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Agha MA, Kishore S, McLean DL. Cell-type-specific origins of locomotor rhythmicity at different speeds in larval zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575271. [PMID: 38260357 PMCID: PMC10802601 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Different speeds of locomotion require heterogeneous spinal populations, but a common mode of rhythm generation is presumed to exist. Here, we explore the cellular versus synaptic origins of spinal rhythmicity at different speeds by performing electrophysiological recordings from premotor excitatory interneurons in larval zebrafish. Chx10-labeled V2a neurons are divided into at least two morphological subtypes proposed to play distinct roles in timing and intensity control. Consistent with distinct rhythm generating and output patterning functions within the spinal V2a population, we find that descending subtypes are recruited exclusively at slow or fast speeds and exhibit intrinsic cellular properties suitable for rhythmogenesis at those speeds, while bifurcating subtypes are recruited more reliably at all speeds and lack appropriate rhythmogenic cellular properties. Unexpectedly, however, phasic firing patterns during locomotion in rhythmogenic and non-rhythmogenic V2a neurons alike are best explained by distinct modes of synaptic inhibition linked to cell-type and speed. At fast speeds reciprocal inhibition in descending V2a neurons supports phasic firing, while recurrent inhibition in bifurcating V2a neurons helps pattern motor output. In contrast, at slow speeds recurrent inhibition in descending V2a neurons supports phasic firing, while bifurcating V2a neurons rely on reciprocal inhibition alone to pattern output. Our findings suggest cell-type-specific, not common, modes of rhythmogenesis generate and coordinate different speeds of locomotion.
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2
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Manley J, Vaziri A. Whole-brain neural substrates of behavioral variability in the larval zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583208. [PMID: 38496592 PMCID: PMC10942351 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Animals engaged in naturalistic behavior can exhibit a large degree of behavioral variability even under sensory invariant conditions. Such behavioral variability can include not only variations of the same behavior, but also variability across qualitatively different behaviors driven by divergent cognitive states, such as fight-or-flight decisions. However, the neural circuit mechanisms that generate such divergent behaviors across trials are not well understood. To investigate this question, here we studied the visual-evoked responses of larval zebrafish to moving objects of various sizes, which we found exhibited highly variable and divergent responses across repetitions of the same stimulus. Given that the neuronal circuits underlying such behaviors span sensory, motor, and other brain areas, we built a novel Fourier light field microscope which enables high-resolution, whole-brain imaging of larval zebrafish during behavior. This enabled us to screen for neural loci which exhibited activity patterns correlated with behavioral variability. We found that despite the highly variable activity of single neurons, visual stimuli were robustly encoded at the population level, and the visual-encoding dimensions of neural activity did not explain behavioral variability. This robustness despite apparent single neuron variability was due to the multi-dimensional geometry of the neuronal population dynamics: almost all neural dimensions that were variable across individual trials, i.e. the "noise" modes, were orthogonal to those encoding for sensory information. Investigating this neuronal variability further, we identified two sparsely-distributed, brain-wide neuronal populations whose pre-motor activity predicted whether the larva would respond to a stimulus and, if so, which direction it would turn on a single-trial level. These populations predicted single-trial behavior seconds before stimulus onset, indicating they encoded time-varying internal modulating behavior, perhaps organizing behavior over longer timescales or enabling flexible behavior routines dependent on the animal's internal state. Our results provide the first whole-brain confirmation that sensory, motor, and internal variables are encoded in a highly mixed fashion throughout the brain and demonstrate that de-mixing each of these components at the neuronal population level is critical to understanding the mechanisms underlying the brain's remarkable flexibility and robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Manley
- Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The Kavli Neural Systems Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alipasha Vaziri
- Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The Kavli Neural Systems Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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3
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Flores E, Dutta S, Bosserman R, van Hoof A, Krachler AM. Colonization of larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio) with adherent-invasive Escherichia coli prevents recovery of the intestinal mucosa from drug-induced enterocolitis. mSphere 2023; 8:e0051223. [PMID: 37971273 PMCID: PMC10732064 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00512-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although inflammatory bowel diseases are on the rise, what factors influence IBD risk and severity, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Although host genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors have all been shown to correlate with the development of IBD, cause and effect are difficult to disentangle in this context. For example, AIEC is a known pathobiont found in IBD patients, but it remains unclear if gut inflammation during IBD facilitates colonization with AIEC, or if AIEC colonization makes the host more susceptible to pro-inflammatory stimuli. It is critical to understand the mechanisms that contribute to AIEC infections in a susceptible host in order to develop successful therapeutics. Here, we show that the larval zebrafish model recapitulates key features of AIEC infections in other animal models and can be utilized to address these gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Flores
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Soumita Dutta
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Bosserman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ambro van Hoof
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Krachler
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Jay M, MacIver MA, McLean DL. Spinal Basis of Direction Control during Locomotion in Larval Zebrafish. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4062-4074. [PMID: 37127363 PMCID: PMC10255127 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0703-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Navigation requires steering and propulsion, but how spinal circuits contribute to direction control during ongoing locomotion is not well understood. Here, we use drifting vertical gratings to evoke directed "fictive" swimming in intact but immobilized larval zebrafish while performing electrophysiological recordings from spinal neurons. We find that directed swimming involves unilateral changes in the duration of motor output and increased recruitment of motor neurons, without impacting the timing of spiking across or along the body. Voltage-clamp recordings from motor neurons reveal increases in phasic excitation and inhibition on the side of the turn. Current-clamp recordings from premotor interneurons that provide phasic excitation or inhibition reveal two types of recruitment patterns. A direction-agnostic pattern with balanced recruitment on the turning and nonturning sides is primarily observed in excitatory V2a neurons with ipsilateral descending axons, while a direction-sensitive pattern with preferential recruitment on the turning side is dominated by V2a neurons with ipsilateral bifurcating axons. Inhibitory V1 neurons are also divided into direction-sensitive and direction-agnostic subsets, although there is no detectable morphologic distinction. Our findings support the modular control of steering and propulsion by spinal premotor circuits, where recruitment of distinct subsets of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons provide adjustments in direction while on the move.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinal circuits play an essential role in coordinating movements during locomotion. However, it is unclear how they participate in adjustments in direction that do not interfere with coordination. Here we have developed a system using larval zebrafish that allows us to directly record electrical signals from spinal neurons during "fictive" swimming guided by visual cues. We find there are subsets of spinal interneurons for coordination and others that drive unilateral asymmetries in motor neuron recruitment for direction control. Our findings suggest a modular organization of spinal premotor circuits that enables uninterrupted adjustments in direction during ongoing locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jay
- Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
| | - Malcolm A MacIver
- Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
| | - David L McLean
- Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
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5
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Hasani H, Sun J, Zhu SI, Rong Q, Willomitzer F, Amor R, McConnell G, Cossairt O, Goodhill GJ. Whole-brain imaging of freely-moving zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1127574. [PMID: 37139528 PMCID: PMC10150962 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1127574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the holy grails of neuroscience is to record the activity of every neuron in the brain while an animal moves freely and performs complex behavioral tasks. While important steps forward have been taken recently in large-scale neural recording in rodent models, single neuron resolution across the entire mammalian brain remains elusive. In contrast the larval zebrafish offers great promise in this regard. Zebrafish are a vertebrate model with substantial homology to the mammalian brain, but their transparency allows whole-brain recordings of genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators at single-neuron resolution using optical microscopy techniques. Furthermore zebrafish begin to show a complex repertoire of natural behavior from an early age, including hunting small, fast-moving prey using visual cues. Until recently work to address the neural bases of these behaviors mostly relied on assays where the fish was immobilized under the microscope objective, and stimuli such as prey were presented virtually. However significant progress has recently been made in developing brain imaging techniques for zebrafish which are not immobilized. Here we discuss recent advances, focusing particularly on techniques based on light-field microscopy. We also draw attention to several important outstanding issues which remain to be addressed to increase the ecological validity of the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hasani
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Jipeng Sun
- Department of Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Shuyu I. Zhu
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Qiangzhou Rong
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Florian Willomitzer
- Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rumelo Amor
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gail McConnell
- Centre for Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Cossairt
- Department of Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Geoffrey J. Goodhill
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Zhu SI, Goodhill GJ. From perception to behavior: The neural circuits underlying prey hunting in larval zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1087993. [PMID: 36817645 PMCID: PMC9928868 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1087993] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A key challenge for neural systems is to extract relevant information from the environment and make appropriate behavioral responses. The larval zebrafish offers an exciting opportunity for studying these sensing processes and sensory-motor transformations. Prey hunting is an instinctual behavior of zebrafish that requires the brain to extract and combine different attributes of the sensory input and form appropriate motor outputs. Due to its small size and transparency the larval zebrafish brain allows optical recording of whole-brain activity to reveal the neural mechanisms involved in prey hunting and capture. In this review we discuss how the larval zebrafish brain processes visual information to identify and locate prey, the neural circuits governing the generation of motor commands in response to prey, how hunting behavior can be modulated by internal states and experience, and some outstanding questions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu I. Zhu
- Departments of Developmental Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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7
