1
|
Arancibia D, Pol I, Vargas-Fernández M, Zárate RV, Signorelli JR, Zamorano P. OPTO-BLUE: An Integrated Bidirectional Optogenetic Lentiviral Platform for Controlled Light-Induced Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119537. [PMID: 37298488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119537] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated systems for transgene expression are useful tools in basic research and a promising platform in biomedicine due to their regulated transgene expression by an inducer. The emergence of optogenetics expression systems enabled the construction of light-switchable systems, enhancing the spatial and temporal resolution of a transgene. The LightOn system is an optogenetic tool that regulates the expression of a gene of interest using blue light as an inducer. This system is based on a photosensitive protein (GAVPO), which dimerizes and binds to the UASG sequence in response to blue light, triggering the expression of a downstream transgene. Previously, we adapted the LightOn system to a dual lentiviral vector system for neurons. Here, we continue the optimization and assemble all components of the LightOn system into a single lentiviral plasmid, the OPTO-BLUE system. For functional validation, we used enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as an expression reporter (OPTO-BLUE-EGFP) and evaluated the efficiency of EGFP expression by transfection and transduction in HEK293-T cells exposed to continuous blue-light illumination. Altogether, these results prove that the optimized OPTO-BLUE system allows the light-controlled expression of a reporter protein according to a specific time and light intensity. Likewise, this system should provide an important molecular tool to modulate gene expression of any protein by blue light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duxan Arancibia
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Iracy Pol
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Martín Vargas-Fernández
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Rafaella V Zárate
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
- Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Janetti R Signorelli
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| | - Pedro Zamorano
- Departamento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
- Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Underwood KL, Walker WJ, Garrett PI, Linch S, Rynes TP, Mruk K. Optimizing spinal cord injury in zebrafish larvae: effects of age on the injury response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541337. [PMID: 37292959 PMCID: PMC10245662 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are an increasingly popular model to study spinal cord injury (SCI) regeneration. The transparency of larval zebrafish makes them ideal to study cellular processes in real time. Standardized approaches, including age of injury, are not readily available making comparisons of the results with other models challenging. In this study, we systematically examined the response to spinal cord transection of larval zebrafish at three different ages (3-7 days post fertilization or dpf) to determine whether the developmental complexity of the central nervous system affects the overall response to SCI. We then used imaging and behavioral analysis to evaluate whether differences existed based on the age of injury. All ages of larval zebrafish upregulated the required genes for glial bridge formation, ctgfa and gfap, at the site of injury, consistent with studies from adult zebrafish. Though all larval ages upregulated factors required to promote glial bridging, young larval zebrafish (3 dpf) were better able to regenerate axons independent of the glial bridge, unlike older zebrafish (7 dpf). Consistent with this data, locomotor experiments demonstrated that some swimming behavior occurs independent of glial bridge formation, further highlighting the need for standardization of this model and recovery assays. Overall, we found subtle cellular differences based on the age of transection in zebrafish, underlining the importance of considering age when designing experiments aimed at understanding regeneration.
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown W, Albright S, Tsang M, Deiters A. Optogenetic Protein Cleavage in Zebrafish Embryos. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200297. [PMID: 36196665 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200297] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A wide array of optogenetic tools are available that allow for precise spatiotemporal control over cellular processes. These tools are particularly important to zebrafish researchers who take advantage of the embryo's transparency. However, photocleavable optogenetic proteins have not been utilized in zebrafish. We demonstrate successful optical control of protein cleavage in embryos using PhoCl, a photocleavable fluorescent protein. This optogenetic tool offers temporal and spatial control over protein cleavage events, which we demonstrate in light-triggered protein translocation and light-triggered apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wes Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Savannah Albright
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fan H, Barnes C, Hwang H, Zhang K, Yang J. Precise modulation of embryonic development through optogenetics. Genesis 2022; 60:e23505. [PMID: 36478118 PMCID: PMC9847014 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed enormous progress in optogenetics, which uses photo-sensitive proteins to control signal transduction in live cells and animals. The ever-increasing amount of optogenetic tools, however, could overwhelm the selection of appropriate optogenetic strategies. In this work, we summarize recent progress in this emerging field and highlight the application of opsin-free optogenetics in studying embryonic development, focusing on new insights gained into optical induction of morphogenesis, cell polarity, cell fate determination, tissue differentiation, neuronal regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and removal of cells during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaxun Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Collin Barnes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hyojeong Hwang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA,Authors for correspondence: Kai Zhang, Ph.D., , 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory,Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA, Phone: 1-217-300-0582; Jing Yang, Ph.D., , 2001 S Lincoln Ave, VMBSB3411, Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA, Phone: 1-217-333-6825
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA,Authors for correspondence: Kai Zhang, Ph.D., , 600 South Mathews Avenue, 314 B Roger Adams Laboratory,Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA, Phone: 1-217-300-0582; Jing Yang, Ph.D., , 2001 S Lincoln Ave, VMBSB3411, Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA, Phone: 1-217-333-6825
