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Luo L, Yan T, Yang L, Zhao M. Aluminum chloride and D-galactose induced a zebrafish model of Alzheimer's disease with cognitive deficits and aging. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2230-2239. [PMID: 38827230 PMCID: PMC11140485 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Transgenic and pharmacological AD models are extensively studied to understand AD mechanisms and drug discovery. However, they are time-consuming and relatively costly, which hinders the discovery of potential anti-AD therapeutics. Here, we established a new model of AD in larval zebrafish by co-treatment with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-gal) for 72 h. In particular, exposure to 150 μM AlCl3 + 40 mg/mL D-gal, 200 μM AlCl3 + 30 mg/mL D-gal, or 200 μM AlCl3 + 40 mg/mL D-gal successfully induced AD-like symptoms and aging features. Co-treatment with AlCl3 and D-gal caused significant learning and memory deficits, as well as impaired response ability and locomotor capacity in the plus-maze and light/dark test. Moreover, increased acetylcholinesterase and β-galactosidase activities, β-amyloid 1-42 deposition, reduced telomerase activity, elevated interleukin 1 beta mRNA expression, and enhanced reactive oxygen species production were also observed. In conclusion, our zebrafish model is simple, rapid, effective and affordable, incorporating key features of AD and aging, thus may become a unique and powerful tool for high-throughput screening of anti-AD compounds in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Luo
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Tao Yan
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710038, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072, China
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2
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Haridevamuthu B, Manjunathan T, Boopathi S, Almutairi MH, Almutairi BO, Kumar TTA, Guru A, Gopinath P, Arockiaraj J. Protective Effect of Sulfur-Containing Heterocyclic Analogs Against Acrylamide-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Alterations in Zebrafish. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04440-w. [PMID: 39162929 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is a water-soluble monomer with broad consumer applications, even in foods due to thermal processes. Acute exposure to ACR may lead to neurotoxic effects such as ataxia and skeletal muscle weakness in humans and experimental animals. Oxidative stress is the primary pathway in ACR toxicity; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of benzo[b]thiophene analogs as an antioxidant drug for ACR poisoning. For this purpose, adult zebrafish were chosen as the experimental model considering the 3Rs of research. Hydroxyl containing benzo[b]thiophene analogs, 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) ethanone (BP) and 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) propan-1-one hydrate (EP) were injected via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route at an effective dose of 5 mg/kg one hour before the exposure of ACR (0.75 mM) for three days. ACR fish showed aberrant socio-behavior with low exploration, tight circling, negative scototaxis, disrupted aggression, and tight shoaling. These results indicated depression comorbid and anxiety-like phenotype. BP and EP partially reduced the aberrant socio-behavior. BP and EP elevated the antioxidant defense and reduced the oxidative damage in the brain caused by ACR. Cellular and tissular alterations caused by ACR were visualized through histopathological study. BP and EP administration reduced and repaired the cellular changes via the antioxidant mechanism. BP and EP altered the axonal growth and regeneration gene and synaptic vesicle cycle gene expression necessary for neurotransmission. This combined gain-of-function of redox mechanism at molecular, cellular, and tissular levels explains the behavioral improvement at the organismal level of the organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Haridevamuthu
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tamilvelan Manjunathan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jain University, Bangalore, 562112, India
| | - Seenivasan Boopathi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Chengalpattu District, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mikhlid H Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader O Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Chengalpattu District, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Chengalpattu District, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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3
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Bagwell E, Larsen J. A review of MPTP-induced parkinsonism in adult zebrafish to explore pharmacological interventions for human Parkinson's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1451845. [PMID: 39170675 PMCID: PMC11335677 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1451845] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel work in adult zebrafish, Danio rerio, to recapitulate human neurodegenerative disease has proven useful in both pharmaceutical development and research on genetic disease. Due to high genetic homology to humans, affordable husbandry, relatively quick life cycle breeding times, and robust embryo production, zebrafish offer a promising model to test pharmaceutical performance in a high throughput, in vivo setting. Currently, most research in zebrafish models of Parkinson's disease induces the disease in larval or embryonic stage organisms due to ease of administration, with advancement through developmental stages taking only a matter of days. The use of early-stage organisms limits the usability of zebrafish as models for adult disease and specifically age-related neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, researchers have sought to extend the usability of zebrafish into models for Parkinson's disease. Specifically, 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has emerged as a prodrug that upon injection well-encompasses the biochemical mechanisms and symptomology associated with Parkinson's disease. By utilizing MPTP in an adult zebrafish model, advancements in Parkinson's disease research may be achieved. This paper highlights the recent research on this model, comparing it to the human form of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline Bagwell
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
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Firdous SM, Pal S, Khanam S, Zakir F. Behavioral neuroscience in zebrafish: unravelling the complexity of brain-behavior relationships. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03275-5. [PMID: 38970686 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
This paper reviews the utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system for exploring neurobehavioral phenomena in preclinical research, focusing on physiological processes, disorders, and neurotoxicity biomarkers. A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted to summarize the various behavioral characteristics of zebrafish. The study examined the etiological agents used to induce neurotoxicity and the biomarkers involved, including Aβ42, tau, MMP-13, MAO, NF-Кβ, and GFAP. Additionally, the different zebrafish study models and their responses to neurobehavioral analysis were discussed. The review identified several key biomarkers of neurotoxicity in zebrafish, each impacting different aspects of neurogenesis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Aβ42 was found to alter neuronal growth and stem cell function. Tau's interaction with tubulin affected microtubule stability and led to tauopathies under pathological conditions. MMP-13 was linked to oxidative assault and sensory neuron degeneration. MAO plays a role in neurotransmitter metabolism and neurotoxicity conversion. NF-Кβ was involved in pro-inflammatory pathways, and GFAP was indicative of neuroinflammation and astroglial activation. Zebrafish provide a valuable model for neurobehavioral research, adhering to the "3Rs" philosophy. Their neurotoxicity biomarkers offer insights into the mechanisms of neurogenesis, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. This model system aids in evaluating physiological and pathological conditions, enhancing our understanding of neurobehavioral phenomena and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Mohammed Firdous