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Peterson AN, McHenry MJ. The persistent-predation strategy of the red lionfish ( Pterois volitans). Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221085. [PMID: 35919997 PMCID: PMC9346346 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pursuit of prey is vital to the biology of a predator and many aspects of predatory behaviour are well-studied. However, it is unclear how a pursuit can be effective when the prey is faster than a non-cryptic predator. Using kinematic measurements, we considered the strategy of red lionfish (Pterois volitans) as they pursued a faster prey fish (Chromis viridis) under laboratory conditions. Despite swimming about half as fast as C. viridis, lionfish succeeded in capturing prey in 61% of our experiments. This successful pursuit behaviour was defined by three critical characteristics. First, lionfish targeted C. viridis with pure pursuit by adjusting their heading towards the prey's position and not the anticipated point of interception. Second, lionfish pursued prey with uninterrupted motion. By contrast, C. viridis moved intermittently with variation in speed that included slow swimming. Such periods allowed lionfish to close the distance to a prey and initiate a suction-feeding strike at a relatively close distance (less than 9 cm). Finally, lionfish exhibited a high rate of strike success, capturing prey in 74% of all strikes. These characteristics comprise a behaviour that we call the 'persistent-predation strategy', which may be exhibited by a diversity of predators with relatively slow locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N. Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - Matthew J. McHenry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
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8
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Tsai TI, Dlugaiczyk J, Bardins S, Huppert D, Brandt T, Wuehr M. Physiological oculo-auricular-facial-mandibular synkinesis elicited in humans by gaze deviations. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:984-994. [PMID: 35235436 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00199.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated motor behaviors involving ocular motion-associated movements of the head, neck, pinna, and parts of the face are commonly seen in animals orienting to a visual target. A number of coordinated movements have also been observed in humans making rapid gaze shifts to horizontal extremes, which may be vestiges of these. Since such integrated mechanisms point to a non-pathological co-activation of several anatomically separate cranial circuits in humans, it is important to see how the different pairs of integrative motor behaviors with a common trigger (i.e., ocular motion) manifest in relation to one another. Here, we systematically examined the pattern of eye movement-induced recruitment of multiple cranial muscles in humans. Simultaneous video-oculography and bilateral surface electromyograms of transverse auricular, temporalis, frontalis, and masseter muscles were recorded in 15 healthy subjects (8 females; 29.3±5.2 years) while they made head-fixed, horizontal saccadic, pursuit and optokinetic eye movements. Potential chin laterotrusion linked to contractions of masticator muscles was captured with a yaw-fixed accelerometer. Our findings objectively show an orchestrated aural-facial-masticatory muscle response to a range of horizontal eye movements (prevalence of 21-93%). These responses were most prominent during eccentric saccades. We further reveal distinctions between the various observed activation patterns in terms of their profile (transient or sustained), laterality (with respect to direction of gaze) and timing (with respect to saccade onset). Possible underlying neural substrates, their atavistic behavioral significance, and potential clinical applications for monitoring sensory attention and designing attention-directed hearing aids in the future are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina I Tsai
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Dlugaiczyk
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich 9 (USZ), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stanislav Bardins
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doreen Huppert
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Brandt
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Wuehr
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Solek CM, Farooqi NAI, Brake N, Kesner P, Schohl A, Antel JP, Ruthazer ES. Early Inflammation Dysregulates Neuronal Circuit Formation In Vivo via Upregulation of IL-1β. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6353-6366. [PMID: 34103360 PMCID: PMC8287996 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2159-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune interaction during development is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the mechanisms that cause neuronal circuit dysregulation are not well understood. We performed in vivo imaging of the developing retinotectal system in the larval zebrafish to characterize the effects of immune system activation on refinement of an archetypal sensory processing circuit. Acute inflammatory insult induced hyperdynamic remodeling of developing retinal axons in larval fish and increased axon arbor elaboration over days. Using calcium imaging in GCaMP6s transgenic fish, we showed that these morphologic changes were accompanied by a shift toward decreased visual acuity in tectal cells. This finding was supported by poorer performance in a visually guided behavioral task. We further found that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), is upregulated by the inflammatory insult, and that downregulation of IL-1β abrogated the effects of inflammation on axonal dynamics and growth. Moreover, baseline branching of the retinal ganglion cell arbors in IL-1β morphant animals was significantly different from that in control larvae, and their performance in a predation assay was impaired, indicating a role for this cytokine in normal neuronal development. This work establishes a simple and powerful non-mammalian model of developmental immune activation and demonstrates a role for IL-1β in mediating the pathologic effects of inflammation on neuronal circuit development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Maternal immune activation can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring; however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Using a non-mammalian vertebrate model of developmental immune activation, we show that even brief activation of inflammatory pathways has immediate and long-term effects on the arborization of axons, and that these morphologic changes have functional and behavioral consequences. Finally, we show that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β plays an essential role in both the effects of inflammation on circuit formation and normal axonal development. Our data add to a growing body of evidence supporting epidemiological studies linking immune activation to neurodevelopmental disorders, and help shed light on the molecular and cellular processes that contribute to the etiology of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Solek
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Nasr A I Farooqi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Niklas Brake
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Philip Kesner
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Anne Schohl
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Jack P Antel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Edward S Ruthazer
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
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10
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Jaroszynska N, Harding P, Moosajee M. Metabolism in the Zebrafish Retina. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:10. [PMID: 33804189 PMCID: PMC8006245 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9010010] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptors are amongst the most metabolically active cells in the body, consuming more glucose as a metabolic substrate than even the brain. This ensures that there is sufficient energy to establish and maintain photoreceptor functions during and after their differentiation. Such high dependence on glucose metabolism is conserved across vertebrates, including zebrafish from early larval through to adult retinal stages. As the zebrafish retina develops rapidly, reaching an adult-like structure by 72 hours post fertilisation, zebrafish larvae can be used to study metabolism not only during retinogenesis, but also in functionally mature retinae. The interplay between rod and cone photoreceptors and the neighbouring retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells establishes a metabolic ecosystem that provides essential control of their individual functions, overall maintaining healthy vision. The RPE facilitates efficient supply of glucose from the choroidal vasculature to the photoreceptors, which produce metabolic products that in turn fuel RPE metabolism. Many inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) result in photoreceptor degeneration, either directly arising from photoreceptor-specific mutations or secondary to RPE loss, leading to sight loss. Evidence from a number of vertebrate studies suggests that the imbalance of the metabolic ecosystem in the outer retina contributes to metabolic failure and disease pathogenesis. The use of larval zebrafish mutants with disease-specific mutations that mirror those seen in human patients allows us to uncover mechanisms of such dysregulation and disease pathology with progression from embryonic to adult stages, as well as providing a means of testing novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippa Harding
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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11
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Wang K, Arrenberg B, Hinz J, Arrenberg AB. Reduction of visual stimulus artifacts using a spherical tank for small, aquatic animals. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3204. [PMID: 33547357 PMCID: PMC7864920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81904-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivering appropriate stimuli remains a challenge in vision research, particularly for aquatic animals such as zebrafish. Due to the shape of the water tank and the associated optical paths of light rays, the stimulus can be subject to unwanted refraction or reflection artifacts, which may spoil the experiment and result in wrong conclusions. Here, we employ computer graphics simulations and calcium imaging in the zebrafish optic tectum to show, how a spherical glass container optically outperforms many previously used water containers, including Petri dish lids. We demonstrate that aquatic vision experiments suffering from total internal reflection artifacts at the water surface or at the flat container bottom may result in the erroneous detection of visual neurons with bipartite receptive fields and in the apparent absence of neurons selective for vertical motion. Our results and demonstrations will help aquatic vision neuroscientists on optimizing their stimulation setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre for Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Julian Hinz
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre for Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aristides B Arrenberg
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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12
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Pita D, Fernández-Juricic E. Zebrafish Neighbor Distance Changes Relative to Conspecific Size, Position in the Water Column, and the Horizon: A Video-Playback Experiment. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many fish form schools and maintain visual contact with their neighbors in a three-dimensional environment. In this study, we assessed whether zebrafish modified their spacing and interaction time in an additive or multiplicative way relative to multiple sources of social information using computer animations. We simultaneously manipulated: (a) the size of the virtual conspecific (as a proxy of social cue magnitude), (b) the position of the virtual conspecific in the water column (as a proxy of the level of perceived risk), and (c) the absence/presence of the visual horizon (as a proxy of depth perception). We found that the size of the virtual conspecific independently affected spacing behavior (zebrafish increased their separation distance as conspecific size increased). However, some of these factors interacted significantly, such that their effects on social behavior depended on each other. For instance, zebrafish increased their separation distance under high risk conditions when the virtual conspecific was larger, but this risk effect disappeared when the conspecific was the same size or smaller, likely to avoid aggression. Also, zebrafish increased their separation distance when depth perception was enhanced under low risk conditions, but the effect of depth perception disappeared under high risk conditions. Overall, we found that certain dimensions of the visual social environment affected zebrafish spacing behavior in different ways, but they did not affect social interaction time. We discuss the implications of these findings for the spatial organization of fish schools.
