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Zaniker EJ, Hashim PH, Gauthier S, Ankrum JA, Campo H, Duncan FE. Three-Dimensionally Printed Agarose Micromold Supports Scaffold-Free Mouse Ex Vivo Follicle Growth, Ovulation, and Luteinization. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:719. [PMID: 39061801 PMCID: PMC11274170 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo follicle growth is an essential tool, enabling interrogation of folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteinization. Though significant advancements have been made, existing follicle culture strategies can be technically challenging and laborious. In this study, we advanced the field through development of a custom agarose micromold, which enables scaffold-free follicle culture. We established an accessible and economical manufacturing method using 3D printing and silicone molding that generates biocompatible hydrogel molds without the risk of cytotoxicity from leachates. Each mold supports simultaneous culture of multiple multilayer secondary follicles in a single focal plane, allowing for constant timelapse monitoring and automated analysis. Mouse follicles cultured using this novel system exhibit significantly improved growth and ovulation outcomes with comparable survival, oocyte maturation, and hormone production profiles as established three-dimensional encapsulated in vitro follicle growth (eIVFG) systems. Additionally, follicles recapitulated aspects of in vivo ovulation physiology with respect to their architecture and spatial polarization, which has not been observed in eIVFG systems. This system offers simplicity, scalability, integration with morphokinetic analyses of follicle growth and ovulation, and compatibility with existing microphysiological platforms. This culture strategy has implications for fundamental follicle biology, fertility preservation strategies, reproductive toxicology, and contraceptive drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Zaniker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.J.Z.); (P.H.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Prianka H. Hashim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.J.Z.); (P.H.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Samuel Gauthier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.J.Z.); (P.H.H.); (S.G.)
| | - James A. Ankrum
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA;
| | - Hannes Campo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.J.Z.); (P.H.H.); (S.G.)
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.J.Z.); (P.H.H.); (S.G.)
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2
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Moreno-Campos R, Singleton EW, Uribe RA. A targeted CRISPR-Cas9 mediated F0 screen identifies genes involved in establishment of the enteric nervous system. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303914. [PMID: 38809858 PMCID: PMC11135701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate enteric nervous system (ENS) is a crucial network of enteric neurons and glia resident within the entire gastrointestinal tract (GI). Overseeing essential GI functions such as gut motility and water balance, the ENS serves as a pivotal bidirectional link in the gut-brain axis. During early development, the ENS is primarily derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Disruptions to ENCC development, as seen in conditions like Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), lead to the absence of ENS in the GI, particularly in the colon. In this study, using zebrafish, we devised an in vivo F0 CRISPR-based screen employing a robust, rapid pipeline integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR reverse genetics, and high-content imaging. Our findings unveil various genes, including those encoding opioid receptors, as possible regulators of ENS establishment. In addition, we present evidence that suggests opioid receptor involvement in the neurochemical coding of the larval ENS. In summary, our work presents a novel, efficient CRISPR screen targeting ENS development, facilitating the discovery of previously unknown genes, and increasing knowledge of nervous system construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno-Campos
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eileen W. Singleton
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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3
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Moreno-Campos R, Singleton EW, Uribe RA. A targeted CRISPR-Cas9 mediated F0 screen identifies genes involved in establishment of the enteric nervous system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573581. [PMID: 38234831 PMCID: PMC10793464 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The vertebrate enteric nervous system (ENS) is a crucial network of enteric neurons and glia resident within the entire gastrointestinal tract (GI). Overseeing essential GI functions such as gut motility and water balance, the ENS serves as a pivotal bidirectional link in the gut-brain axis. During early development, the ENS is primarily derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Disruptions to ENCC development, as seen in conditions like Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), lead to absence of ENS in the GI, particularly in the colon. In this study, using zebrafish, we devised an in vivo F0 CRISPR-based screen employing a robust, rapid pipeline integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR reverse genetics, and high-content imaging. Our findings unveil various genes, including those encoding for opioid receptors, as possible regulators of ENS establishment. In addition, we present evidence that suggests opioid receptor involvement in neurochemical coding of the larval ENS. In summary, our work presents a novel, efficient CRISPR screen targeting ENS development, facilitating the discovery of previously unknown genes, and increasing knowledge of nervous system construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno-Campos
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
| | - Eileen W. Singleton
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
| | - Rosa A. Uribe