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feng Z, Ducos B, Scerbo P, Aujard I, Jullien L, Bensimon D. The Development and Application of Opto-Chemical Tools in the Zebrafish. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196231. [PMID: 36234767 PMCID: PMC9572478 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is one of the most widely adopted animal models in both basic and translational research. This popularity of the zebrafish results from several advantages such as a high degree of similarity to the human genome, the ease of genetic and chemical perturbations, external fertilization with high fecundity, transparent and fast-developing embryos, and relatively low cost-effective maintenance. In particular, body translucency is a unique feature of zebrafish that is not adequately obtained with other vertebrate organisms. The animal’s distinctive optical clarity and small size therefore make it a successful model for optical modulation and observation. Furthermore, the convenience of microinjection and high embryonic permeability readily allow for efficient delivery of large and small molecules into live animals. Finally, the numerous number of siblings obtained from a single pair of animals offers large replicates and improved statistical analysis of the results. In this review, we describe the development of opto-chemical tools based on various strategies that control biological activities with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss the reported applications of these tools in zebrafish and highlight the current challenges and future possibilities of opto-chemical approaches, particularly at the single cell level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Feng
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, 46 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Labbaf Z, Petratou K, Ermlich L, Backer W, Tarbashevich K, Reichman-Fried M, Luschnig S, Schulte-Merker S, Raz E. A robust and tunable system for targeted cell ablation in developing embryos. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2026-2040.e5. [PMID: 35914525 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.008] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cell ablation is a key method in the research fields of developmental biology, tissue regeneration, and tissue homeostasis. Eliminating specific cell populations allows for characterizing interactions that control cell differentiation, death, behavior, and spatial organization of cells. Current methodologies for inducing cell death suffer from relatively slow kinetics, making them unsuitable for analyzing rapid events and following primary and immediate consequences of the ablation. To address this, we developed a cell-ablation system that is based on bacterial toxin/anti-toxin proteins and enables rapid and cell-autonomous elimination of specific cell types and organs in zebrafish embryos. A unique feature of this system is that it uses an anti-toxin, which allows for controlling the degree and timing of ablation and the resulting phenotypes. The transgenic zebrafish generated in this work represent a highly efficient tool for cell ablation, and this approach is applicable to other model organisms as demonstrated here for Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Labbaf
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Kleio Petratou
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Laura Ermlich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Wilko Backer
- Institute for Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Michal Reichman-Fried
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Stefan Luschnig
- Institute for Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulte-Merker
- Institute for Cardiovascular Organogenesis and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stream A, Madigan CA. Zebrafish: an underutilized tool for discovery in host-microbe interactions. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:426-437. [PMID: 35527182 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are relatively new to the field of host-pathogen interactions, although they have been a valuable vertebrate model for decades in developmental biology and neuroscience. Transparent zebrafish larvae have most components of the human innate immune system, and adult zebrafish also produce cells of the adaptive immune system. Recent discoveries using zebrafish infection models include mechanisms of pathogen survival and host cell sensing of microbes. These discoveries were enabled by zebrafish technology, which is constantly evolving and providing new opportunities for immunobiology research. Recent tools include CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, in vivo biotinylation, and genetically encoded biosensors. We argue that the zebrafish model - which remains underutilized in immunology - provides fertile ground for a new understanding of host-microbe interactions in a transparent host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Stream
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cressida A Madigan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Faraj N, Duinkerken BHP, Carroll EC, Giepmans BNG. Microscopic modulation and analysis of islets of Langerhans in living zebrafish larvae. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:2497-2512. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noura Faraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen 9713AV The Netherlands
| | - B. H. Peter Duinkerken
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen 9713AV The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth C. Carroll
- Department of Imaging Physics Delft University of Technology Delft, 2628 CJ The Netherlands
| | - Ben N. G. Giepmans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen 9713AV The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
di Pietro F, Herszterg S, Huang A, Bosveld F, Alexandre C, Sancéré L, Pelletier S, Joudat A, Kapoor V, Vincent JP, Bellaïche Y. Rapid and robust optogenetic control of gene expression in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3393-3404.e7. [PMID: 34879263 PMCID: PMC8693864 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering gene function requires the ability to control gene expression in space and time. Binary systems such as the Gal4/UAS provide a powerful means to modulate gene expression and to induce loss or gain of function. This is best exemplified in Drosophila, where the Gal4/UAS system has been critical to discover conserved mechanisms in development, physiology, neurobiology, and metabolism, to cite a few. Here we describe a transgenic light-inducible Gal4/UAS system (ShineGal4/UAS) based on Magnet photoswitches. We show that it allows efficient, rapid, and robust activation of UAS-driven transgenes in different tissues and at various developmental stages in Drosophila. Furthermore, we illustrate how ShineGal4 enables the generation of gain and loss-of-function phenotypes at animal, organ, and cellular levels. Thanks to the large repertoire of UAS-driven transgenes, ShineGal4 enriches the Drosophila genetic toolkit by allowing in vivo control of gene expression with high temporal and spatial resolutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia di Pietro