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13
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Förster D, Helmbrecht TO, Mearns DS, Jordan L, Mokayes N, Baier H. Retinotectal circuitry of larval zebrafish is adapted to detection and pursuit of prey. eLife 2020; 9:e58596. [PMID: 33044168 PMCID: PMC7550190 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal axon projections form a map of the visual environment in the tectum. A zebrafish larva typically detects a prey object in its peripheral visual field. As it turns and swims towards the prey, the stimulus enters the central, binocular area, and seemingly expands in size. By volumetric calcium imaging, we show that posterior tectal neurons, which serve to detect prey at a distance, tend to respond to small objects and intrinsically compute their direction of movement. Neurons in anterior tectum, where the prey image is represented shortly before the capture strike, are tuned to larger object sizes and are frequently not direction-selective, indicating that mainly interocular comparisons serve to compute an object's movement at close range. The tectal feature map originates from a linear combination of diverse, functionally specialized, lamina-specific, and topographically ordered retinal ganglion cell synaptic inputs. We conclude that local cell-type composition and connectivity across the tectum are adapted to the processing of location-dependent, behaviorally relevant object features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Förster
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
| | - Thomas O Helmbrecht
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU BioCenterMartinsriedGermany
| | - Duncan S Mearns
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU BioCenterMartinsriedGermany
| | - Linda Jordan
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
| | - Nouwar Mokayes
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
| | - Herwig Baier
- Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Department Genes – Circuits – BehaviorMartinsriedGermany
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14
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Neiße N, Santon M, Bitton PP, Michiels NK. Small benthic fish strike at prey over distances that fall within theoretical predictions for active sensing using light. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1201-1208. [PMID: 33448392 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Small, benthic, cryptic fishes represent a species-rich guild on marine substrates. Most of them are micropredators that feed on crustaceans that are often smaller than 1 mm. Typical examples are seahorses and pipefishes (Syngnathidae), most gobies (Gobiidae), dragonets (Callionymidae) and triplefins (Tripterygiidae). Previous work on the yellow black-headed triplefin Tripterygion delaisi demonstrated that it actively redirects downwelling sunlight sideways using its iris and can use this to locally illuminate objects of interest. We call this form of active sensing using light "diurnal active photolocation". Visual modelling predicted that light redirection can be sufficient to induce a perceivable change in luminance in the eyes of one of its prey species, a cryptic gammarid crustacean (Cheirocratus sp.), over distances of 1-2 cm. Empirical validation, however, was not possible because measurements of predation distances have not been quantified for free-ranging, small, benthic fishes before. Here, we present interaction distances measured from videos of T. delaisi approaching and striking at prey in the field. Out of 160 recordings, we were able to quantify 78 prey approaching distances and 100 striking distances. Approaching distances ranged from 2.1 to 4.1 cm (interquartile range, IQR) and involved one to five approaching steps before the actual strike occurred. The distance over which the final strike took place varied from 0.7 to 1.6 cm (IQR). Both approaching and striking distances increased with fish body size. We conclude that most approaching sequences started too far away to be explained by prey detection through light redirection. Striking distances, however, fell well with the distances predicted by the model. We conclude that if diurnal active photolocation plays a role in prey detection, it is during the final decision whether to strike or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Neiße
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matteo Santon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pierre-Paul Bitton
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Nico K Michiels
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Oldfield CS, Grossrubatscher I, Chávez M, Hoagland A, Huth AR, Carroll EC, Prendergast A, Qu T, Gallant JL, Wyart C, Isacoff EY. Experience, circuit dynamics, and forebrain recruitment in larval zebrafish prey capture. eLife 2020; 9:e56619. [PMID: 32985972 PMCID: PMC7561350 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Experience influences behavior, but little is known about how experience is encoded in the brain, and how changes in neural activity are implemented at a network level to improve performance. Here we investigate how differences in experience impact brain circuitry and behavior in larval zebrafish prey capture. We find that experience of live prey compared to inert food increases capture success by boosting capture initiation. In response to live prey, animals with and without prior experience of live prey show activity in visual areas (pretectum and optic tectum) and motor areas (cerebellum and hindbrain), with similar visual area retinotopic maps of prey position. However, prey-experienced animals more readily initiate capture in response to visual area activity and have greater visually-evoked activity in two forebrain areas: the telencephalon and habenula. Consequently, disruption of habenular neurons reduces capture performance in prey-experienced fish. Together, our results suggest that experience of prey strengthens prey-associated visual drive to the forebrain, and that this lowers the threshold for prey-associated visual activity to trigger activity in motor areas, thereby improving capture performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire S Oldfield
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Graduate Program, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Irene Grossrubatscher
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Graduate Program, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | | | - Adam Hoagland
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Alex R Huth
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Graduate Program, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Elizabeth C Carroll
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Andrew Prendergast
- CNRS-UMRParisFrance
- INSERM UMRSParisFrance
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-SalpêtrièreParisFrance
| | - Tony Qu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Jack L Gallant
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Graduate Program, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Claire Wyart
- CNRS-UMRParisFrance
- INSERM UMRSParisFrance
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital de la Pitié-SalpêtrièreParisFrance
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and Graduate Program, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Bioscience Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States
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16
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Lagogiannis K, Diana G, Meyer MP. Learning steers the ontogeny of an efficient hunting sequence in zebrafish larvae. eLife 2020; 9:55119. [PMID: 32773042 PMCID: PMC7561354 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal-directed behaviors may be poorly coordinated in young animals but, with age and experience, behavior progressively adapts to efficiently exploit the animal’s ecological niche. How experience impinges on the developing neural circuits of behavior is an open question. We have conducted a detailed study of the effects of experience on the ontogeny of hunting behavior in larval zebrafish. We report that larvae with prior experience of live prey consume considerably more prey than naive larvae. This is mainly due to increased capture success and a modest increase in hunt rate. We demonstrate that the initial turn to prey and the final capture manoeuvre of the hunting sequence were jointly modified by experience and that modification of these components predicted capture success. Our findings establish an ethologically relevant paradigm in zebrafish for studying how the brain is shaped by experience to drive the ontogeny of efficient behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Lagogiannis
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Diana
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin P Meyer
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Zhou M, Bear J, Roberts PA, Janiak FK, Semmelhack J, Yoshimatsu T, Baden T. Zebrafish Retinal Ganglion Cells Asymmetrically Encode Spectral and Temporal Information across Visual Space. Curr Biol 2020; 30:2927-2942.e7. [PMID: 32531283 PMCID: PMC7416113 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrate vision, the tetrachromatic larval zebrafish permits non-invasive monitoring and manipulating of neural activity across the nervous system in vivo during ongoing behavior. However, despite a perhaps unparalleled understanding of links between zebrafish brain circuits and visual behaviors, comparatively little is known about what their eyes send to the brain via retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Major gaps in knowledge include any information on spectral coding and information on potentially critical variations in RGC properties across the retinal surface corresponding with asymmetries in the statistics of natural visual space and behavioral demands. Here, we use in vivo two-photon imaging during hyperspectral visual stimulation as well as photolabeling of RGCs to provide a functional and anatomical census of RGCs in larval zebrafish. We find that RGCs' functional and structural properties differ across the eye and include a notable population of UV-responsive On-sustained RGCs that are only found in the acute zone, likely to support visual prey capture of UV-bright zooplankton. Next, approximately half of RGCs display diverse forms of color opponency, including many that are driven by a pervasive and slow blue-Off system-far in excess of what would be required to satisfy traditional models of color vision. In addition, most information on spectral contrast was intermixed with temporal information. Taken together, our results suggest that zebrafish RGCs send a diverse and highly regionalized time-color code to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyi Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QG, UK
| | - John Bear
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QG, UK; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Paul A Roberts
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QG, UK
| | - Filip K Janiak
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QG, UK
| | | | | | - Tom Baden
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QG, UK; Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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18
