1
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Martini A, Sahd L, Rücklin M, Huysseune A, Hall BK, Boglione C, Witten PE. Deformity or variation? Phenotypic diversity in the zebrafish vertebral column. J Anat 2023; 243:960-981. [PMID: 37424444 PMCID: PMC10641053 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebral bodies are composed of two types of metameric elements, centra and arches, each of which is considered as a developmental module. Most parts of the teleost vertebral column have a one-to-one relationship between centra and arches, although, in all teleosts, this one-to-one relationship is lost in the caudal fin endoskeleton. Deviation from the one-to-one relationship occurs in most vertebrates, related to changes in the number of vertebral centra or to a change in the number of arches. In zebrafish, deviations also occur predominantly in the caudal region of the vertebral column. In-depth phenotypic analysis of wild-type zebrafish was performed using whole-mount stained samples, histological analyses and synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy 3D reconstructions. Three deviant centra phenotypes were observed: (i) fusion of two vertebral centra, (ii) wedge-shaped hemivertebrae and (iii) centra with reduced length. Neural and haemal arches and their spines displayed bilateral and unilateral variations that resemble vertebral column phenotypes of stem-ward actinopterygians or other gnathostomes as well as pathological conditions in extant species. Whether it is possible to distinguish variations from pathological alterations and whether alterations resemble ancestral conditions is discussed in the context of centra and arch variations in other vertebrate groups and basal actinopterygian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Martini
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Research Group Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lauren Sahd
- Research Group Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Rücklin
- Department of Vertebrate Evolution, Development and Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Huysseune
- Research Group Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Brian K Hall
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Clara Boglione
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - P Eckhard Witten
- Research Group Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Antinero A, Printzi A, Kourkouta C, Fragkoulis S, Mazurais D, Zambonino-Infante JL, Koumoundouros G. The role of starter diets in the development of skeletal abnormalities in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2023; 46:697-705. [PMID: 36883327 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Fish skeletal development has long been correlated with nutritional factors. Lack of zebrafish nutritional standardization, especially during the early stages, decreases the reproducibility of the conducted research. The present study represents an evaluation of four commercial (A, D, zebrafish specific; B, generic for freshwater larvae; C, specific for marine fish larvae) and one experimental (Ctrl) early diets on zebrafish skeletal development. Skeletal abnormalities rates in the different experimental groups were assessed at the end of the larval period (20 days post-fertilization, dpf) and after a swimming challenge test (SCT, 20-24 dpf). At 20 dpf, results revealed a significant effect of diet on the rate of caudal-peduncle scoliosis and gill-cover abnormalities, which were relatively elevated in B and C groups. SCT results focused on swimming-induced lordosis, which was comparatively elevated in diets C and D (83% ± 7% and 75% ± 10%, respectively, vs. 52% ± 18% in diet A). No significant effects of dry diets were observed on the survival and growth rate of zebrafish. Results are discussed with respect to the deferential diet composition between the groups and the species requirements. A potential nutritional control of haemal lordosis in finfish aquaculture is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Antinero
- Biology Department, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alice Printzi
- Biology Department, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - David Mazurais
- IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
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3
