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Aragona M, Mhalhel K, Cometa M, Franco GA, Montalbano G, Guerrera MC, Levanti M, Laurà R, Abbate F, Vega JA, Germanà A. Piezo 1 and Piezo 2 in the Chemosensory Organs of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7404. [PMID: 39000511 PMCID: PMC11242578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137404] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The ion channels Piezo 1 and Piezo 2 have been identified as membrane mechano-proteins. Studying mechanosensitive channels in chemosensory organs could help in understanding the mechanisms by which these channels operate, offering new therapeutic targets for various disorders. This study investigates the expression patterns of Piezo proteins in zebrafish chemosensory organs. For the first time, Piezo protein expression in adult zebrafish chemosensory organs is reported. In the olfactory epithelium, Piezo 1 immunolabels kappe neurons, microvillous cells, and crypt neurons, while Calretinin is expressed in ciliated sensory cells. The lack of overlap between Piezo 1 and Calretinin confirms Piezo 1's specificity for kappe neurons, microvillous cells, and crypt neurons. Piezo 2 shows intense immunoreactivity in kappe neurons, one-ciliated sensory cells, and multi-ciliated sensory cells, with overlapping Calretinin expression, indicating its olfactory neuron nature. In taste buds, Piezo 1 immunolabels Merkel-like cells at the bases of cutaneous and pharyngeal taste buds and the light and dark cells of cutaneous and oral taste buds. It also marks the dark cells of pharyngeal taste buds and support cells in oral taste buds. Piezo 2 is found in the light and dark cells of cutaneous and oral taste buds and isolated chemosensory cells. These findings provide new insights into the distribution of Piezo channels in zebrafish chemosensory organs, enhancing our understanding of their sensory processing and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Antonio Franco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Abbate
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Mhalhel K, Kadmi Y, Ben Chira A, Levanti M, Pansera L, Cometa M, Sicari M, Germanà A, Aragona M, Montalbano G. Urtica dioica Extract Abrogates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Zebrafish Larvae. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6631. [PMID: 38928336 PMCID: PMC11203861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126631] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide, though its excessive use causes environmental contamination, raising concerns about its adverse effects on human health. In this regard, Urtica dioica stands out as a promising candidate for counteracting chemical 'contaminant' toxicity thanks to its therapeutic properties. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the potential of an Urtica dioica ethanolic extract (UDE) to mitigate chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity. Eight compounds in the Urtica dioica ethanolic extract have been identified, most of which present significant potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. Chlorpyrifos exposure altered hatching rates, increased the incidence of teratogenic effects, and upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in zebrafish larvae telencephalon. On the other hand, UDE demonstrated a preventive effect against CPF-induced teratogenicity, which is expressed by a lower morphological deformity rate. Moreover, the UDE showed a rather protective effect, maintaining the physiological condition of the telencephalon. Additionally, CPF altered the locomotor behavior of larvae, which was characterized by irregular swimming and increased activity. This defective behavioral pattern was slightly attenuated by the UDE. Our findings suggest that the UDE possesses significant protective properties against CPF-induced toxicity, probably conferred by its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Still, further research is needed to elucidate the recruited mechanisms and implicated pathways on UDE's protective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Yassine Kadmi
- LASIRE, Equipe Physico-Chimie de l’Environnement, CNRS UMR 8516, Université Lille, Sciences et Technologies, CEDEX, 59655 Villeneuve d′Ascq, France;
- Department of Chemistry, Université d’Artois, IUT de Béthune, 62400 Béthune, France
| | - Ahlem Ben Chira
- LR22ES01 Laboratory of Biomathematics, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Department of Mathematics, P.O. Box 1171, Sfax 3000, Tunisia;
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Lidia Pansera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Mirea Sicari
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.L.); (L.P.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (A.G.); (M.A.)