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Yoshimatsu T, Schröder C, Nevala NE, Berens P, Baden T. Fovea-like Photoreceptor Specializations Underlie Single UV Cone Driven Prey-Capture Behavior in Zebrafish. Neuron 2020; 107:320-337.e6. [PMID: 32473094 PMCID: PMC7383236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the eye, the function of same-type photoreceptors must be regionally adjusted to process a highly asymmetrical natural visual world. Here, we show that UV cones in the larval zebrafish area temporalis are specifically tuned for UV-bright prey capture in their upper frontal visual field, which may use the signal from a single cone at a time. For this, UV-photon detection probability is regionally boosted more than 10-fold. Next, in vivo two-photon imaging, transcriptomics, and computational modeling reveal that these cones use an elevated baseline of synaptic calcium to facilitate the encoding of bright objects, which in turn results from expressional tuning of phototransduction genes. Moreover, the light-driven synaptic calcium signal is regionally slowed by interactions with horizontal cells and later accentuated at the level of glutamate release driving retinal networks. These regional differences tally with variations between peripheral and foveal cones in primates and hint at a common mechanistic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelius Schröder
- Institute of Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Noora E Nevala
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Philipp Berens
- Institute of Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Tom Baden
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; Institute of Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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19
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Khalili A, Peimani AR, Safarian N, Youssef K, Zoidl G, Rezai P. Phenotypic chemical and mutant screening of zebrafish larvae using an on-demand response to electric stimulation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2020; 11:373-383. [PMID: 31851358 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral responses of zebrafish larvae to environmental cues are important functional readouts that should be evoked on-demand and studied phenotypically in behavioral, genetical and developmental investigations. Very recently, it was shown that zebrafish larvae execute a voluntary and oriented movement toward the positive electrode of an electric field along a microchannel. Phenotypic characterization of this response was not feasible due to larva's rapid movement along the channel. To overcome this challenge, a microfluidic device was introduced to partially immobilize the larva's head while leaving its mid-body and tail unrestrained in a chamber to image motor behaviors in response to electric stimulation, hence achieving quantitative phenotyping of the electrically evoked movement in zebrafish larvae. The effect of electric current on the tail-beat frequency and response duration of 5-7 days postfertilization zebrafish larvae was studied. Investigations were also performed on zebrafish exposed to neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine and larvae carrying a pannexin1a (panx1a) gene knockout, as a proof of principle applications to demonstrate on-demand movement behavior screening in chemical and mutant assays. We demonstrated for the first time that 6-hydroxydopamine leads to electric response impairment, levodopa treatment rescues the response and panx1a is involved in the electrically evoked movement of zebrafish larvae. We envision that our technique is broadly applicable as a screening tool to quantitatively examine zebrafish larvae's movements in response to physical and chemical stimulations in investigations of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, and as a tool to combine recent advances in genome engineering of model organisms to uncover the biology of electric response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Khalili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Peimani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Khaled Youssef
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georg Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are highly social animals that engage in a diverse variety of nonreproductive social behaviors that emerge as early as 14 days postfertilization (dpf). However, we observe considerable behavioral variability at this stage, and comparisons across studies are potentially complicated both by chronological gaps in measurements and inconsistencies in developmental staging. To address these issues, we adapted our assay for social orienting and cueing in the adult zebrafish and used it to probe behavior in a critical window of larval development. In addition, we performed measurements of body length and tested a cohort of larvae with impaired growth to understand if this morphological feature is predictive of individual sociality. We report that zebrafish exhibit increasingly complex social behaviors between 10 and 16 dpf, including place preference, orienting, and social cueing. Furthermore, social behavior is related to standard length on an individual basis beginning at 14 dpf, such that developmentally stunted 14 dpf zebrafish raised on dry feed do not exhibit social behaviors, suggesting some morphological features are more predictive than chronological age. This highly variable and early stage in development provides an opportunity to further understand how genetic and environmental factors affect the assembly of neural circuits underlying complex behaviors.
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21
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Johnson RE, Linderman S, Panier T, Wee CL, Song E, Herrera KJ, Miller A, Engert F. Probabilistic Models of Larval Zebrafish Behavior Reveal Structure on Many Scales. Curr Biol 2020; 30:70-82.e4. [PMID: 31866367 PMCID: PMC6958995 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nervous systems have evolved to combine environmental information with internal state to select and generate adaptive behavioral sequences. To better understand these computations and their implementation in neural circuits, natural behavior must be carefully measured and quantified. Here, we collect high spatial resolution video of single zebrafish larvae swimming in a naturalistic environment and develop models of their action selection across exploration and hunting. Zebrafish larvae swim in punctuated bouts separated by longer periods of rest called interbout intervals. We take advantage of this structure by categorizing bouts into discrete types and representing their behavior as labeled sequences of bout types emitted over time. We then construct probabilistic models-specifically, marked renewal processes-to evaluate how bout types and interbout intervals are selected by the fish as a function of its internal hunger state, behavioral history, and the locations and properties of nearby prey. Finally, we evaluate the models by their predictive likelihood and their ability to generate realistic trajectories of virtual fish swimming through simulated environments. Our simulations capture multiple timescales of structure in larval zebrafish behavior and expose many ways in which hunger state influences their action selection to promote food seeking during hunger and safety during satiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Evan Johnson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Scott Linderman
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, 390 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas Panier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Laboratoire Jean Perrin, 4 Place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Lei Wee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A(∗)STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Erin Song
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kristian Joseph Herrera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Andrew Miller
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, 550 W 120th Street, New York City, NY 10027, USA
| | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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22
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Deconstructing Hunting Behavior Reveals a Tightly Coupled Stimulus-Response Loop. Curr Biol 2020; 30:54-69.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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23
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Zhang T, Trauger SA, Vidoudez C, Doane KP, Pluimer BR, Peterson RT. Parallel Reaction Monitoring reveals structure-specific ceramide alterations in the zebrafish. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19939. [PMID: 31882772 PMCID: PMC6934720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive characterisations of the zebrafish genome and proteome have established a foundation for the use of the zebrafish as a model organism; however, characterisation of the zebrafish lipidome has not been as comprehensive. In an effort to expand current knowledge of the zebrafish sphingolipidome, a Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM)-based liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed to comprehensively quantify zebrafish ceramides. Comparison between zebrafish and a human cell line demonstrated remarkable overlap in ceramide composition, but also revealed a surprising lack of most sphingadiene-containing ceramides in the zebrafish. PRM analysis of zebrafish embryogenesis identified developmental stage-specific ceramide changes based on long chain base (LCB) length. A CRISPR-Cas9-generated zebrafish model of Farber disease exhibited reduced size, early mortality, and severe ceramide accumulation where the amplitude of ceramide change depended on both acyl chain and LCB lengths. Our method adds an additional level of detail to current understanding of the zebrafish lipidome, and could aid in the elucidation of structure-function associations in the context of lipid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sunia A Trauger
- Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles Vidoudez
- Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kim P Doane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Brock R Pluimer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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24
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An interhemispheric neural circuit allowing binocular integration in the optic tectum. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5471. [PMID: 31784529 PMCID: PMC6884480 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Binocular stereopsis requires the convergence of visual information from corresponding points in visual space seen by two different lines of sight. This may be achieved by superposition of retinal input from each eye onto the same downstream neurons via ipsi- and contralaterally projecting optic nerve fibers. Zebrafish larvae can perceive binocular cues during prey hunting but have exclusively contralateral retinotectal projections. Here we report brain activity in the tectal neuropil ipsilateral to the visually stimulated eye, despite the absence of ipsilateral retinotectal projections. This activity colocalizes with arbors of commissural neurons, termed intertectal neurons (ITNs), that connect the tectal hemispheres. ITNs are GABAergic, establish tectal synapses bilaterally and respond to small moving stimuli. ITN-ablation impairs capture swim initiation when prey is positioned in the binocular strike zone. We propose an intertectal circuit that controls execution of the prey-capture motor program following binocular localization of prey, without requiring ipsilateral retinotectal projections. Zebrafish larvae can binocularly detect prey objects in order to strike but lack ipsilateral retinotectal fibers for binocular superposition of visual information. Here the authors describe commissural intertectal neurons and show that they are required for the initiation of capture strikes.