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Printzi A, Koumoundouros G, Fournier V, Madec L, Zambonino-Infante JL, Mazurais D. Effect of Early Peptide Diets on Zebrafish Skeletal Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040659. [PMID: 37189406 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Incorporation of dietary peptides has been correlated with decreased presence of skeletal abnormalities in marine larvae. In an attempt to clarify the effect of smaller protein fractions on fish larval and post-larval skeleton, we designed three isoenergetic diets with partial substitution of their protein content with 0% (C), 6% (P6) and 12% (P12) shrimp di- and tripeptides. Experimental diets were tested in zebrafish under two regimes, with inclusion (ADF-Artemia and dry feed) or lack (DF-dry feed only) of live food. Results at the end of metamorphosis highlight the beneficial effect of P12 on growth, survival and early skeletal quality when dry diets are provided from first feeding (DF). Exclusive feeding with P12 also increased the musculoskeletal resistance of the post-larval skeleton against the swimming challenge test (SCT). On the contrary, Artemia inclusion (ADF) overruled any peptide effect in total fish performance. Given the unknown species' larval nutrient requirements, a 12% dietary peptide incorporation is proposed for successful rearing without live food. A potential nutritional control of the larval and post-larval skeletal development even in aquaculture species is suggested. Limitations of the current molecular analysis are discussed to enable the future identification of the peptide-driven regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Printzi
- Biology Department, University of Crete, 70013 Crete, Greece
- IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | | | | | - Lauriane Madec
- IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | | | - David Mazurais
- IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
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4
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Dellacqua Z, Di Biagio C, Costa C, Pousão-Ferreira P, Ribeiro L, Barata M, Gavaia PJ, Mattei F, Fabris A, Izquierdo M, Boglione C. Distinguishing the Effects of Water Volumes versus Stocking Densities on the Skeletal Quality during the Pre-Ongrowing Phase of Gilthead Seabream ( Sparus aurata). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040557. [PMID: 36830345 PMCID: PMC9951685 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) production is a highly valued aquaculture industry in Europe. The presence of skeletal deformities in farmed gilthead seabream represents a major bottleneck for the industry leading to economic losses, negative impacts on the consumers' perception of aquaculture, and animal welfare issues for the fish. Although past work has primarily focused on the hatchery phase to reduce the incidence of skeletal anomalies, this work targets the successive pre-ongrowing phase in which more severe anomalies affecting the external shape often arise. This work aimed to test the effects of: (i) larger and smaller tank volumes, stocked at the same density; and (ii) higher and lower stocking densities maintained in the same water volume, on the skeleton of gilthead seabream fingerlings reared for ~63 days at a pilot scale. Experimental rearing was conducted with gilthead seabream juveniles (~6.7 ± 2.5 g), which were selected as 'non-deformed' based on external inspection, stocked at three different densities (Low Density (LD): 5 kg/m3; Medium Density (MD): 10 kg/m3; High Density (HD): 20 kg/m3) in both 500 L and 1000 L tanks. Gilthead seabream were sampled for growth performance and radiographed to assess the skeletal elements at the beginning and end of the experimental trial. Results revealed that (i) LD fish were significantly longer than HD fish, although there were no differences in final weights, regardless of the water volume; (ii) an increase in the prevalence of seabream exhibiting cranial and vertebral axis anomalies was found to be associated with increased density. These results suggest that farmers can significantly reduce the presence of some cranial and axis anomalies affecting pre-ongrown gilthead seabream by reducing the stocking density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Dellacqua
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Ecoaqua Institute, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214 Telde, Gran Canaria, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-351-857-0196
| | - Claudia Di Biagio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, University of Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Corrado Costa
- CREA—Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e L’analisi Dell’economia Agraria (CREA)—Centro di Ricerca Ingegneria e Trasformazioni Agroalimentari, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro Pousão-Ferreira
- IPMA—Instituto Portugues do Mar e Atmosfera—Research Station, 8700-305 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Laura Ribeiro
- IPMA—Instituto Portugues do Mar e Atmosfera—Research Station, 8700-305 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Marisa Barata
- IPMA—Instituto Portugues do Mar e Atmosfera—Research Station, 8700-305 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Gavaia
- CCMAR—Centre of Marine Sciences, University of the Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Francesco Mattei
- UMR 7093, Laboratoire d’Oceanographie de Villefranche (LOV), Sorbonne University, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Andrea Fabris
- Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Marisol Izquierdo
- Ecoaqua Institute, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214 Telde, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Clara Boglione
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, 00133 Rome, Italy
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5
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Printzi A, Mazurais D, Witten PE, Madec L, Gonzalez AA, Mialhe X, Zambonino-Infante JL, Koumoundouros G. Juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) are able to recover from lordosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21533. [PMID: 36513797 PMCID: PMC9748118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemal lordosis, a frequent skeletal deformity in teleost fish, has long been correlated with increased mechanical loads induced by swimming activity. In the present study, we examine whether juvenile zebrafish can recover from haemal lordosis and explore the musculoskeletal mechanisms involved. Juveniles were subjected to a swimming challenge test (SCT) that induced severe haemal lordosis in 49% of the animals and then immediately transferred them to 0.0 total body lengths (TL) per second of water velocity for a week. The recovery from lordosis was examined by means of whole mount staining, histology and gene expression analysis. Results demonstrate that 80% of the lordotic zebrafish are capable of internal and external recovery within a week after the SCT. Recovered individuals presented normal shape of the vertebral centra, maintaining though distorted internal tissue organization. Through the transcriptomic analysis of the affected haemal regions, several processes related to chromosome organization, DNA replication, circadian clock and transcription regulation were enriched within genes significantly regulated behind this musculoskeletal recovery procedure. Genes especially involved in adipogenesis, bone remodeling and muscular regeneration were regulated. A remodeling tissue-repair hypothesis behind haemal lordosis recovery is raised. Limitations and future possibilities for zebrafish as a model organism to clarify mechanically driven musculoskeletal changes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Printzi
- grid.8127.c0000 0004 0576 3437Biology Department, University of Crete, Crete, Greece ,grid.463763.30000 0004 0638 0577IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - D. Mazurais
- grid.463763.30000 0004 0638 0577IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - P. E. Witten
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L. Madec
- grid.463763.30000 0004 0638 0577IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - A.-A. Gonzalez
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - X. Mialhe
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - J.-L. Zambonino-Infante
- grid.463763.30000 0004 0638 0577IFREMER, University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - G. Koumoundouros
- grid.8127.c0000 0004 0576 3437Biology Department, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
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6
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Variability of key-performance-indicators in commercial gilthead seabream hatcheries. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17896. [PMID: 36284204 PMCID: PMC9596474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23008-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal abnormalities are one of the most important key-performance-indicators (KPIs) in finfish hatcheries. Coping with the problem of skeletal abnormalities relies on the understanding of the link between the variability in the rearing conditions, and the variability in abnormalities incidence. Here, 74 seabream larval populations, from four commercial hatcheries, were examined for the presence of abnormalities and monitored with respect to the applied conditions. The inward folding of gill-cover and pugheadedness were the most frequent abnormalities present, with a mean (± SD) frequency of 11.3 ± 17.9 and 6.0 ± 7.2%, respectively. Other abnormalities were observed at very low mean rates (≤ 1%). A new abnormality type, ray-resorption syndrome, was also found. The recorded rate of normally inflated swimbladder was 92.3 ± 7.4% and mean survival rate was 25.9 ± 21.0%. Classification tree analysis indicated six rearing variables as potentially important predictors for pugheadedness, six variables for caudal-fin abnormalities and 10 variables for survival rate. Complementary genetic analysis, revealed differentiating genetic diversity and significant genetic distances among participating hatcheries, suggestive of the role of company-specific management of genetic resources in KPIs' variability. The results are discussed with respect to their potential use in the control of skeletal abnormalities by commercial hatcheries, as well as for benchmarking among different hatcheries.