- Department of Pharmacology, Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology & AHS, Uluberia, Howrah, 711316, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sourav Pal
- P.G. Institute of Medical Sciences, Dhurabila, Dhamkuria, Paschim Medinipur: 72:1201, Chandrakona Town, West Bengal, India
| | - Sofia Khanam
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Foziyah Zakir
- Department of B.Pharm (Ayurveda), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110017, India
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Roosen L, Maes D, Musetta L, Himmelreich U. Preclinical Models for Cryptococcosis of the CNS and Their Characterization Using In Vivo Imaging Techniques. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:146. [PMID: 38392818 PMCID: PMC10890286 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii remain a challenge to our healthcare systems as they are still difficult to treat. In order to improve treatment success, in particular for infections that have disseminated to the central nervous system, a better understanding of the disease is needed, addressing questions like how it evolves from a pulmonary to a brain disease and how novel treatment approaches can be developed and validated. This requires not only clinical research and research on the microorganisms in a laboratory environment but also preclinical models in order to study cryptococci in the host. We provide an overview of available preclinical models, with particular emphasis on models of cryptococcosis in rodents. In order to further improve the characterization of rodent models, in particular the dynamic aspects of disease manifestation, development, and ultimate treatment, preclinical in vivo imaging methods are increasingly used, mainly in research for oncological, neurological, and cardiac diseases. In vivo imaging applications for fungal infections are rather sparse. A second aspect of this review is how research on models of cryptococcosis can benefit from in vivo imaging methods that not only provide information on morphology and tissue structure but also on function, metabolism, and cellular properties in a non-invasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Roosen
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries Maes
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luigi Musetta
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Chaoul V, Dib EY, Bedran J, Khoury C, Shmoury O, Harb F, Soueid J. Assessing Drug Administration Techniques in Zebrafish Models of Neurological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14898. [PMID: 37834345 PMCID: PMC10573323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, affect nearly one in six of the world's population. The burden of the resulting deaths and disability is set to rise during the next few decades as a consequence of an aging population. To address this, zebrafish have become increasingly prominent as a model for studying human neurological diseases and exploring potential therapies. Zebrafish offer numerous benefits, such as genetic homology and brain similarities, complementing traditional mammalian models and serving as a valuable tool for genetic screening and drug discovery. In this comprehensive review, we highlight various drug delivery techniques and systems employed for therapeutic interventions of neurological diseases in zebrafish, and evaluate their suitability. We also discuss the challenges encountered during this process and present potential advancements in innovative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chaoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Emanuel-Youssef Dib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Joe Bedran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Chakib Khoury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Omar Shmoury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Frédéric Harb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Jihane Soueid
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
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7
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Fernandes DC, Tambourgi DV. Complement System Inhibitory Drugs in a Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Model: Computational Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13895. [PMID: 37762197 PMCID: PMC10530807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813895] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of complement system activation usually results in acute or chronic inflammation and can contribute to the development of various diseases. Although the activation of complement pathways is essential for innate defense, exacerbated activity of this system may be harmful to the host. Thus, drugs with the potential to inhibit the activation of the complement system may be important tools in therapy for diseases associated with complement system activation. The synthetic peptides Cp40 and PMX205 can be highlighted in this regard, given that they selectively inhibit the C3 and block the C5a receptor (C5aR1), respectively. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a robust model for studying the complement system. The aim of the present study was to use in silico computational modeling to investigate the hypothesis that these complement system inhibitor peptides interact with their target molecules in zebrafish, for subsequent in vivo validation. For this, we analyzed molecular docking interactions between peptides and target molecules. Our study demonstrated that Cp40 and the cyclic peptide PMX205 have positive interactions with their respective zebrafish targets, thus suggesting that zebrafish can be used as an animal model for therapeutic studies on these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise V. Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
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Saputra F, Lai YH, Roldan MJM, Alos HC, Aventurado CA, Vasquez RD, Hsiao CD. The Effect of the Pyrethroid Pesticide Fenpropathrin on the Cardiac Performance of Zebrafish and the Potential Mechanism of Toxicity. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1214. [PMID: 37759613 PMCID: PMC10525504 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Fenpropathrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, has been widely used for many years in agricultural fields. It works by disturbing the voltage-gated sodium channel, leading to paralysis and the death of the target animal. While past studies have focused on neurodegeneration following fenpropathrin poisoning in humans, relatively few pieces of research have examined its effect on other peripheral organs. This study successfully investigated the potential toxicity of fenpropathrin on the cardiovascular system using zebrafish as an animal model. Zebrafish larvae exposed to varying doses of fenpropathrin underwent an evaluation of cardiac physiology by measuring the heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and shortening fraction. The blood flow velocity and the dorsal aorta diameter were also measured to assess the impact of fenpropathrin exposure on the vascular system. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the pesticide binding affinity to various proteins associated with the cardiovascular system, revealing the potential mechanism of the fenpropathrin cardiotoxic effect. The findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in the heart rate stroke volume, cardiac output, shortening fraction, and ejection fraction of zebrafish larvae after 24 h of acute treatment with fenpropathrin. Additionally, zebrafish treated at a concentration of 1 ppm exhibited significantly larger blood vessels in diameter and an increased blood flow velocity compared to the control group. According to molecular docking, fenpropathrin showed a high affinity for various voltage-gated sodium channels like scn1lab, cacna1sb, and clcn3. Finally, from the results, we found that fenpropathrin caused cardiomegaly, which may have been induced by the voltage-gated sodium channel disruption. This study highlights the significant disruption of fenpropathrin in the cardiovascular system and emphasizes the need for further research on the health implications of this pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferry Saputra