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25
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Bolton AD, Haesemeyer M, Jordi J, Schaechtle U, Saad FA, Mansinghka VK, Tenenbaum JB, Engert F. Elements of a stochastic 3D prediction engine in larval zebrafish prey capture. eLife 2019; 8:e51975. [PMID: 31769753 PMCID: PMC6930116 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The computational principles underlying predictive capabilities in animals are poorly understood. Here, we wondered whether predictive models mediating prey capture could be reduced to a simple set of sensorimotor rules performed by a primitive organism. For this task, we chose the larval zebrafish, a tractable vertebrate that pursues and captures swimming microbes. Using a novel naturalistic 3D setup, we show that the zebrafish combines position and velocity perception to construct a future positional estimate of its prey, indicating an ability to project trajectories forward in time. Importantly, the stochasticity in the fish's sensorimotor transformations provides a considerable advantage over equivalent noise-free strategies. This surprising result coalesces with recent findings that illustrate the benefits of biological stochasticity to adaptive behavior. In sum, our study reveals that zebrafish are equipped with a recursive prey capture algorithm, built up from simple stochastic rules, that embodies an implicit predictive model of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Bolton
- Center for Brain ScienceHarvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Josua Jordi
- Center for Brain ScienceHarvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Ulrich Schaechtle
- Brain and Cognitive SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Feras A Saad
- Brain and Cognitive SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Vikash K Mansinghka
- Brain and Cognitive SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Joshua B Tenenbaum
- Brain and Cognitive SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Florian Engert
- Center for Brain ScienceHarvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
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26
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Antinucci P, Folgueira M, Bianco IH. Pretectal neurons control hunting behaviour. eLife 2019; 8:e48114. [PMID: 31591961 PMCID: PMC6783268 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
For many species, hunting is an innate behaviour that is crucial for survival, yet the circuits that control predatory action sequences are poorly understood. We used larval zebrafish to identify a population of pretectal neurons that control hunting. By combining calcium imaging with a virtual hunting assay, we identified a discrete pretectal region that is selectively active when animals initiate hunting. Targeted genetic labelling allowed us to examine the function and morphology of individual cells and identify two classes of pretectal neuron that project to ipsilateral optic tectum or the contralateral tegmentum. Optogenetic stimulation of single neurons of either class was able to induce sustained hunting sequences, in the absence of prey. Furthermore, laser ablation of these neurons impaired prey-catching and prevented induction of hunting by optogenetic stimulation of the anterior-ventral tectum. We propose that this specific population of pretectal neurons functions as a command system to induce predatory behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Antinucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & PharmacologyUCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mónica Folgueira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of SciencesUniversity of A CoruñaA CoruñaSpain
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA)University of A CoruñaA CoruñaSpain
| | - Isaac H Bianco
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & PharmacologyUCLLondonUnited Kingdom
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27
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Abstract
Visual stimuli can evoke complex behavioral responses, but the underlying streams of neural activity in mammalian brains are difficult to follow because of their size. Here, I review the visual system of zebrafish larvae, highlighting where recent experimental evidence has localized the functional steps of visuomotor transformations to specific brain areas. The retina of a larva encodes behaviorally relevant visual information in neural activity distributed across feature-selective ganglion cells such that signals representing distinct stimulus properties arrive in different areas or layers of the brain. Motor centers in the hindbrain encode motor variables that are precisely tuned to behavioral needs within a given stimulus setting. Owing to rapid technological progress, larval zebrafish provide unique opportunities for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the intermediate processing steps occurring between visual and motor centers, revealing how visuomotor transformations are implemented in a vertebrate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann H. Bollmann
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology I, Faculty of Biology, and Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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28
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Hierarchical control of locomotion by distinct types of spinal V2a interneurons in zebrafish. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4197. [PMID: 31519892 PMCID: PMC6744451 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In all vertebrates, excitatory spinal interneurons execute dynamic adjustments in the timing and amplitude of locomotor movements. Currently, it is unclear whether interneurons responsible for timing control are distinct from those involved in amplitude control. Here, we show that in larval zebrafish, molecularly, morphologically and electrophysiologically distinct types of V2a neurons exhibit complementary patterns of connectivity. Stronger higher-order connections from type I neurons to other excitatory V2a and inhibitory V0d interneurons provide timing control, while stronger last-order connections from type II neurons to motor neurons provide amplitude control. Thus, timing and amplitude are coordinated by distinct interneurons distinguished not by their occupation of hierarchically-arranged anatomical layers, but rather by differences in the reliability and probability of higher-order and last-order connections that ultimately form a single anatomical layer. These findings contribute to our understanding of the origins of timing and amplitude control in the spinal cord. V2a excitatory interneurons in the spinal cord are important for coordinating locomotion. Here the authors describe two types of V2a neuron with differences in higher order and lower order connectivity in larval zebrafish.