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, U.S.A
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Sun LWH, Asana Marican HT, Beh LK, Shen H. Imaging the radioprotective effect of amifostine in the developing brain using an apoptosis-reporting transgenic zebrafish. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 100:433-444. [PMID: 37922446 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2280011] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Normal tissue radioprotectants alleviate radiation-induced damages and preserve critical organ functions. Investigating their efficacy in vivo remains challenging, especially in enclosed organs like the brain. An animal model that enables direct visualization of radiation-induced apoptosis while possessing the structural complexity of a vertebrate brain facilitates these studies in a precise and effective manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed a secA5 transgenic zebrafish expressing secreted Annexin V fused with a yellow fluorescent protein to visualize radiation-induced apoptosis in vivo. We developed a semi-automated imaging method for standardized acquisition of apoptosis signals in batches of zebrafish larvae. Using these approaches, we studied the protective effect of amifostine (WR-2721) in the irradiated zebrafish larval brain. RESULTS Upon 2 Gy total-body 137Cs irradiation, increased apoptosis could be visualized at high resolution in the secA5 brain at 2, 24, and 48 hour post irradiation (hpi). Amifostine treatment (4 mM) during irradiation reduced apoptosis significantly at 24 hpi and preserved Wnt active cells in the larval brain. When the 2 Gy irradiation was delivered in combination with cisplatin treatment (0.1 mM), the radioprotective effect of amifostine was also observed. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the radioprotective effect of amifostine in the developing zebrafish larval brain, and highlights the utility of secA5 transgenic zebrafish as a novel system for investigating normal tissue radioprotectants in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W H Sun
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lih Khiang Beh
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongyuan Shen
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Lempereur S, Machado E, Licata F, Simion M, Buzer L, Robineau I, Hémon J, Banerjee P, De Crozé N, Léonard M, Affaticati P, Talbot H, Joly JS. ZeBraInspector, a platform for the automated segmentation and analysis of body and brain volumes in whole 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish following simultaneous visualization with identical orientations. Dev Biol 2022; 490:86-99. [PMID: 35841952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the zebrafish has become a well-established laboratory model. We describe here the ZeBraInspector (ZBI) platform for high-content 3D imaging (HCI) of 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish eleuthero-embryos (EEs). This platform includes a mounting method based on 3D-printed stamps to create a grid of wells in an agarose cast, facilitating batch acquisitions with a fast-confocal laser scanning microscope. We describe reference labeling in cleared fish with a fluorescent lipophilic dye. Based on this labeling, the ZBI software registers. EE 3D images, making it possible to visualize numerous identically oriented EEs on a single screen, and to compare their morphologies and any fluorescent patterns at a glance. High-resolution 2D snapshots can be extracted. ZBI software is therefore useful for diverse high-content analyses (HCAs). Following automated segmentation of the lipophilic dye signal, the ZBI software performs volumetric analyses on whole EEs and their nervous system white matter. Through two examples, we illustrate the power of these analyses for obtaining statistically significant results from a small number of samples: the characterization of a phenotype associated with a neurodevelopmental mutation, and of the defects caused by treatments with a toxic anti-cancer compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Lempereur
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France.
| | - Elodie Machado
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Fabrice Licata
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Matthieu Simion
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Lilian Buzer
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Isabelle Robineau
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Julien Hémon
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Payel Banerjee
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | | | - Marc Léonard
- L'Oréal, Research & Innovation, Aulnay sous Bois, France
| | - Pierre Affaticati
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Hugues Talbot
- LIGM, Univ Gustave Eiffel, CNRS, ESIEE Paris, F-77454, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Centrale Supélec, INRIA, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Stéphane Joly
- Tefor Paris-Saclay, UMS 2010, CNRS, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France.
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Gauvrit S, Bossaer J, Lee J, Collins MM. Modeling Human Cardiac Arrhythmias: Insights from Zebrafish. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9010013. [PMID: 35050223 PMCID: PMC8779270 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, is associated with morbidity and mortality and is described as one of the most important future public health challenges. Therefore, developing new models of cardiac arrhythmia is critical for understanding disease mechanisms, determining genetic underpinnings, and developing new therapeutic strategies. In the last few decades, the zebrafish has emerged as an attractive model to reproduce in vivo human cardiac pathologies, including arrhythmias. Here, we highlight the contribution of zebrafish to the field and discuss the available cardiac arrhythmia models. Further, we outline techniques to assess potential heart rhythm defects in larval and adult zebrafish. As genetic tools in zebrafish continue to bloom, this model will be crucial for functional genomics studies and to develop personalized anti-arrhythmic therapies.