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7
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Di Biagio C, Dellacqua Z, Martini A, Huysseune A, Scardi M, Witten PE, Boglione C. A Baseline for Skeletal Investigations in Medaka ( Oryzias latipes): The Effects of Rearing Density on the Postcranial Phenotype. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:893699. [PMID: 35846331 PMCID: PMC9281570 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.893699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oryzias latipes is increasingly used as a model in biomedical skeletal research. The standard approach is to generate genetic variants with particular skeletal phenotypes which resemble skeletal diseases in humans. The proper diagnosis of skeletal variation is key for this type of research. However, even laboratory rearing conditions can alter skeletal phenotypes. The subject of this study is the link between skeletal phenotypes and rearing conditions. Thus, wildtype medaka were reared from hatching to an early juvenile stage at low (LD: 5 individuals/L), medium (MD: 15 individuals/L), and high (HD: 45 individuals/L) densities. The objectives of the study are: (I) provide a comprehensive overview of the postcranial skeletal elements in medaka; (II) evaluate the effects of rearing density on specific meristic counts and on the variability in type and incidence of skeletal anomalies; (III) define the best laboratory settings to obtain a skeletal reference for a sound evaluation of future experimental conditions; (IV) contribute to elucidating the structural and cellular changes related to the onset of skeletal anomalies. The results from this study reveal that rearing densities greater than 5 medaka/L reduce the animals' growth. This reduction is related to decreased mineralization of dermal (fin rays) and perichondral (fin supporting elements) bone. Furthermore, high density increases anomalies affecting the caudal fin endoskeleton and dermal rays, and the preural vertebral centra. A series of static observations on Alizarin red S whole mount-stained preural fusions provide insights into the etiology of centra fusion. The fusion of preural centra involves the ectopic formation of bony bridges over the intact intervertebral ligament. An apparent consequence is the degradation of the intervertebral ligaments and the remodeling and reshaping of the fused vertebral centra into a biconoid-shaped centrum. From this study it can be concluded that it is paramount to take into account the rearing conditions, natural variability, skeletal phenotypic plasticity, and the genetic background along with species-specific peculiarities when screening for skeletal phenotypes of mutant or wildtype medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Di Biagio
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Gent University, Department of Biology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Zachary Dellacqua
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy
- Aquaculture Research Group (GIA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (ECOAQUA), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Arianna Martini
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Huysseune
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Gent University, Department of Biology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Michele Scardi
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Eckhard Witten
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Gent University, Department of Biology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Clara Boglione
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Department of Biology, Rome, Italy
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8
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Printzi A, Kourkouta C, Fragkoulis S, Dimitriadi A, Geladakis G, Orfanakis M, Mazurais D, Zambonino-Infante JL, Koumoundouros G. Balancing between Artemia and microdiet usage for normal skeletal development in zebrafish (Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:1689-1696. [PMID: 34275148 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Targeting in zebrafish fast growth, high survival rates and improved reproductive performance has led over the last years in variable feeding regimes between different facilities. Despite its significance on fish function and welfare, normal skeletal development has rarely been evaluated in establishing the best feeding practices for zebrafish. The aim of this study was to establish a protocol for normal skeletal development, growth and survival of zebrafish larvae through live feed-to-microdiet transition at an appropriate rate. Four feeding regimes including feeding exclusively on Artemia nauplii (A) or dry microdiet (D), and feeding on both Artemia and microdiet at two different transition rates (slow (B) or fast (C)) were applied from 5 to 24 dpf (days post-fertilization). Results demonstrated a significant effect of feeding regimes on the incidence of skeletal abnormalities (gill cover, fins and vertebral column, p < .05) in zebrafish larvae. The A and B experimental groups presented the highest (88 ± 3 and 84 ± 17%, respectively), but the C and D the lowest (18 ± 14 and 11 ± 2%, respectively), rates of normal fish (fish without any abnormality). Similarly, growth rate was comparatively elevated in A and B groups. No significant differences were observed in fish survival between A, B and C groups. However, D group presented a significantly lower survival rate. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the live feed-to-microdiet transition rate influences larval growth, survival and abnormality rates in a non-homogenous pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Printzi