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29
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Henriques PM, Rahman N, Jackson SE, Bianco IH. Nucleus Isthmi Is Required to Sustain Target Pursuit during Visually Guided Prey-Catching. Curr Biol 2019; 29:1771-1786.e5. [PMID: 31104935 PMCID: PMC6557330 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Animals must frequently perform a sequence of behaviors to achieve a specific goal. However, the neural mechanisms that promote the continuation and completion of such action sequences are not well understood. Here, we characterize the anatomy, physiology, and function of the nucleus isthmi (NI), a cholinergic nucleus thought to modulate tectal-dependent, goal-directed behaviors. We find that the larval zebrafish NI establishes reciprocal connectivity with the optic tectum and identify two distinct types of isthmic projection neuron that either connect ipsilaterally to retinorecipient laminae of the tectum and pretectum or bilaterally to both tectal hemispheres. Laser ablation of NI caused highly specific deficits in tectally mediated loom-avoidance and prey-catching behavior. In the context of hunting, NI ablation did not affect prey detection or hunting initiation but resulted in larvae failing to sustain prey-tracking sequences and aborting their hunting routines. Moreover, calcium imaging revealed elevated neural activity in NI following onset of hunting behavior. We propose a model in which NI provides state-dependent feedback facilitation to the optic tectum and pretectum to potentiate neural activity and increase the probability of consecutive prey-tracking maneuvers during hunting sequences. Nucleus isthmi contains two types of neuron with distinct (pre)-tectal connectivity Neural activity in nucleus isthmi is recruited at onset of hunting behavior Nucleus isthmi is required for maintenance, but not initiation, of hunting routines
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Henriques
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Niloy Rahman
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Samuel E Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Isaac H Bianco
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Franzellitti S, Canesi L, Auguste M, Wathsala RHGR, Fabbri E. Microplastic exposure and effects in aquatic organisms: A physiological perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 68:37-51. [PMID: 30870694 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of microplastics (MPs) on aquatic life, given their ubiquitous presence in the water compartment, represents a growing concern. Consistently, scientific knowledge is advancing rapidly, although evidence on actual adverse effects is still highly fragmented. This paper summarizes the recent literature on MP impacts on aquatic organisms in an attempt to link routes of uptake, possible alterations of physiological processes, and outcomes at different levels of biological organization. Animal feeding strategies and MP biodistribution is discussed, alongside with relevant effects at molecular, cellular, and systemic level. Pathways from animal exposure to apical physiological responses are examined to define the relevance of MPs for animal health, and to point out open questions and research gaps. Emphasis is given to emerging threats posed by leaching of plastic additives, many of which have endocrine disruption potential. The potential role of MPs as substrates for microorganism growth and vehicle for pathogen spreading is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Franzellitti
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Manon Auguste
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Rajapaksha H G R Wathsala
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Animal and Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BIGEA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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31
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Carrillo A, Van Le D, Byron M, Jiang H, McHenry MJ. Canal neuromasts enhance foraging in zebrafish (Danio rerio). BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2019; 14:035003. [PMID: 30856616 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab0eb5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic animals commonly sense flow using superficial neuromasts (SNs), which are receptors that extend from the body's surface. The lateral line of fishes is unique among these systems because it additionally possesses receptors, the canal neuromasts (CNs), that are recessed within a channel. The lateral line has inspired the development of engineered sensors and concepts in the analysis of flow fields for submersible navigation. The biophysics of CNs are known to be different from the SNs and thereby offer a distinct submodality. However, it is generally unclear whether CNs play a distinct role in behavior. We therefore tested whether CNs enhance foraging in the dark by zebrafish (Danio rerio), a behavior that we elicited with a vibrating rod. We found that juvenile fish, which have only SNs, bite at this rod at about one-third the rate and from as little as one-third the distance of adults for a high-frequency stimulus (50 < f < 100 Hz). We used novel techniques for manipulating the lateral line in adults to find that CNs offered only a modest benefit at a lower frequency (20 Hz) and that foraging was mediated entirely by cranial neuromasts. Consistent with our behavioral results, biophysical models predicted CNs to be more than an order of magnitude more sensitive than SNs at high frequencies. This enhancement helps to overcome the rapid spatial decay in high-frequency components in the flow around the stimulus. These findings contrast what has been previously established for fishes that are at least ten-times the length of zebrafish, which use trunk CNs to localize prey. Therefore, CNs generally enhance foraging, but in a manner that varies with the size of the fish and its prey. These results have the potential to improve our understanding of flow sensing in aquatic animals and engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Carrillo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
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Dehnert GK, Karasov WH, Wolman MA. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid containing herbicide impairs essential visually guided behaviors of larval fish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 209:1-12. [PMID: 30684730 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic herbicides are used worldwide to eradicate nuisance and invasive plants despite limited knowledge of their toxicity to non-target organisms. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a common active ingredient in commercial herbicide formulations, which triggers plant cell death by mimicking the plant-specific hormone auxin. Application practices of 2,4-D commercial herbicides typically coincide with yearly freshwater fish spawning periods. This practice exposes fish to xenobiotics at their vulnerable larval stages. The full impacts of 2,4-D on larval fish remains poorly understood, and hence, whether it may alter larval survival, larval behavior, fish populations, and ecosystem dynamics. In the present study, we exposed embryonic and larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to the active ingredient 2,4-D (pure 2,4-D) or a 2,4-D containing commercial herbicide DMA4®IVM (DMA4) and evaluated morphology, survival, behavior, and nervous system function. At 2,4-D concentrations producing no overt morphological defects during embryonic or early larval stages, we observed reduced survival throughout a 21-day larval assay (4-8 ppm DMA4 and 0.75-4 ppm pure 2,4-D). Notably, prey capture, a behavior essential to survival, was reduced in 2,4-D-exposed larval zebrafish (4-8 ppm DMA4 and 0.75-4 ppm pure 2,4-D) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) (4-20 ppm DMA4). In zebrafish, 8 ppm DMA4 exposure reduced prey capture when exposure was restricted to the period of visual system development. Consistent with these results, larval zebrafish exposed to 8 ppm DMA4 showed reduced neural activity within the optic tectum following prey exposure. Together, our results suggest that 2,4-D alters the development and function of neural circuits underlying vision of larval fish, and thereby reduces visually guided behaviors required for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin K Dehnert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William H Karasov
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marc A Wolman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Pujala A, Koyama M. Chronology-based architecture of descending circuits that underlie the development of locomotor repertoire after birth. eLife 2019; 8:42135. [PMID: 30801247 PMCID: PMC6449084 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new and increasingly sophisticated behaviors after birth is accompanied by dramatic increase of newly established synaptic connections in the nervous system. Little is known, however, of how nascent connections are organized to support such new behaviors alongside existing ones. To understand this, in the larval zebrafish we examined the development of spinal pathways from hindbrain V2a neurons and the role of these pathways in the development of locomotion. We found that new projections are continually layered laterally to existing neuropil, and give rise to distinct pathways that function in parallel to existing pathways. Across these chronologically layered pathways, the connectivity patterns and biophysical properties vary systematically to support a behavioral repertoire with a wide range of kinematics and dynamics. Such layering of new parallel circuits equipped with systematically changing properties may be central to the postnatal diversification and increasing sophistication of an animal’s behavioral repertoire. Newborn babies have limited abilities. Indeed, most of our actions shortly after birth are the result of reflexes that serve our most basic need: to stay alive. As we get older, however, our behaviour gradually becomes more sophisticated. During this time, the billions of cells in our brain form new connections to build intricate ‘circuits’ of neurons that allow for more complicated thoughts and actions. It is clear that the brain circuits that support new behaviours must develop in a way that does not interfere with the existing circuits that are vital for survival. However, the challenge has been to find a way to peer into a brain as it develops to see how these new circuits form. In recent years, zebrafish have revolutionised research into neuronal circuits in animals. Developing over the course of a few days, these small transparent fish provide a window into the brain during the earliest stages of development. Indeed, the circuits of neurons that descend from the brain and connect to the spinal cord have already been mapped in these animals. Now, Pujala and Koyama have begun to follow the careful development of these ‘descending’ neurons, and relate it to the appearance of new behaviours in young zebrafish. Time-lapse imaging with a fluorescent protein that is active only in specific descending neurons revealed that new circuits are laid down over existing ones, like the growth rings in a tree. Next, at different timepoints in zebrafish development, Pujala and Koyama traced these neurons backwards from the spine to the brain to identify which connections formed first. This showed that the spinal connections develop one after the other, in the same order that the neurons mature. Next, Pujala and Koyama asked how the activity of neurons that mature early or late in development relates to specific behaviours in young zebrafish. Early-born circuits connect to neurons that produce powerful, reflex-driven, whole-body movements such as an escape response. The later circuits connect to different neurons through slower, less direct pathways; the late-born neurons also generate the refined movements that are acquired later in a zebrafish’s development and help the fish to explore its environment. These findings show that descending circuits in zebrafish run parallel to each other, but with distinct connections and properties that allow them to control different kinds of movements. While this study was conducted using an animal model, a better understanding of how such circuits develop and the movements they control may one day aid the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative diseases or injuries where connections have been lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Pujala