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Aragona M, Porcino C, Briglia M, Mhalhel K, Abbate F, Levanti M, Montalbano G, Laurà R, Lauriano ER, Germanà A, Guerrera MC. Vimentin Localization in the Zebrafish Oral Cavity: A Potential Role in Taste Buds Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15619. [PMID: 37958598 PMCID: PMC10648301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115619] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphology of the oral cavity of fish is related to their feeding habits. In this context, taste buds are studied for their ability to catch chemical stimuli and their cell renewal capacity. Vimentin RV202 is a protein employed as a marker for mesenchymal cells that can differentiate along different lineages and to self-renew, while Calretinin N-18 is employed as a marker of sensory cells, and ubiquitin is a protein crucial for guiding the fate of stem cells throughout development. In this study, a surface morphology investigation and an immunohistochemical analysis have been conducted. The results of the present study reveal, for the first time, the presence of Vimentin RV202 in a taste bud cell population of zebrafish. Some taste bud cells are just Vimentin RV202-immunoreactive, while in other cells Vimentin RV202 and Calretinin N-18 colocalize. Some taste buds are just reactive to Calretinin N-18. Vimentin RV202-immunoreactive cells have been observed in the connective layer and in the basal portion of the taste buds. The immunoreactivity of ubiquitin was restricted to sensory cells. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of Vimentin RV202 in the maturation of taste bud cells, its potential involvement in the regeneration of these chemosensory organs, and its eventual synergic work with ubiquitin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Caterina Porcino
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Marilena Briglia
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Kamel Mhalhel
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Abbate
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (F.A.); (M.L.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (A.G.)
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Aragona M, Briglia M, Porcino C, Mhalhel K, Cometa M, Germanà PG, Montalbano G, Levanti M, Laurà R, Abbate F, Germanà A, Guerrera MC. Localization of Calretinin, Parvalbumin, and S100 Protein in Nothobranchius guentheri Retina: A Suitable Model for the Retina Aging. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2050. [PMID: 37895432 PMCID: PMC10608213 DOI: 10.3390/life13102050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) are members of a heterogeneous family of proteins able to buffer intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration. CaBPs are expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system, including a subpopulation of retinal neurons. Since neurons expressing different CaBPs show different susceptibility to degeneration, it could be hypothesized that they are not just markers of different neuronal subpopulations, but that they might be crucial in survival. CaBPs' ability to buffer Ca2+ cytoplasmatic concentration makes them able to defend against a toxic increase in intracellular calcium that can lead to neurodegenerative processes, including those related to aging. An emergent model for aging studies is the annual killifish belonging to the Nothobranchius genus, thanks to its short lifespan. Members of this genus, such as Nothobranchius guentheri, show a retinal stratigraphy similar to that of other actinopterygian fishes and humans. However, according to our knowledge, CaBPs' occurrence and distribution in the retina of N. guentheri have never been investigated before. Therefore, the present study aimed to localize Calretinin N-18, Parvalbumin, and S100 protein (S100p) in the N. guentheri retina with immunohistochemistry methods. The results of the present investigation demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of Calretinin N-18, Parvalbumin, and S100p in N. guentheri retina and, consequently, the potential key role of these CaBPs in the biology of the retinal cells. Hence, the suitability of N. guentheri as a model to study the changes in CaBPs' expression patterns during neurodegenerative processes affecting the retina related both to disease and aging can be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caterina Porcino
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (M.B.); (K.M.); (M.C.); (P.G.G.); (G.M.); (M.L.); (R.L.); (F.A.); (A.G.); (M.C.G.)
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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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Potential Neuroprotective Role of Calretinin-N18 and Calbindin-D28k in the Retina of Adult Zebrafish Exposed to Different Wavelength Lights. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021087. [PMID: 36674603 PMCID: PMC9862630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rates of light-induced retinopathies have increased significantly in the last decades because of continuous exposure to light from different electronic devices. Recent studies showed that exposure to blue light had been related to the pathogenesis of light-induced retinopathies. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying changes induced by light exposure are not fully known yet. In the present study, the effects of exposure to light at different wavelengths with emission peaks in the blue light range (400-500 nm) on the localization of Calretinin-N18 (CaR-N18) and Calbindin-D28K (CaB-D28K) in adult zebrafish retina are studied using double immunofluorescence with confocal laser microscopy. CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 are two homologous cytosolic calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) implicated in essential process regulation in central and peripheral nervous systems. CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 distributions are investigated to elucidate their potential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis under distinct light conditions and darkness. The results showed that light influences CaB-D28K and CaR-N18 distribution in the retina of adult zebrafish, suggesting that these CaBPs could be involved in the pathophysiology of retinal damage induced by the short-wavelength visible light spectrum.