- Biology Department, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- IFREMER, Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, Plouzané, France
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9
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Bek JW, Shochat C, De Clercq A, De Saffel H, Boel A, Metz J, Rodenburg F, Karasik D, Willaert A, Coucke PJ. Lrp5 Mutant and Crispant Zebrafish Faithfully Model Human Osteoporosis, Establishing the Zebrafish as a Platform for CRISPR-Based Functional Screening of Osteoporosis Candidate Genes. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:1749-1764. [PMID: 33957005 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genomewide association studies (GWAS) have improved our understanding of the genetic architecture of common complex diseases such as osteoporosis. Nevertheless, to attribute functional skeletal contributions of candidate genes to osteoporosis-related traits, there is a need for efficient and cost-effective in vivo functional testing. This can be achieved through CRISPR-based reverse genetic screens, where phenotyping is traditionally performed in stable germline knockout (KO) mutants. Recently it was shown that first-generation (F0) mosaic mutant zebrafish (so-called crispants) recapitulate the phenotype of germline KOs. To demonstrate feasibility of functional validation of osteoporosis candidate genes through crispant screening, we compared a crispant to a stable KO zebrafish model for the lrp5 gene. In humans, recessive loss-of-function mutations in LRP5, a co-receptor in the Wnt signaling pathway, cause osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome. In addition, several GWAS studies identified LRP5 as a major risk locus for osteoporosis-related phenotypes. In this study, we showed that early stage lrp5 KO larvae display decreased notochord mineralization and malformations of the head cartilage. Quantitative micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning and mass-spectrometry element analysis of the adult skeleton revealed decreased vertebral bone volume and bone mineralization, hallmark features of osteoporosis. Furthermore, regenerating fin tissue displayed reduced Wnt signaling activity in lrp5 KO adults. We next compared lrp5 mutants with crispants. Next-generation sequencing analysis of adult crispant tissue revealed a mean out-of-frame mutation rate of 76%, resulting in strongly reduced levels of Lrp5 protein. These crispants generally showed a milder but nonetheless highly comparable skeletal phenotype and a similarly reduced Wnt pathway response compared with lrp5 KO mutants. In conclusion, we show through faithful modeling of LRP5-related primary osteoporosis that crispant screening in zebrafish is a promising approach for rapid functional screening of osteoporosis candidate genes. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Willem Bek
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chen Shochat
- The Musculoskeletal Genetics Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanna De Saffel
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juriaan Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Rodenburg
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Karasik
- The Musculoskeletal Genetics Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,Hebrew SeniorLife, Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andy Willaert
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul J Coucke
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Witten PE, Huysseune A, Maisey JG, Winkler C, Gong Z. A boost for fish skeletal research. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:903-905. [PMID: 32981104 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P Eckhard Witten
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Huysseune
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John G Maisey
- Vertebrate Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christoph Winkler
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Skeletal Development and Deformities in Tench ( Tinca tinca): From Basic knowledge to Regular Monitoring Procedure. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030621. [PMID: 33652872 PMCID: PMC7996733 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fish skeletal development and incidence of skeletal deformities are important factors to warrant aquaculture success. Skeletal deformities reduce fish viability, growth, and feed efficiency but also degrade the consumer’s perception of aquaculture products. Some skeletal deformities would also decrease animal wellbeing. Tench (Tinca tinca) is a freshwater species cultured in ponds, highly demanded in particular regions of Europe and a promising species for aquaculture diversification. Determining the onset of the different skeletal structures may help fish farmers to adapt and improve rearing practices (e.g., water temperature, feeds composition, etc.) to decrease the incidence of skeletal deformities. At the same