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Marri Jmelou M. Roldan
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Honeymae C. Alos
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Charlaine A. Aventurado
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Ross D. Vasquez
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Research Center for Aquatic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
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Turrini L, Roschi L, de Vito G, Pavone FS, Vanzi F. Imaging Approaches to Investigate Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Brain Disease in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9833. [PMID: 37372981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish has become an essential model organism in modern biomedical research. Owing to its distinctive features and high grade of genomic homology with humans, it is increasingly employed to model diverse neurological disorders, both through genetic and pharmacological intervention. The use of this vertebrate model has recently enhanced research efforts, both in the optical technology and in the bioengineering fields, aiming at developing novel tools for high spatiotemporal resolution imaging. Indeed, the ever-increasing use of imaging methods, often combined with fluorescent reporters or tags, enable a unique chance for translational neuroscience research at different levels, ranging from behavior (whole-organism) to functional aspects (whole-brain) and down to structural features (cellular and subcellular). In this work, we present a review of the imaging approaches employed to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying functional, structural, and behavioral alterations of human neurological diseases modeled in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Turrini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Roschi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Vito
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Giovanni Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesco Vanzi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Wang M, Ye H, Jiang P, Liu J, Wang B, Zhang S, Sik A, Li N, Liu K, Jin M. The alleviative effect of Calendula officinalis L. extract against Parkinson's disease-like pathology in zebrafish via the involvement of autophagy activation. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1153889. [PMID: 37179558 PMCID: PMC10169688 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1153889] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. However, effective preventative or therapeutic agents for PD remain largely limited. Marigold Calendula officinalis L. (CoL) has been reported to possess a wide range of biological activities, but its neuroprotective activity including anti-neurodegenerative diseases is unclear. Here, we aim to investigate whether the extract of CoL (ECoL) has therapeutic activity on PD. Methods We identified the chemical composition of flavonoid, an important active ingredient in ECoL, by a targeted HPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Subsequently, we evaluated the anti-PD effect of ECoL by using zebrafish PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). After ECoL+MPTP co-treatments, the changes of dopaminergic neurons, neural vasculature, nervous system, and locomotor activity were examined, respectively. The expressions of genes related to neurodevelopment and autophagy were detected by RT-qPCR. Further, the interaction between autophagy regulators and ECoL flavonoids was predicted using molecular docking method. Results As a result, 5 kinds of flavonoid were identified in ECoL, consisting of 121 flavones and flavonols, 32 flavanones, 22 isoflavonoids, 11 chalcones and dihydrochalcones, and 17 anthocyanins. ECoL significantly ameliorated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and neural vasculature, restored the injury of nervous system, and remarkably reversed the abnormal expressions of neurodevelopment-related genes. Besides, ECoL notably inhibited the locomotor impairment in MPTP-induced PD-like zebrafish. The underlying anti-PD effect of ECoL may be implicated in activating autophagy, as ECoL significantly upregulated the expressions of genes related to autophagy, which contributes to the degradation of α-synuclein aggregation and dysfunctional mitochondria. Molecular docking simulation showed the stable interaction between autophagy regulators (Pink, Ulk2, Atg7, and Lc3b) and 10 main compounds of flavonoid in ECoL, further affirming the involvement of autophagy activation by ECoL in anti-PD action. Conclusion Our results suggested that ECoL has the anti-PD effect, and ECoL might be a promising therapeutic candidate for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfei Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Haicheng Ye
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jibin Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Baokun Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Attila Sik
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ning Li
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
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11
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Liu Y. Zebrafish as a Model Organism for Studying Pathologic Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases and other Neural Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w. [PMID: 37004595 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are widely considered an excellent vertebrate model for studying the pathogenesis of human diseases because of their transparency of embryonic development, easy breeding, high similarity with human genes, and easy gene manipulation. Previous studies have shown that zebrafish as a model organism provides an ideal operating platform for clarifying the pathological and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and related human diseases. This review mainly summarizes the achievements and prospects of zebrafish used as model organisms in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and other human diseases related to the nervous system in recent years. In the future study of human disease mechanisms, the application of the zebrafish model will continue to provide a valuable operating platform and technical support for investigating and finding better prevention and treatment of these diseases, which has broad application prospects and practical significance. Zebrafish models used in neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases related to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Nursing and Health, Qingdao Huanghai University, Qingdao, 266427, China.
