation system that is a highly flexible, powerful machine vision and environmental control platform. In order to enable multidisciplinary studies aimed at understanding the roles of genes in brain function and behavior, and aid other laboratories that do not have the facilities to undergo complex engineering development, we describe the device and the problems that it overcomes. We also present sample data using frog tadpoles and flatworms to illustrate its use. Having solved significant engineering challenges in its construction, the resulting design is a relatively inexpensive instrument of wide relevance for several fields, and will accelerate interdisciplinary discovery in pharmacology, neurobiology, regenerative medicine, and cognitive science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Blackiston
- Biology Department and Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Forsyth Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tal Shomrat
- Biology Department and Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cindy L. Nicolas
- Biology Department and Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christopher Granata
- Boston Engineering Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael Levin
- Biology Department and Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yang S, Kim W, Choi B, Koh H, Lee C. Alcohol impairs learning of T‐maze task but not active avoidance task in zebrafish. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/12265071.2003.9647720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunggu Yang
- a Department of Biological Science and Institute of Molecular Cell Biology , Inha University , Inchon , 402–751 , Korea
| | - Wansik Kim
- a Department of Biological Science and Institute of Molecular Cell Biology , Inha University , Inchon , 402–751 , Korea
| | - Byung‐Hee Choi
- a Department of Biological Science and Institute of Molecular Cell Biology , Inha University , Inchon , 402–751 , Korea
| | - Hae‐Young Koh
- b Department of Physiology and Biophysics , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York , NY , 10029 , USA
| | - Chang‐Joong Lee
- c Department of Biological Science and Institute of Molecular Cell Biology , Inha University , Inchon , 402–751 , Korea Phone: Fax: E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
The nervous system can generate rhythms of various frequencies; on the low-frequency side, we have the circuits regulating circadian rhythms with a 24-h period, while on the high-frequency side we have the motor circuits that underlie flight in a hummingbird. Given the ubiquitous nature of rhythms, it is surprising that we know very little of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that produce them in the embryos and of their potential role during the development of neuronal circuits. Recently, zebrafish has been developed as a vertebrate model to study the genetics of neural development. Zebrafish offer several advantages to the study of nervous system development including optical and electrophysiological analysis of neuronal activity even at the earliest embryonic stages. This unique combination of physiology and genetics in the same animal model has led to insights into the development of neuronal networks. This chapter reviews work on the development of zebrafish motor rhythms and speculates on birth and maturation of the circuits that produce them.
Collapse
|
50
|
Blank M, Guerim LD, Cordeiro RF, Vianna MR. A one-trial inhibitory avoidance task to zebrafish: Rapid acquisition of an NMDA-dependent long-term memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:529-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|