time, monitoring the incidence of skeletal deformities represents a valuable decision-making tool to improve efficient use of facilities and resources. Abstract Skeletal deformities reduce fish viability, growth, wellbeing, and feed efficiency but also degrade the consumer’s perception of aquaculture products. Herein, the skeletal development and the incidence of skeletal deformities in tench (Tinca tinca) reared in semi-extensive conditions has been described in detail for the first time. Larval skeletons were assessed through an acid-free double-staining procedure in 157 individuals, while 274 specimens at the juvenile stage were evaluated through X-ray analysis. The first skeletal structures to be formed were those related with breathing and feeding activities (e.g., Meckel’s cartilage and opercula) and were visible in larvae of 4 mm of standard length (SL). The axial skeleton was fully ossified in larvae of 12–17 mm of SL, and the caudal fin complex in larvae with 17–26 mm of SL. At the larval stage, no upper-jaw or opercula deformities were observed, while a low incidence (1–9%) of other severe deformities in the heads of the fish (e.g., lower-jaw deformities) were reported. The incidence of vertebral deformities in tench reared in natural ponds was considerable in larvae (54%) and juveniles (52%). Vertebral deformities (fusion and compression) were the most common deformities found in tench larvae (approximately 30%) and vertebral shape deformity in juveniles (around 10%), being mainly located in the caudal region. Thus, a regular monitoring of the skeletal deformities in tench might help to identify better rearing protocols and improve product quality sold at markets. Characterizing the skeletal development not only in semi-extensive systems such as artificial and natural ponds but also under intensive rearing conditions, seems vital for a sustainable and profitable European tench aquaculture.
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Palstra AP, Roque A, Kruijt L, Jéhannet P, Pérez-Sánchez J, Dirks RP. Physiological Effects of Water Flow Induced Swimming Exercise in Seabream Sparus aurata. Front Physiol 2020; 11:610049. [PMID: 33364981 PMCID: PMC7750471 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.610049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A longer on-land rearing period of Gilthead seabream Sparus aurata before transfer to sea-cages would allow the farmer to benefit from exercise-enhanced growth, resilience, and robustness as induced by increasing water flow in the tanks. In this study, the physiological effects of flow-conditioning were investigated by subjecting large groups of experimental fish to minimal flow or to flow regimes inducing swimming exercise at 1 or 2 body length (BL) s−1 for a period of 8 months (February–October) in 1,500 L tanks. Fish representing the three treatment groups were then used for: (1) a stress challenge netting test and plasma cortisol measurement (baseline, peaking, and recovery levels), (2) blood plasma measurements of glucose, triglycerides, lactate, cholesterol, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and (3) heart and muscle gene expression of the GH and IGF1 receptors and the muscle transcriptome by deep RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Fish size after 8 months of flow conditioning was 92 ± 27 g body weight (BW) for fish under minimal flow, 106 ± 24 g BW (+15%) at 1 BL s−1, and 125 ± 27 g BW (+36%) at 2 BL s−1. Flow conditioning at 1 BL s−1 provided optimal conditions for growth and uniformity, but also stress (lowest baseline plasma cortisol), robustness (higher condition factor and larger hearts), and energy mobilization (increased plasma glucose). Although flow enhanced growth linearly with swimming speed, also the percentage of lordotic fish increased with exercise, particularly high for swimming at 2 BL s−1. The absence of important differences in plasma GH and IGF1, and expression levels of their receptors in heart and white skeletal muscle, indicated that other factors may be involved in growth enhancement. RNAseq of the white skeletal muscle showed upregulated expression of genes involved in muscle contraction, muscle development and its molecular regulation, and immune genes that may play a role in the muscle repair mechanism. An exercise regime of swimming at 1 BL s−1 can be considered as optimal for farming robust seabream although the increase of skeletal deformities should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan P Palstra
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Ana Roque
- IRTA-SCR, Sant Carles de la Rapita, Spain
| | - Leo Kruijt
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Pauline Jéhannet
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Growth Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (CSIC), Castellon, Spain
| | - Ron P Dirks
- Future Genomics Technologies B.V., Leiden, Netherlands