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Minoru Koyama
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
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34
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Kim SW, Chae Y, Kim D, An YJ. Zebrafish can recognize microplastics as inedible materials: Quantitative evidence of ingestion behavior. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:156-162. [PMID: 30173025 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the ingestion behavior of zebrafish exposed to microplastic particles (MPs) at different concentrations, presented alone or in a mix with food particles. Zebrafish showed spitting behavior after ingesting micro-sized (247.5 μm) polyethylene particles (i.e., MPs), with prey-capture time increasing when food and MPs were supplied simultaneously. Fish were compelled to ingest MPs with food, and the accumulation percentage (ingested particles/supplied particles) was quantified as 0.5 to 9.4% with increasing food volume. However, the accumulation percentage was determined as 0.0 to 1.0% under exposure to MPs only, and as 3.8 to 4.3% at high MP concentrations when the food concentration was fixed. Overall, these results demonstrate that small freshwater organisms can recognize that MPs are not food items. Under laboratory conditions, zebrafish rarely discriminate between food and MPs when both are presented together, and the indiscriminate feeding behavior becomes clearer as more food is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yooeun Chae
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Flores E, Thompson L, Sirisaengtaksin N, Nguyen AT, Ballard A, Krachler AM. Using the Protozoan Paramecium caudatum as a Vehicle for Food-borne Infections in Zebrafish Larvae. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 30663701 DOI: 10.3791/58949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their transparency, genetic tractability, and ease of maintenance, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a widely-used vertebrate model for infectious diseases. Larval zebrafish naturally prey on the unicellular protozoan Paramecium caudatum. This protocol describes the use of P. caudatum as a vehicle for food-borne infection in larval zebrafish. P. caudatum internalize a wide range of bacteria and bacterial cells remain viable for several hours. Zebrafish then prey on P. caudatum, the bacterial load is released in the foregut upon digestion of the paramecium vehicle, and the bacteria colonize the intestinal tract. The protocol includes a detailed description of paramecia maintenance, loading with bacteria, determination of bacterial degradation and dose, as well as infection of zebrafish by feeding with paramecia. The advantage of using this method of food-borne infection is that it closely mimics the mode of infection observed in human disease, leads to more robust colonization compared to immersion protocols, and allows the study of a wide range of pathogens. Food-borne infection in the zebrafish model can be used to investigate bacterial gene expression within the host, host-pathogen interactions, and hallmarks of pathogenicity including bacterial burden, localization, dissemination and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Flores
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Laurel Thompson
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Natalie Sirisaengtaksin
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Anh Trinh Nguyen
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Abigail Ballard
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Anne-Marie Krachler
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston;
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36
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Helmbrecht TO, dal Maschio M, Donovan JC, Koutsouli S, Baier H. Topography of a Visuomotor Transformation. Neuron 2018; 100:1429-1445.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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37
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Howe HB, McIntyre PB, Wolman MA. Adult zebrafish primarily use vision to guide piscivorous foraging behavior. Behav Processes 2018; 157:230-237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Angueyra JM, Kindt KS. Leveraging Zebrafish to Study Retinal Degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:110. [PMID: 30283779 PMCID: PMC6156122 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by death of photoreceptors and progressive loss of vision. Retinal degenerations are a major cause of blindness in developed countries (Bourne et al., 2017; De Bode, 2017) and currently have no cure. In this review, we will briefly review the latest advances in therapies for retinal degenerations, highlighting the current barriers to study and develop therapies that promote photoreceptor regeneration in mammals. In light of these barriers, we present zebrafish as a powerful model to study photoreceptor regeneration and their integration into retinal circuits after regeneration. We outline why zebrafish is well suited for these analyses and summarize the powerful tools available in zebrafish that could be used to further uncover the mechanisms underlying photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring. In particular, we highlight that it is critical to understand how rewiring occurs after regeneration and how it differs from development. Insights derived from photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring in zebrafish may provide leverage to develop therapeutic targets to treat retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Angueyra
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katie S. Kindt
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and Function, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Lloyd E, Olive C, Stahl BA, Jaggard JB, Amaral P, Duboué ER, Keene AC. Evolutionary shift towards lateral line dependent prey capture behavior in the blind Mexican cavefish. Dev Biol 2018; 441:328-337. [PMID: 29772227 PMCID: PMC6450390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Feeding strategies are dependent on multi-modal sensory processing, that integrates visual, chemosensory, and mechanoreceptive cues. In many fish species, local environments and food availability dramatically influence the evolution of sensory and morphological traits that underlie feeding. The Mexican cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus, have developed robust changes in sensory-dependent behaviors, but the impact on prey detection and feeding behavior is not known. In the absence of eyes, cavefish have evolved enhanced sensitivity of the lateral line, comprised of mechanosensory organs that sense water flow and detect prey. Here, we identify evolved differences in prey capture behavior of larval cavefish that are dependent on lateral line sensitivity. Under lighted conditions, cavefish strike Artemia prey at a wider angle than surface fish; however, this difference is diminished under dark conditions. In addition, the strike distance is greater in cavefish than surface fish, revealing an ability to capture, and likely detect, prey at greater distances. Experimental ablation of the lateral line disrupts prey capture in cavefish under both light and dark conditions, while it only impacts surface fish under dark conditions. Together, these findings identify an evolutionary shift towards a dependence on the lateral line for prey capture in cavefish, providing a model for investigating how loss of visual cues impacts multi-modal sensory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Lloyd
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Courtney Olive
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Bethany A Stahl
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - James B Jaggard
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Paloma Amaral
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Erik R Duboué
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Alex C Keene
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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40
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Zebrafish Differentially Process Color across Visual Space to Match Natural Scenes. Curr Biol 2018; 28:2018-2032.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
The current body of work on rearing larval/juvenile zebrafish is based on (1) utilization of freshwater and (2) diurnal light/dark cycle, (3) provision of live feed at modest density, and (4) culture in high visibility environment. We challenged these rearing approaches by maintaining zebrafish under constant light for 46-48 days (days postfertilization [dpf]), while securing continuous feeding in high turbidity and saline (1.8-2.1 parts per thousand) environment for the experiment's duration, allowing 24 h feeding/growth of fish from first exogenous feeding to maturation. There was no evidence of negative effects on zebrafish larvae behavior, growth, survival, and life cycle duration at constant illumination when food was continuously available. Zebrafish were stocked at high initial density (100 larvae/L) in a static system and fed high densities of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) (200-400/mL) from 6 to 12 dpf. Fish density was then reduced by 50% and two diet treatments, live rotifers or brine shrimp (Artemia) nauplii (10/mL), followed. Fish were reared on these two diets until first maturation. Performance of adult zebrafish fed live rotifer followed by Artemia nauplii diet was the highest recorded in the literature after 42 dpf, 250 ± 29 (males) and 430 ± 5 mg (females). Use of these rearing conditions, during the entire life cycle, until reproduction, resulted in the shortest ever recorded generation time (from egg to egg) of 43-45 dpf and fertilization rate (1 dpf) of 80.3%-94%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Dabrowski
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mackenzie Miller
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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42
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Nair A, Changsing K, Stewart WJ, McHenry MJ. Fish prey change strategy with the direction of a threat. Proc Biol Sci 2018. [PMID: 28637854 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Predation is a fundamental interaction between species, yet it is unclear what escape strategies are effective for prey survival. Classical theory proposes that prey should either escape in a direction that conforms to a performance optimum or that is random and therefore unpredictable. Here, we show that larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) instead use a mixed strategy that may be either random or directed. This was determined by testing classic theory with measurements of the escape direction in response to a predator robot. We found that prey consistently escaped in a direction contralateral to the robot when approached from the side of the prey's body. At such an orientation, the predator appeared in the prey's central visual field and the contralateral response was consistent with a model of strategy that maximizes the distance from the predator. By contrast, when the robot approached the rostral or caudal ends of the body, and appeared in the prey's peripheral vision, the escape showed an equal probability of a contralateral or ipsilateral direction. At this orientation, a contralateral response offered little strategic advantage. Therefore, zebrafish larvae adopt an escape strategy that maximizes distance from the threat when strategically beneficial and that is otherwise random. This sensory-mediated mixed strategy may be employed by a diversity of animals and offers a new paradigm for understanding the factors that govern prey survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Nair
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kelsey Changsing
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - William J Stewart
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Matthew J McHenry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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43
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Structure of the Zebrafish Locomotor Repertoire Revealed with Unsupervised Behavioral Clustering. Curr Biol 2018; 28:181-195.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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44