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Luo Q, Tang S, Xiao X, Wei Y, Cheng B, Huang Y, Zhong K, Tian G, Lu H. Benomyl-induced development and cardiac toxicity in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:33090-33100. [PMID: 36471152 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Benomyl is a highly effective broad-spectrum fungicide widely used worldwide to control vegetable, fruit, and oil crop diseases. However, the mechanism of its toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans remains unknown. In this study, zebrafish were used to determine the toxicity of benomyl. It was found to be highly toxic, with a 72-h post-fertilization (hpf) lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 1.454 mg/L. Benomyl induced severe developmental toxicity, including shorter body length, slower heart rate, and a reduced yolk absorption rate. Benomyl also increased oxidative stress in zebrafish, especially in the heart and head, as well as increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and decreasing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. This indicates that benomyl induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell membrane peroxidation in vivo. Acridine orange (AO) staining and apoptosis factor detection further indicated that benomyl induced apoptosis in zebrafish. Overall, these findings demonstrate that benomyl disrupts cellular homeostasis by activating oxidative stress in zebrafish, resulting in an imbalance of cardiac development-related gene expression and apoptosis, which causes severe developmental toxicity and cardiac dysfunction. This study evaluated the in vivo toxicity of benomyl, which is a potential threat to aquatic organisms and humans. Possible toxicity mechanisms are explored, providing a valuable reference for the safe use of benomyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Luo
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shuqiong Tang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoping Xiao
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- Provincal Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Solid Waste Recycling, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - You Wei
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Keyuan Zhong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guiyou Tian
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China.
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Gore SV, Kakodkar R, Del Rosario Hernández T, Edmister ST, Creton R. Zebrafish Larvae Position Tracker (Z-LaP Tracker): a high-throughput deep-learning behavioral approach for the identification of calcineurin pathway-modulating drugs using zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3174. [PMID: 36823315 PMCID: PMC9950053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain function studies greatly depend on quantification and analysis of behavior. While behavior can be imaged efficiently, the quantification of specific aspects of behavior is labor-intensive and may introduce individual biases. Recent advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence-based tools have made it possible to precisely track individual features of freely moving animals in diverse environments without any markers. In the current study, we developed Zebrafish Larvae Position Tracker (Z-LaP Tracker), a modification of the markerless position estimation software DeepLabCut, to quantify zebrafish larval behavior in a high-throughput 384-well setting. We utilized the high-contrast features of our model animal, zebrafish larvae, including the eyes and the yolk for our behavioral analysis. Using this experimental setup, we quantified relevant behaviors with similar accuracy to the analysis performed by humans. The changes in behavior were organized in behavioral profiles, which were examined by K-means and hierarchical cluster analysis. Calcineurin inhibitors exhibited a distinct behavioral profile characterized by increased activity, acoustic hyperexcitability, reduced visually guided behaviors, and reduced habituation to acoustic stimuli. The developed methodologies were used to identify 'CsA-type' drugs that might be promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali V. Gore
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Rohit Kakodkar
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Center for Computation and Visualization, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Thaís Del Rosario Hernández
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Sara Tucker Edmister
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Robbert Creton
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
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Boiangiu RS, Bagci E, Dumitru G, Hritcu L, Todirascu-Ciornea E. Promnesic, Anxiolytic and Antioxidant Effects of Glaucosciadium cordifolium (Boiss.) Burtt & Davis Essential Oil in a Zebrafish Model of Cognitive Impairment. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:784. [PMID: 36840131 PMCID: PMC9960976 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Glaucosciadium cordifolium essential oil (GCEO, 25 and 150 µL/L) on anxiety and learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine (SCOP) in zebrafish. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS, and the results showed that the highest content was limonene followed by α- and β-pinene, p-cymene and α-phellandrene. The dementia model was induced by SCOP (100 µM), whereas GCEO and galantamine (GAL, 1 mg/L) were delivered to the SCOP-induced model. It was found that GCEO significantly improved memory impairment and anxiety-like response induced by SCOP through the Y-maze, novel object recognition (NOR) test, and novel tank diving tests (NTT). Biochemical analyses showed that GCEO reduced SCOP-induced oxidative damage. Additionally, the cholinergic system activity was improved in the SCOP-induced model by decreasing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity following the exposure to GCEO. It was clear that as a mixture, GCEO displays positive action in improving memory impairment through restoring cholinergic dysfunction and brain antioxidant status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Stefan Boiangiu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Eyup Bagci
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gabriela Dumitru
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lucian Hritcu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Todirascu-Ciornea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
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Zebrafish as a Potential Model for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Toxic Metals Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043428. [PMID: 36834835 PMCID: PMC9959844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last century, industrial activities increased and caused multiple health problems for humans and animals. At this moment, heavy metals are considered the most harmful substances for their effects on organisms and humans. The impact of these toxic metals, which have no biological role, poses a considerable threat and is associated with several health problems. Heavy metals can interfere with metabolic processes and can sometimes act as pseudo-elements. The zebrafish is an animal model progressively used to expose the toxic effects of diverse compounds and to find treatments for different devastating diseases that human beings are currently facing. This review aims to analyse and discuss the value of zebrafish as animal models used in neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in terms of the benefits of animal models and the limitations that exist.