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Cotti S, Huysseune A, Koppe W, Rücklin M, Marone F, Wölfel EM, Fiedler IAK, Busse B, Forlino A, Witten PE. More Bone with Less Minerals? The Effects of Dietary Phosphorus on the Post-Cranial Skeleton in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155429. [PMID: 32751494 PMCID: PMC7432380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary phosphorus (P) is essential for bone mineralisation in vertebrates. P deficiency can cause growth retardation, osteomalacia and bone deformities, both in teleosts and in mammals. Conversely, excess P supply can trigger soft tissue calcification and bone hypermineralisation. This study uses a wide range of complementary techniques (X-rays, histology, TEM, synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy, nanoindentation) to describe in detail the effects of dietary P on the zebrafish skeleton, after two months of administering three different diets: 0.5% (low P, LP), 1.0% (regular P, RP), and 1.5% (high P, HP) total P content. LP zebrafish display growth retardation and hypomineralised bones, albeit without deformities. LP zebrafish increase production of non-mineralised bone matrix, and osteoblasts have enlarged endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, indicative for increased collagen synthesis. The HP diet promotes growth, high mineralisation, and stiffness but causes vertebral centra fusions. Structure and arrangement of bone matrix collagen fibres are not influenced by dietary P in all three groups. In conclusion, low dietary P content stimulates the formation of non-mineralised bone without inducing malformations. This indicates that bone formation and mineralisation are uncoupled. In contrast, high dietary P content promotes mineralisation and vertebral body fusions. This new zebrafish model is a useful tool to understand the mechanisms underlying osteomalacia and abnormal mineralisation, due to underlying variations in dietary P levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cotti
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.C.); (A.H.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ann Huysseune
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.C.); (A.H.)
| | | | - Martin Rücklin
- Department of Vertebrate Evolution, Development and Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Federica Marone
- X-ray Tomography Group, Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland;
| | - Eva M. Wölfel
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany; (E.M.W.); (I.A.K.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Imke A. K. Fiedler
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany; (E.M.W.); (I.A.K.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Björn Busse
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 22529 Hamburg, Germany; (E.M.W.); (I.A.K.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Antonella Forlino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - P. Eckhard Witten
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.C.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Tonelli F, Bek JW, Besio R, De Clercq A, Leoni L, Salmon P, Coucke PJ, Willaert A, Forlino A. Zebrafish: A Resourceful Vertebrate Model to Investigate Skeletal Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:489. [PMID: 32849280 PMCID: PMC7416647 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential tools for addressing fundamental scientific questions about skeletal diseases and for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Traditionally, mice have been the most common model organism in biomedical research, but their use is hampered by several limitations including complex generation, demanding investigation of early developmental stages, regulatory restrictions on breeding, and high maintenance cost. The zebrafish has been used as an efficient alternative vertebrate model for the study of human skeletal diseases, thanks to its easy genetic manipulation, high fecundity, external fertilization, transparency of rapidly developing embryos, and low maintenance cost. Furthermore, zebrafish share similar skeletal cells and ossification types with mammals. In the last decades, the use of both forward and new reverse genetics techniques has resulted in the generation of many mutant lines carrying skeletal phenotypes associated with human diseases. In addition, transgenic lines expressing fluorescent proteins under bone cell- or pathway- specific promoters enable in vivo imaging of differentiation and signaling at the cellular level. Despite the small size of the zebrafish, many traditional techniques for skeletal phenotyping, such as x-ray and microCT imaging and histological approaches, can be applied using the appropriate equipment and custom protocols. The ability of adult zebrafish to remodel skeletal tissues can be exploited as a unique tool to investigate bone formation and repair. Finally, the permeability of embryos to chemicals dissolved in water, together with the availability of large numbers of small-sized animals makes zebrafish a perfect model for high-throughput bone anabolic drug screening. This review aims to discuss the techniques that make zebrafish a powerful model to investigate the molecular and physiological basis of skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tonelli
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jan Willem Bek
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberta Besio
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Leoni
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paul J. Coucke
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andy Willaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antonella Forlino
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonella Forlino
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