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Anqi Huang
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Floris Bosveld
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Lucas Sancéré
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Pelletier
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Amina Joudat
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Varun Kapoor
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Yohanns Bellaïche
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neely SA, Lyons DA. Insights Into Central Nervous System Glial Cell Formation and Function From Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:754606. [PMID: 34912801 PMCID: PMC8666443 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.754606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The term glia describes a heterogenous collection of distinct cell types that make up a large proportion of our nervous system. Although once considered the glue of the nervous system, the study of glial cells has evolved significantly in recent years, with a large body of literature now highlighting their complex and diverse roles in development and throughout life. This progress is due, in part, to advances in animal models in which the molecular and cellular mechanisms of glial cell development and function as well as neuron-glial cell interactions can be directly studied in vivo in real time, in intact neural circuits. In this review we highlight the instrumental role that zebrafish have played as a vertebrate model system for the study of glial cells, and discuss how the experimental advantages of the zebrafish lend themselves to investigate glial cell interactions and diversity. We focus in particular on recent studies that have provided insight into the formation and function of the major glial cell types in the central nervous system in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Neely
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Lyons
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tsata V, Wehner D. Know How to Regrow-Axon Regeneration in the Zebrafish Spinal Cord. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061404. [PMID: 34204045 PMCID: PMC8228677 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity for long-distance axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury is poor in mammals but remarkable in some vertebrates, including fish and salamanders. The cellular and molecular basis of this interspecies difference is beginning to emerge. This includes the identification of target cells that react to the injury and the cues directing their pro-regenerative responses. Among existing models of successful spinal cord regeneration, the zebrafish is arguably the most understood at a mechanistic level to date. Here, we review the spinal cord injury paradigms used in zebrafish, and summarize the breadth of neuron-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors that have been identified to play pivotal roles in the ability of zebrafish to regenerate central nervous system axons and recover function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsata
- Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (V.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Wehner
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.T.); (D.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
LaBelle J, Ramos-Martinez A, Shen K, Motta-Mena LB, Gardner KH, Materna SC, Woo S. TAEL 2.0: An Improved Optogenetic Expression System for Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2021; 18:20-28. [PMID: 33555975 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducible gene expression systems are valuable tools for studying biological processes. We previously developed an optogenetic gene expression system called TAEL that is optimized for use in zebrafish. When illuminated with blue light, TAEL transcription factors dimerize and activate gene expression downstream of the TAEL-responsive C120 promoter. By using light as the inducing agent, the TAEL/C120 system overcomes limitations of traditional inducible expression systems by enabling fine spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression. In this study, we describe ongoing efforts to improve the TAEL/C120 system. We made modifications to both the TAEL transcriptional activator and the C120 regulatory element, collectively referred to as TAEL 2.0. We demonstrate that TAEL 2.0 consistently induces higher levels of reporter gene expression and at a faster rate, but with comparable background and toxicity as the original TAEL system. With these improvements, we were able to create functional stable transgenic lines to express the TAEL 2.0 transcription factor either ubiquitously or with a tissue-specific promoter. We demonstrate that the ubiquitous line in particular can be used to induce expression at late embryonic and larval stages, addressing a major deficiency of the original TAEL system. This improved optogenetic expression system will be a broadly useful resource for the zebrafish community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesselynn LaBelle
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Adela Ramos-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Kyle Shen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | | | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stefan C Materna
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Woo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Varady A, Distel M. Non-neuromodulatory Optogenetic Tools in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:418. [PMID: 32582702 PMCID: PMC7283495 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a popular vertebrate model organism to investigate molecular mechanisms driving development and disease. Due to its transparency at embryonic and larval stages, investigations in the living organism are possible with subcellular resolution using intravital microscopy. The beneficial optical characteristics of zebrafish not only allow for passive observation, but also active manipulation of proteins and cells by light using optogenetic tools. Initially, photosensitive ion channels have been applied for neurobiological studies in zebrafish to dissect complex behaviors on a cellular level. More recently, exciting non-neural optogenetic tools have been established to control gene expression or protein localization and activity, allowing for unprecedented non-invasive and precise manipulation of various aspects of cellular physiology. Zebrafish will likely be a vertebrate model organism at the forefront of in vivo application of non-neural optogenetic tools and pioneering work has already been performed. In this review, we provide an overview of non-neuromodulatory optogenetic tools successfully applied in zebrafish to control gene expression, protein localization, cell signaling, migration and cell ablation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Varady
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Distel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|