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Mhalhel K, Sicari M, Pansera L, Chen J, Levanti M, Diotel N, Rastegar S, Germanà A, Montalbano G. Zebrafish: A Model Deciphering the Impact of Flavonoids on Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020252. [PMID: 36672187 PMCID: PMC9856690 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past century, advances in biotechnology, biochemistry, and pharmacognosy have spotlighted flavonoids, polyphenolic secondary metabolites that have the ability to modulate many pathways involved in various biological mechanisms, including those involved in neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory. Moreover, flavonoids are known to impact the biological processes involved in developing neurodegenerative diseases, namely oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, several flavonoids could be used as adjuvants to prevent and counteract neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Zebrafish is an interesting model organism that can offer new opportunities to study the beneficial effects of flavonoids on neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, the high genome homology of 70% to humans, the brain organization largely similar to the human brain as well as the similar neuroanatomical and neurochemical processes, and the high neurogenic activity maintained in the adult brain makes zebrafish a valuable model for the study of human neurodegenerative diseases and deciphering the impact of flavonoids on those disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Mirea Sicari
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Lidia Pansera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Jincan Chen
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Campus North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicolas Diotel
- Université de la Réunion, UMR 1188 Diabète Athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Plateforme CYROI, F-97490 Sainte-Clotilde, France
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Campus North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (G.M.); Tel.: +49-721-608-22507 (S.R.); +39-090-6766822 (G.M.)
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab., Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (G.M.); Tel.: +49-721-608-22507 (S.R.); +39-090-6766822 (G.M.)
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Maharjan N, Saxena S. Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurogenetics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07793-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Neuromasts and Olfactory Organs of Zebrafish Larvae Represent Possible Sites of SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Host Cell Entry. J Virol 2022; 96:e0141822. [PMID: 36448804 PMCID: PMC9769390 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01418-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the acute respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has resulted in millions of deaths globally. Here, we explored the mechanism of host cell entry of a luciferase-ZsGreen spike (SARS-CoV-2)-pseudotyped lentivirus using zebrafish embryos/larvae as an in vivo model. Successful pseudovirus entry was demonstrated via the expression of the luciferase (luc) gene, which was validated by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Treatment of larvae with chloroquine (a broad-spectrum viral inhibitor that blocks membrane fusion) or bafilomycin A1 (a specific inhibitor of vacuolar proton ATPases, which blocks endolysosomal trafficking) significantly reduced luc expression, indicating the possible involvement of the endolysosomal system in the viral entry mechanism. The pharmacological inhibition of two-pore channel (TPC) activity or use of the tpcn2dhkz1a mutant zebrafish line also led to diminished luc expression. The localized expression of ACE2 and TPC2 in the anterior neuromasts and the forming olfactory organs was demonstrated, and the occurrence of endocytosis in both locations was confirmed. Together, our data indicate that zebrafish embryos/larvae are a viable and tractable model to explore the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry, that the peripheral sense organs are a likely site for viral host cell entry, and that TPC2 plays a key role in the translocation of the virus through the endolysosomal system. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which help prevent the most life-threatening symptoms, full protection cannot be guaranteed, especially with the emergence of new viral variants. Moreover, some resistance to vaccination remains in certain age groups and cultures. As such, there is an urgent need for the development of new strategies and therapies to help combat this deadly disease. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the peripheral sensory organs of zebrafish possess several key components required for SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry. The nearly transparent larvae provide a most amenable complementary platform to investigate the key steps of viral entry into host cells, as well as its spread through the tissues and organs. This will help in the identification of key viral entry steps for therapeutic intervention, provide an inexpensive model for screening novel antiviral compounds, and assist in the development of new and more effective vaccines.