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Liu J, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Wang R, Ma J, Bai X, Wang D. Loxhd1b inhibits the hair cell development in zebrafish: Possible relation to the BDNF/TrkB/ERK pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1065309. [PMID: 36505516 PMCID: PMC9729270 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1065309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in lipoxygenase homology domain 1 (LOXHD1) cause autosomal recessive inheritance, leading to high-frequency and intermediate-frequency hearing losses in patients. To date, studies on the localization of LOXHD1 gene expression are limited. In this study, we aimed to observe the expressions of Loxhd1b in zebrafish, C57BL/6 murine cochlea, and HEI-OC1 cells. Methods The expression of Loxhd1b in the auditory system of zebrafish was explored by in situ hybridization experiments of zebrafish embryos. The expression of Loxhd1b in cochlear and HEI-OC1 cells of C57BL/6 mice was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Confocal microscopic in vivo imaging was used to detect the number and morphological characteristics of lateral line neuromasts and inner ear hair cells in zebrafish that knocked down Loxhd1b gene. The effect of knockdown Loxhd1b gene on the development of zebrafish otolith and semicircular canal was observed using microscopic. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify downstream molecules and associated signaling pathways and validated by western blotting, immunostaining, and rescue experiments. Results Results of the in situ hybridization with zebrafish embryos at different time points showed that Loxhd1b was expressed in zebrafish at the inner ear and olfactory pores, while the immunostaining showed that Loxhd1 was expressed in both C57BL/6 mouse cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells. Loxhd1b knockdown causes a decrease in the number of spinal and lateral line neuromasts in the inner ear of zebrafish, accompanied by weakened hearing function, and also leads to developmental defects of otoliths and ear follicles. The results of transcriptomics analysis revealed the downstream molecule brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and verified that Loxhd1b and BDNF regulate the formation of zebrafish hair cells by synergistic regulation of BDNF/TrkB/ERK pathway based on western blotting, immunostaining, and rescue experiments. Conclusion This was the first time that the BDNF/TrkB/ERK pathway was identified to play a critical role in the molecular regulation of the development of zebrafish hair cells and the auditory development by Loxhd1b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People’s Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Translational Medical Research Center, Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital, Affiliated Wuxi Clinical College of Nantong University, Wuxi, China,Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of MOE, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qingchen Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Bai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China,Department of Orthopaedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Dawei Wang,
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Gatta C, Schiano V, Attanasio C, Lucini C, Palladino A. Neurotrophins in Zebrafish Taste Buds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131613. [PMID: 35804512 PMCID: PMC9265000 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model organism, whose similarities with mammals are fundamental to validate its use for experimental purposes. In this study, the authors demonstrate the presence of neurotrophic factors, namely neurotrophins, in numerous taste bud cells of this fish. The reported results suggest an essential role of these factors in taste bud function. Interestingly, the results described in this study are in accordance with those reported in some mammalian species. Therefore, despite the different anatomical characteristics of the anterior digestive tract in mammals and fish, the taste buds maintain similarities in both shape and functional mechanisms in the two classes. Abstract The neurotrophin family is composed of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and NT4. These neurotrophins regulate several crucial functions through the activation of two types of transmembrane receptors, namely p75, which binds all neurotrophins with a similar affinity, and tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors. Neurotrophins, besides their well-known pivotal role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, also display the ability to regulate the development of taste buds in mammals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate if NGF, BDNF, NT3 and NT4 are also present in the taste buds of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a powerful vertebrate model organism. Morphological analyses carried out on adult zebrafish showed the presence of neurotrophins in taste bud cells of the oropharyngeal cavity, also suggesting that BDNF positive cells are the prevalent cell population in the posterior part of the oropharyngeal region. In conclusion, by suggesting that all tested neurotrophins are present in zebrafish sensory cells, our results lead to the assumption that taste bud cells in this fish species contain the same homologous neurotrophins reported in mammals, further confirming the high impact of the zebrafish model in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gatta
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Valentina Schiano
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Attanasio
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (V.S.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonio Palladino
- Department Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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Analysis of the Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Kidney. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060296. [PMID: 35737348 PMCID: PMC9227799 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal populations. Different reports have shown that all neurotrophin/receptor pathways can also play a role in several non-neuronal tissues in vertebrates, including the kidney. These signaling pathways are involved in different events to ensure the correct functioning of the kidney, such as growth, differentiation, and regulation of renal tubule transport. Previous studies in some fish species have identified the neurotrophins and receptors in the kidney. In this study, for the first time, we compare the expression profiles (mRNA and protein) of all neurotrophin/receptor pathways in the kidney of the adult zebrafish. We quantify the levels of mRNA by using qPCR and identify the expression pattern of each neurotrophin/receptor pathway by in situ hybridization. Next, we detect the proteins using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that among all neurotrophins analyzed, NT-3/TrkC is the most expressed in the glomerule and tubule and in the hematopoietic cells, similar to what has been reported in the mammalian kidney.