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Cong L, Wang Z, Chai Y, Hang W, Shang C, Yang W, Bai L, Du J, Wang K, Wen Q. Rapid whole brain imaging of neural activity in freely behaving larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). eLife 2017; 6:28158. [PMID: 28930070 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28158.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The internal brain dynamics that link sensation and action are arguably better studied during natural animal behaviors. Here, we report on a novel volume imaging and 3D tracking technique that monitors whole brain neural activity in freely swimming larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). We demonstrated the capability of our system through functional imaging of neural activity during visually evoked and prey capture behaviors in larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeguan Wang
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuming Chai
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Hang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfeng Shang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Yang
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiulin Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Wen
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Cong L, Wang Z, Chai Y, Hang W, Shang C, Yang W, Bai L, Du J, Wang K, Wen Q. Rapid whole brain imaging of neural activity in freely behaving larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). eLife 2017; 6:28158. [PMID: 28930070 PMCID: PMC5644961 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The internal brain dynamics that link sensation and action are arguably better studied during natural animal behaviors. Here, we report on a novel volume imaging and 3D tracking technique that monitors whole brain neural activity in freely swimming larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). We demonstrated the capability of our system through functional imaging of neural activity during visually evoked and prey capture behaviors in larval zebrafish. How do neurons in the brain process information from the senses and drive complex behaviors? This question has fascinated neuroscientists for many years. It is currently not possible to record the electrical activities of all of the 100 billion neurons in a human brain. Yet, in the last decade, it has become possible to genetically engineer some neurons in animals to produce fluorescence reporters that change their brightness in response to brain activity and then monitor them under a microscope. In small animals such as zebrafish larvae, this method makes it possible to monitor the activities of all the neurons in the brain if the animal’s head is held still. However, many behaviors – for example, catching prey – require movement, and no existing technique could image brain activity in enough detail if the animal’s head was moving. Cong, Wang, Chai, Hang et al. have now made progress towards this goal by developing a new technique to image neural activity across the whole brain of a zebrafish larva as it swims freely in a small water-filled chamber. The technique uses high-speed cameras and computer software to track the movements of the fish in three dimensions, and then automatically moves the chamber under the microscope such that the animal’s brain is constantly kept in focus. The newly developed microscope can capture changes in neural activity across a large volume all at the same time. It is then further adapted to overcome problems caused by sudden or swift movements, which would normally result in motion blur. With this microscope set up, Cong et al. were able to capture, for the first time, activity from all the neurons in a zebrafish larva’s brain as it pursued and caught its prey. This technique provides a new window into how brain activity changes when animals are behaving naturally. In the future, this technique could help link the activities of neurons to different behaviors in several popular model organisms including fish, worms and fruit flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeguan Wang
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuming Chai
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Hang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfeng Shang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Yang
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiulin Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Wen
- Center for Integrative Imaging, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Harmon TC, Magaram U, McLean DL, Raman IM. Distinct responses of Purkinje neurons and roles of simple spikes during associative motor learning in larval zebrafish. eLife 2017; 6:e22537. [PMID: 28541889 PMCID: PMC5444900 DOI: 10.7554/elife.22537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To study cerebellar activity during learning, we made whole-cell recordings from larval zebrafish Purkinje cells while monitoring fictive swimming during associative conditioning. Fish learned to swim in response to visual stimulation preceding tactile stimulation of the tail. Learning was abolished by cerebellar ablation. All Purkinje cells showed task-related activity. Based on how many complex spikes emerged during learned swimming, they were classified as multiple, single, or zero complex spike (MCS, SCS, ZCS) cells. With learning, MCS and ZCS cells developed increased climbing fiber (MCS) or parallel fiber (ZCS) input during visual stimulation; SCS cells fired complex spikes associated with learned swimming episodes. The categories correlated with location. Optogenetically suppressing simple spikes only during visual stimulation demonstrated that simple spikes are required for acquisition and early stages of expression of learned responses, but not their maintenance, consistent with a transient, instructive role for simple spikes during cerebellar learning in larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Harmon
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Uri Magaram
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - David L McLean
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Indira M Raman
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
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Muto A, Lal P, Ailani D, Abe G, Itoh M, Kawakami K. Activation of the hypothalamic feeding centre upon visual prey detection. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15029. [PMID: 28425439 PMCID: PMC5411483 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The visual system plays a major role in food/prey recognition in diurnal animals, and food intake is regulated by the hypothalamus. However, whether and how visual information about prey is conveyed to the hypothalamic feeding centre is largely unknown. Here we perform real-time imaging of neuronal activity in freely behaving or constrained zebrafish larvae and demonstrate that prey or prey-like visual stimuli activate the hypothalamic feeding centre. Furthermore, we identify prey detector neurons in the pretectal area that project to the hypothalamic feeding centre. Ablation of the pretectum completely abolishes prey capture behaviour and neurotoxin expression in the hypothalamic area also reduces feeding. Taken together, these results suggest that the pretecto-hypothalamic pathway plays a crucial role in conveying visual information to the feeding centre. Thus, this pathway possibly converts visual food detection into feeding motivation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Muto
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Pradeep Lal
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Deepak Ailani
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Gembu Abe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Mari Itoh
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Yata 1111, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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Krakauer JW, Ghazanfar AA, Gomez-Marin A, MacIver MA, Poeppel D. Neuroscience Needs Behavior: Correcting a Reductionist Bias. Neuron 2017; 93:480-490. [PMID: 28182904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 635] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Wang WC, Brehm P. A Gradient in Synaptic Strength and Plasticity among Motoneurons Provides a Peripheral Mechanism for Locomotor Control. Curr Biol 2017; 27:415-422. [PMID: 28111148 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The recruitment of motoneurons during force generation follows a general pattern that has been confirmed across diverse species [1-3]. Motoneurons are recruited systematically according to synaptic inputs and intrinsic cellular properties and corresponding to movements of different intensities. However, much less is known about the output properties of individual motoneurons and how they affect the translation of motoneuron recruitment to the strength of muscle contractions. In larval zebrafish, spinal motoneurons are recruited in a topographic gradient according to their input resistance (Rin) at different swimming strengths and speeds. Whereas dorsal, lower-Rin primary motoneurons (PMns) are only activated during behaviors that involve strong and fast body bends, more ventral, higher-Rin secondary motoneurons (SMns) are recruited during weaker and slower movements [4-6]. Here we perform in vivo paired recordings between identified spinal motoneurons and skeletal muscle cells in larval zebrafish. We characterize individual motoneuron outputs to single muscle cells and show that the strength and reliability of motoneuron outputs are inversely correlated with motoneuron Rin. During repetitive high-frequency motoneuron drive, PMn synapses undergo depression, whereas SMn synapses potentiate. We monitor muscle cell contractions elicited by single motoneurons and show that the pattern of motoneuron output strength and plasticity observed in electrophysiological recordings is reflected in muscle shortening. Our findings indicate a link between the recruitment pattern and output properties of spinal motoneurons that can together generate appropriate intensities for muscle contractions. We demonstrate that motoneuron output properties provide an additional peripheral mechanism for graded locomotor control at the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chun Wang
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Paul Brehm
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
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Jouary A, Haudrechy M, Candelier R, Sumbre G. A 2D virtual reality system for visual goal-driven navigation in zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34015. [PMID: 27659496 PMCID: PMC5034285 DOI: 10.1038/srep34015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals continuously rely on sensory feedback to adjust motor commands. In order to study the role of visual feedback in goal-driven navigation, we developed a 2D visual virtual reality system for zebrafish larvae. The visual feedback can be set to be similar to what the animal experiences in natural conditions. Alternatively, modification of the visual feedback can be used to study how the brain adapts to perturbations. For this purpose, we first generated a library of free-swimming behaviors from which we learned the relationship between the trajectory of the larva and the shape of its tail. Then, we used this technique to infer the intended displacements of head-fixed larvae, and updated the visual environment accordingly. Under these conditions, larvae were capable of aligning and swimming in the direction of a whole-field moving stimulus and produced the fine changes in orientation and position required to capture virtual prey. We demonstrate the sensitivity of larvae to visual feedback by updating the visual world in real-time or only at the end of the discrete swimming episodes. This visual feedback perturbation caused impaired performance of prey-capture behavior, suggesting that larvae rely on continuous visual feedback during swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Jouary
- École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Haudrechy
- École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Candelier
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, UMR 8237, Laboratoire Jean Perrin, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - German Sumbre
- École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), F-75005 Paris, France
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