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Oprişoreanu AM. Perspective on automated in vivo drug screening using the chodl mutant zebrafish line. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2437-2438. [PMID: 35535889 PMCID: PMC9120713 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Tan JK, Nazar FH, Makpol S, Teoh SL. Zebrafish: A Pharmacological Model for Learning and Memory Research. Molecules 2022; 27:7374. [PMID: 36364200 PMCID: PMC9657833 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory are essential to organism survival and are conserved across various species, especially vertebrates. Cognitive studies involving learning and memory require using appropriate model organisms to translate relevant findings to humans. Zebrafish are becoming increasingly popular as one of the animal models for neurodegenerative diseases due to their low maintenance cost, prolific nature and amenability to genetic manipulation. More importantly, zebrafish exhibit a repertoire of neurobehaviors comparable to humans. In this review, we discuss the forms of learning and memory abilities in zebrafish and the tests used to evaluate the neurobehaviors in this species. In addition, the pharmacological studies that used zebrafish as models to screen for the effects of neuroprotective and neurotoxic compounds on cognitive performance will be summarized here. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in establishing zebrafish as a robust model for cognitive research involving learning and memory. Zebrafish are becoming an indispensable model in learning and memory research for screening neuroprotective agents against cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen Kit Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Faris Hazwan Nazar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Makpol
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Seong Lin Teoh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Razali K, Mohd Nasir MH, Othman N, Doolaanea AA, Kumar J, Nabeel Ibrahim W, Mohamed WMY. Characterization of neurobehavioral pattern in a zebrafish 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced model: A 96-hour behavioral study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274844. [PMID: 36190968 PMCID: PMC9529090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common brain motor disorder, characterized by a substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Motor impairments, such as dyskinesia, bradykinesia, and resting tremors, are the hallmarks of PD. Despite ongoing research, the exact PD pathogenesis remains elusive due to the disease intricacy and difficulty in conducting human studies. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as an ideal model for researching PD pathophysiology. Even though 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has been used to induce PD in zebrafish, behavioural findings are frequently limited to a single time point (24 hours post-injection). In this sense, we aim to demonstrate the effects of MPTP on zebrafish swimming behaviour at multiple time points. We administered a single dosage of MPTP (200μg/g bw) via intraperitoneal injection (i/p) and assessed the locomotor activity and swimming pattern at 0h, 24h, and 96h post-injection through an open field test. Analysis of the behaviour revealed significant reductions in swimming velocity (cm/s) and distance travelled (cm), concurrent with an increase in freezing maintenance (duration and bouts) in zebrafish injected with MPTP. In addition, the MPTP-injected zebrafish exhibited complex swimming patterns, as measured by the turn angle, meander, and angular velocity, and showed abnormal swimming phenotypes, including freezing, looping, and erratic movement. To conclude, MPTP administration into adult zebrafish induced hypolocomotion and elicited motor incoordination. Plus, the effects of MPTP were observable 24 hours after the injection and still detectable 96 hours later. These findings contribute to the understanding of MPTP effects on adult zebrafish, particularly in terms of swimming behaviours, and may pave the way for a better understanding of the establishment of PD animal models in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairiah Razali
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hamzah Mohd Nasir
- Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Noratikah Othman
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Abd Almonem Doolaanea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wael M. Y. Mohamed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Menoufia Medical School, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Feng Z, Ducos B, Scerbo P, Aujard I, Jullien L, Bensimon D. The Development and Application of Opto-Chemical Tools in the Zebrafish. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196231. [PMID: 36234767 PMCID: PMC9572478 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is one of the most widely adopted animal models in both basic and translational research. This popularity of the zebrafish results from several advantages such as a high degree of similarity to the human genome, the ease of genetic and chemical perturbations, external fertilization with high fecundity, transparent and fast-developing embryos, and relatively low cost-effective maintenance. In particular, body translucency is a unique feature of zebrafish that is not adequately obtained with other vertebrate organisms. The animal’s distinctive optical clarity and small size therefore make it a successful model for optical modulation and observation. Furthermore, the convenience of microinjection and high embryonic permeability readily allow for efficient delivery of large and small molecules into live animals. Finally, the numerous number of siblings obtained from a single pair of animals offers large replicates and improved statistical analysis of the results. In this review, we describe the development of opto-chemical tools based on various strategies that control biological activities with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss the reported applications of these tools in zebrafish and highlight the current challenges and future possibilities of opto-chemical approaches, particularly at the single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Feng
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
| | - Bertrand Ducos
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- High Throughput qPCR Core Facility, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, 46 Rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pierluigi Scerbo
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Inovarion, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Aujard
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Jullien
- Laboratoire PASTEUR, Département de Chimie, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Bensimon
- Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris Sciences Letters University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 24 Rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (D.B.)