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Localization of BDNF and Calretinin in Olfactory Epithelium and Taste Buds of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094696. [PMID: 35563087 PMCID: PMC9101965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family and it is involved in several fundamental functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and in sensory organs. BDNF regulates the chemosensory systems of mammals and is consistently expressed in those organs. In zebrafish, the key role of BDNF in the biology of the hair cells of the inner ear and lateral line system has recently been demonstrated. However, only some information is available about its occurrence in the olfactory epithelium, taste buds, and cutaneous isolated chemosensory cells. Therefore, this study was undertaken to analyze the involvement of BDNF in the chemosensory organs of zebrafish during the larval and adult stages. To identify cells displaying BDNF, we compared the cellular pattern of BDNF-displaying cells with those immunoreactive for calretinin and S100 protein. Our results demonstrate the localization of BDNF in the sensory part of the olfactory epithelium, mainly in the ciliated olfactory sensory neurons in larvae and adult zebrafish. Intense immunoreaction for BDNF was also observed in the chemosensory cells of oral and cutaneous taste buds. Moreover, a subpopulation of olfactory sensory neurons and chemosensory cells of olfactory rosette and taste bud, respectively, showed marked immunopositivity for calcium-binding protein S100 and calretinin. These results demonstrate the possible role of BDNF in the development and maintenance of olfactory sensory neurons and sensory cells in the olfactory epithelium and taste organs of zebrafish during all stages of development.
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Aragona M, Porcino C, Guerrera MC, Montalbano G, Laurà R, Cometa M, Levanti M, Abbate F, Cobo T, Capitelli G, Vega JA, Germanà A. The BDNF/TrkB Neurotrophin System in the Sensory Organs of Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052621. [PMID: 35269763 PMCID: PMC8910639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was discovered in the last century, and identified as a member of the neurotrophin family. BDNF shares approximately 50% of its amino acid with other neurotrophins such as NGF, NT-3 and NT-4/5, and its linear amino acid sequences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and human are 91% identical. BDNF functions can be mediated by two categories of receptors: p75NTR and Trk. Intriguingly, BDNF receptors were highly conserved in the process of evolution, as were the other NTs’ receptors. In this review, we update current knowledge about the distribution and functions of the BDNF-TrkB system in the sensory organs of zebrafish. In fish, particularly in zebrafish, the distribution and functions of BDNF and TrkB in the brain have been widely studied. Both components of the system, associated or segregated, are also present outside the central nervous system, especially in sensory organs including the inner ear, lateral line system, retina, taste buds and olfactory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Caterina Porcino
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Abbate
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Gabriel Capitelli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Viamonte 1053, CABA, Buenos Aires 1056, Argentina;
| | - José A. Vega
- Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain;
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Aragona M, Porcino C, Guerrera MC, Montalbano G, Levanti M, Abbate F, Laurà R, Germanà A. Localization of Neurotrophin Specific Trk Receptors in Mechanosensory Systems of Killifish ( Nothobranchius guentheri). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10411. [PMID: 34638748 PMCID: PMC8508645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) and their signal-transducing Trk receptors play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of specific neuronal subpopulations in nervous and sensory systems. NTs are supposed to regulate two sensory systems in fish, the inner ear and the lateral line system (LLS). The latter is one of the major mechanosensory systems in fish. Considering that annual fishes of the genus Nothobranchius, with their short life expectancy, have become a suitable model for aging studies and that the occurrence and distribution of neurotrophin Trk receptors have never been investigated in the inner ear and LLS of killifish (Nothobranchius guentheri), our study aimed to investigate the localization of neurotrophin-specific Trk receptors in mechanosensory systems of N. guentheri. For histological and immunohistochemical analysis, adult specimens of N. guentheri were processed using antibodies against Trk receptors and S100 protein. An intense immunoreaction for TrkA and TrkC was found in the sensory cells of the inner ear as well as in the hair cells of LLS. Moreover, also the neurons localized in the acoustic ganglia displayed a specific immunoreaction for all Trk receptors (TrkA, B, and C) analyzed. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that neurotrophins and their specific receptors could play a pivotal role in the biology of the sensory cells of the inner ear and LLS of N. guentheri and might also be involved in the hair cells regeneration process in normal and aged conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (M.L.); (F.A.); (R.L.)
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Vlajkovic SM, Thorne PR. Molecular Mechanisms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Development of Inner Ear Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115647. [PMID: 34073285 PMCID: PMC8198622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sense of hearing enables us to enjoy sounds and music and engage with other people [...].
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