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Gibbs HC, Sarasamma S, Benavides OR, Green DG, Hart NA, Yeh AT, Maitland KC, Lekven AC. Quantifiable Intravital Light Sheet Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2440:181-196. [PMID: 35218540 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2051-9_11] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Live imaging of zebrafish embryos that maintains normal development can be difficult to achieve due to a combination of sample mounting, immobilization, and phototoxicity issues that, once overcome, often still results in image quality sufficiently poor that computer-aided analysis or even manual analysis is not possible. Here, we describe our mounting strategy for imaging the zebrafish midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) with light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) and pilot experiments to create a study-specific set of parameters for semiautomatically tracking cellular movements in the embryonic midbrain primordium during zebrafish segmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly C Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Sreeja Sarasamma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Oscar R Benavides
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David G Green
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nathan A Hart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alvin T Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kristen C Maitland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Arne C Lekven
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Zaucker A, Mitchell CA, Coker HLE, Sampath K. Tools to Image Germplasm Dynamics During Early Zebrafish Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:712503. [PMID: 34485299 PMCID: PMC8414583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.712503] [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: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the first day of zebrafish development, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes called germplasm form large aggregates that initially segregate asymmetrically during cleavage stages. After zygotic genome activation, the granules break into smaller fragments that associate with the nuclear membrane as perinuclear (germ) granules toward the end of gastrulation. The mechanisms underlying the highly dynamic behavior of germ granules are not well studied but thought to be facilitated by the cytoskeleton. Here, we present efficient mounting strategies using 3d-printed tools that generate wells on agarose-coated sample holders to allow high-resolution imaging of multiplexed embryos that are less than one day post-fertilization (dpf) on inverted (spinning disk confocal) as well as upright (lattice light-sheet and diSPIM) microscopes. In particular, our tools and methodology allow water dipping lenses to have direct access to mounted embryos, with no obstructions to the light path (e.g., through low melting agarose or methyl cellulose). Moreover, the multiplexed tight arrays of wells generated by our tools facilitate efficient mounting of early embryos (including cleavage stages) for live imaging. These methods and tools, together with new transgenic reporter lines, can facilitate the study of germ granule dynamics throughout their lifetime in detail, at high resolution and throughput, using live imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zaucker
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Claire A Mitchell
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Helena L E Coker
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Karuna Sampath
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Subendran S, Wang YC, Lu YH, Chen CY. The evaluation of zebrafish cardiovascular and behavioral functions through microfluidics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13801. [PMID: 34226579 PMCID: PMC8257654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study proposed a new experimental approach for the vascular and phenotype evaluation of the non-anesthetized zebrafish with representative imaging orientations for heart, pectoral fin beating, and vasculature views by means of the designed microfluidic device through inducing the optomotor response and hydrodynamic pressure control. In order to provide the visual cues for better positioning of zebrafish, computer-animated moving grids were generated by an in-house control interface which was powered by the larval optomotor response, in conjunction with the pressure suction control. The presented platform provided a comprehensive evaluation of internal circulation and the linked external behaviors of zebrafish in response to the cardiovascular parameter changes. The insights from these imaging sections was extended to identify the linkage between the cardiac parameters and behavioral endpoints. In addition, selected chemicals such as ethanol and caffeine were employed for the treatment of zebrafish. The obtained findings can be applicable for future investigation in behavioral drug screening serving as the forefront in psychopharmacological and cognition research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satishkumar Subendran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsun Lu
- Department of Radiology, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
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Eckstrum K, Sprando R. Semi-automated image acquisition and automatic image quantification methods for liver Organ-Chips. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 151:112107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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El-Daher F, Becker CG. Neural circuit reorganisation after spinal cord injury in zebrafish. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 64:44-51. [PMID: 32604009 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries disrupt signalling from the brain leading to loss of limb, locomotion, sexual and bladder function, usually irreversible in humans. In zebrafish, recovery of function occurs in a few days for larvae or a few weeks for adults due to regrowth of axons and de novo neurogenesis. Together with its genetic amenability and optical clarity, this makes zebrafish a powerful animal model to study circuit reorganisation after spinal cord injuries. With the fast evolution of techniques, we can forecast significative improvements of our knowledge of the mechanisms leading to successful or failed recovery of spinal cord function. We review here the present knowledge on the subject, the new technological approaches and we propose future directions of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- François El-Daher
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Catherina G Becker
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom.
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