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Ochenkowska K, Herold A, Samarut É. Zebrafish Is a Powerful Tool for Precision Medicine Approaches to Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:944693. [PMID: 35875659 PMCID: PMC9298522 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.944693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine is currently one of the most promising tools which give hope to patients with no suitable or no available treatment. Patient-specific approaches are particularly needed for common diseases with a broad phenotypic spectrum as well as for rare and yet-undiagnosed disorders. In both cases, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms and how to counteract them. Even though, during recent years, we have been observing the blossom of novel therapeutic techniques, there is still a gap to fill between bench and bedside in a patient-specific fashion. In particular, the complexity of genotype-to-phenotype correlations in the context of neurological disorders has dampened the development of successful disease-modifying therapeutics. Animal modeling of human diseases is instrumental in the development of therapies. Currently, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful and convenient model organism for modeling and investigating various neurological disorders. This model has been broadly described as a valuable tool for understanding developmental processes and disease mechanisms, behavioral studies, toxicity, and drug screening. The translatability of findings obtained from zebrafish studies and the broad prospect of human disease modeling paves the way for developing tailored therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the predictive power of zebrafish in the discovery of novel, precise therapeutic approaches in neurosciences. We will shed light on the advantages and abilities of this in vivo model to develop tailored medicinal strategies. We will also investigate the newest accomplishments and current challenges in the field and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ochenkowska
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aveeva Herold
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Samarut
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
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Anselmi C, Kowarsky M, Gasparini F, Caicci F, Ishizuka KJ, Palmeri KJ, Raveh T, Sinha R, Neff N, Quake SR, Weissman IL, Voskoboynik A, Manni L. Two distinct evolutionary conserved neural degeneration pathways characterized in a colonial chordate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203032119. [PMID: 35858312 PMCID: PMC9303981 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203032119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonial tunicates are marine organisms that possess multiple brains simultaneously during their colonial phase. While the cyclical processes of neurogenesis and neurodegeneration characterizing their life cycle have been documented previously, the cellular and molecular changes associated with such processes and their relationship with variation in brain morphology and individual (zooid) behavior throughout adult life remains unknown. Here, we introduce Botryllus schlosseri as an invertebrate model for neurogenesis, neural degeneration, and evolutionary neuroscience. Our analysis reveals that during the weekly colony budding (i.e., asexual reproduction), prior to programmed cell death and removal by phagocytes, decreases in the number of neurons in the adult brain are associated with reduced behavioral response and significant change in the expression of 73 mammalian homologous genes associated with neurodegenerative disease. Similarly, when comparing young colonies (1 to 2 y of age) to those reared in a laboratory for ∼20 y, we found that older colonies contained significantly fewer neurons and exhibited reduced behavioral response alongside changes in the expression of 148 such genes (35 of which were differentially expressed across both timescales). The existence of two distinct yet apparently related neurodegenerative pathways represents a novel platform to study the gene products governing the relationship between aging, neural regeneration and degeneration, and loss of nervous system function. Indeed, as a member of an evolutionary clade considered to be a sister group of vertebrates, this organism may be a fundamental resource in understanding how evolution has shaped these processes across phylogeny and obtaining mechanistic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Anselmi
- Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Mark Kowarsky
- Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Fabio Gasparini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Caicci
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Karla J. Palmeri
- Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
| | - Tal Raveh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Rahul Sinha
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Norma Neff
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco CA 94158
| | - Stephen R. Quake
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco CA 94158
- Departments of Applied Physics and Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Irving L. Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco CA 94158
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
| | - Ayelet Voskoboynik
- Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco CA 94158
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
| | - Lucia Manni
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
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The Influence of the Recording Time in Modelling the Swimming Behaviour of the Freshwater Inbenthic Copepod Bryocamptus pygmaeus. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14131996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of copepod behaviour gained an increasing impetus over the past decade thanks to the advent of computer-assisted video analysis tools. Since the automated tracking consists in detecting the animal’s position frame by frame and improving signals corrupted by strong background noise, a crucial role is played by the length of the video recording. The aim of this study is to: (i) assess whether the recording time influences the analysis of a suite of movement descriptive parameters; (ii) understand if the recording time influences the outcome of the statistical analyses when hypotheses on the effect of toxicants/chemicals on the freshwater invertebrate behaviour are tested. We investigated trajectory parameters commonly used in behavioural studies—swimming speed, percentage of activity and trajectory convex hull—derived from the trajectories described by the inbenthic–interstitial freshwater copepod Bryocamptus pygmaeus exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of diclofenac. The analyses presented in this work indicate that the recording time did not influence the outcome of the results for the swimming speed and the percentage of activity. For the trajectory convex hull area, our results showed that a recording session lasting at least 3 min provided robust results. However, further investigations are needed to disentangle the role of concurrent factors, such as the behavioural analysis of multiple individuals simultaneously, whether they are of the same or opposite sex and the implications on sexual behaviour, competition for resources and predation.
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Doyle JM, Croll RP. A Critical Review of Zebrafish Models of Parkinson's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835827. [PMID: 35370740 PMCID: PMC8965100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of human diseases have been modelled in zebrafish, including various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Recent reviews have summarized the currently available zebrafish models of Parkinson’s Disease, which include gene-based, chemically induced and chemogenetic ablation models. The present review updates the literature, critically evaluates each of the available models of Parkinson’s Disease in zebrafish and compares them with similar models in invertebrates and mammals to determine their advantages and disadvantages. We examine gene-based models, including ones linked to Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: PARKIN, PINK1, DJ-1, and SNCA; but we also examine LRRK2, which is linked to Late-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. We evaluate chemically induced models like MPTP, 6-OHDA, rotenone and paraquat, as well as chemogenetic ablation models like metronidazole-nitroreductase. The article also reviews the unique advantages of zebrafish, including the abundance of behavioural assays available to researchers and the efficiency of high-throughput screens. This offers a rare opportunity for assessing the potential therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological interventions. Zebrafish also are very amenable to genetic manipulation using a wide variety of techniques, which can be combined with an array of advanced microscopic imaging methods to enable in vivo visualization of cells and tissue. Taken together, these factors place zebrafish on the forefront of research as a versatile model for investigating disease states. The end goal of this review is to determine the benefits of using zebrafish in comparison to utilising other animals and to consider the limitations of zebrafish for investigating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M Doyle
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roger P Croll
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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27
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Storey CL, Williams RSB, Fisher PR, Annesley SJ. Dictyostelium discoideum: A Model System for Neurological Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030463. [PMID: 35159273 PMCID: PMC8833889 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of neurological disorders is increasing due to population growth and extended life expectancy. Despite advances in the understanding of these disorders, curative strategies for treatment have not yet eventuated. In part, this is due to the complexities of the disorders and a lack of identification of their specific underlying pathologies. Dictyostelium discoideum has provided a useful, simple model to aid in unraveling the complex pathological characteristics of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses and lissencephaly. In addition, D. discoideum has proven to be an innovative model for pharmaceutical research in the neurological field. Scope of review: This review describes the contributions of D. discoideum in the field of neurological research. The continued exploration of proteins implicated in neurological disorders in D. discoideum may elucidate their pathological roles and fast-track curative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Louise Storey
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Robin Simon Brooke Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK;
| | - Paul Robert Fisher
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Sarah Jane Annesley
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia; (C.L.S.); (P.R.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-394-791-412
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Zebrafish, Medaka and Turquoise Killifish for Understanding Human Neurodegenerative/Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031399. [PMID: 35163337 PMCID: PMC8836067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, small fishes such as zebrafish and medaka have been widely recognized as model animals. They have high homology in genetics and tissue structure with humans and unique features that mammalian model animals do not have, such as transparency of embryos and larvae, a small body size and ease of experiments, including genetic manipulation. Zebrafish and medaka have been used extensively in the field of neurology, especially to unveil the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and recently, these fishes have also been utilized to understand neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. The turquoise killifish has emerged as a new and unique model animal, especially for ageing research due to its unique life cycle, and this fish also seems to be useful for age-related neurological diseases. These small fishes are excellent animal models for the analysis of human neurological disorders and are expected to play increasing roles in this field. Here, we introduce various applications of these model fishes to improve our understanding of human neurological disorders.
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Perkins BD. Zebrafish models of inherited retinal dystrophies. JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL GENETICS AND GENOMICS 2022; 6:95-110. [PMID: 35693295 PMCID: PMC9186516 DOI: 10.20517/jtgg.2021.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) cause permanent vision impairment or vision loss due to the death of rod and cone photoreceptors. Animal models of IRDs have been instrumental in providing knowledge of the pathological mechanisms that cause photoreceptor death and in developing successful approaches that could slow or prevent vision loss. Zebrafish models of IRDs represent an ideal model system to study IRDs in a cone-rich retina and to test strategies that exploit the natural ability to regenerate damaged neurons. This review highlights those zebrafish mutants and transgenic lines that exhibit adult-onset retinal degeneration and serve as models of retinitis pigmentosa, cone-rod dystrophy, and ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Perkins
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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30
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Saleem S, Kannan RR. Zebrafish: A Promising Real-Time Model System for Nanotechnology-Mediated Neurospecific Drug Delivery. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2021; 16:135. [PMID: 34424426 PMCID: PMC8382796 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-021-03592-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Delivering drugs to the brain has always remained a challenge for the research community and physicians. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a major hurdle for delivering drugs to specific parts of the brain and the central nervous system. It is physiologically comprised of complex network of capillaries to protect the brain from any invasive agents or foreign particles. Therefore, there is an absolute need for understanding of the BBB for successful therapeutic interventions. Recent research indicates the strong emergence of zebrafish as a model for assessing the permeability of the BBB, which is highly conserved in its structure and function between the zebrafish and mammals. The zebrafish model system offers a plethora of advantages including easy maintenance, high fecundity and transparency of embryos and larvae. Therefore, it has the potential to be developed as a model for analysing and elucidating the permeability of BBB to novel permeation technologies with neurospecificity. Nanotechnology has now become a focus area within the industrial and research community for delivering drugs to the brain. Nanoparticles are being developed with increased efficiency and accuracy for overcoming the BBB and delivering neurospecific drugs to the brain. The zebrafish stands as an excellent model system to assess nanoparticle biocompatibility and toxicity. Hence, the zebrafish model is indispensable for the discovery or development of novel technologies for neurospecific drug delivery and potential therapies for brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraiya Saleem
- Neuroscience Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Rajaretinam Rajesh Kannan
- Neuroscience Lab, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India.
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