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El Mir J, Nasrallah A, Thézé N, Cario M, Fayyad-Kazan H, Thiébaud P, Rezvani HR. Xenopus as a model system for studying pigmentation and pigmentary disorders. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024. [PMID: 38849973 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13178] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Human pigmentary disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic changes arising from disruptions in various stages of melanocyte formation, the melanogenesis process, or the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. A large number of pigmentation genes associated with pigmentary disorders have been identified, many of them awaiting in vivo confirmation. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of pigmentary disorders requires a vertebrate animal model where changes in pigmentation are easily observable in vivo and can be combined to genomic modifications and gain/loss-of-function tools. Here we present the amphibian Xenopus with its unique features that fulfill these requirements. Changes in pigmentation are particularly easy to score in Xenopus embryos, allowing whole-organism based phenotypic screening. The development and behavior of Xenopus melanocytes closely mimic those observed in mammals. Interestingly, both Xenopus and mammalian skins exhibit comparable reactions to ultraviolet radiation. This review highlights how Xenopus constitutes an alternative and complementary model to the more commonly used mouse and zebrafish, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in melanocyte cell biology and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joudi El Mir
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali Nasrallah
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nadine Thézé
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Cario
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Pierre Thiébaud
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hamid-Reza Rezvani
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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2
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Morozumi R, Shimizu N, Tamura K, Nakamura M, Suzuki A, Ishiniwa H, Ide H, Tsuda M. Changes in repair pathways of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks at the midblastula transition in Xenopus embryo. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2024; 65:315-322. [PMID: 38648785 PMCID: PMC11115444 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) causes DNA damage, particularly DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which have significant implications for genome stability. The major pathways of repairing DSBs are homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). However, the repair mechanism of IR-induced DSBs in embryos is not well understood, despite extensive research in somatic cells. The externally developing aquatic organism, Xenopus tropicalis, serves as a valuable model for studying embryo development. A significant increase in zygotic transcription occurs at the midblastula transition (MBT), resulting in a longer cell cycle and asynchronous cell divisions. This study examines the impact of X-ray irradiation on Xenopus embryos before and after the MBT. The findings reveal a heightened X-ray sensitivity in embryos prior to the MBT, indicating a distinct shift in the DNA repair pathway during embryo development. Importantly, we show a transition in the dominant DSB repair pathway from NHEJ to HR before and after the MBT. These results suggest that the MBT plays a crucial role in altering DSB repair mechanisms, thereby influencing the IR sensitivity of developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Morozumi
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Naoto Shimizu
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tamura
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakamura
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ishiniwa
- Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, Fukushima University, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ide
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuda
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
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Pozo-Morales M, Cobham AE, Centola C, McKinney MC, Liu P, Perazzolo C, Lefort A, Libert F, Bai H, Rohner N, Singh SP. Starvation-resistant cavefish reveal conserved mechanisms of starvation-induced hepatic lipotoxicity. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302458. [PMID: 38467419 PMCID: PMC10927358 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Starvation causes the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver, a somewhat counterintuitive phenomenon that is nevertheless conserved from flies to humans. Much like fatty liver resulting from overfeeding, hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis) during undernourishment can lead to lipotoxicity and atrophy of the liver. Here, we found that although surface populations of Astyanax mexicanus undergo this evolutionarily conserved response to starvation, the starvation-resistant cavefish larvae of the same species do not display an accumulation of lipid droplets upon starvation. Moreover, cavefish are resistant to liver atrophy during starvation, providing a unique system to explore strategies for liver protection. Using comparative transcriptomics between zebrafish, surface fish, and cavefish, we identified the fatty acid transporter slc27a2a/fatp2 to be correlated with the development of fatty liver. Pharmacological inhibition of slc27a2a in zebrafish rescues steatosis and atrophy of the liver upon starvation. Furthermore, down-regulation of FATP2 in Drosophila larvae inhibits the development of starvation-induced steatosis, suggesting the evolutionarily conserved importance of the gene in regulating fatty liver upon nutrition deprivation. Overall, our study identifies a conserved, druggable target to protect the liver from atrophy during starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Pozo-Morales
- https://ror.org/01r9htc13 IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ansa E Cobham
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Cielo Centola
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Peiduo Liu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Camille Perazzolo
- https://ror.org/01r9htc13 IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Lefort
- https://ror.org/01r9htc13 IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédérick Libert
- https://ror.org/01r9htc13 IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hua Bai
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sumeet Pal Singh
- https://ror.org/01r9htc13 IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Neal SJ, Rajasekaran A, Jusić N, Taylor L, Read M, Alfandari D, Pignoni F, Moody SA. Using Xenopus to discover new candidate genes involved in BOR and other congenital hearing loss syndromes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:212-240. [PMID: 37830236 PMCID: PMC11014897 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Hearing in infants is essential for brain development, acquisition of verbal language skills, and development of social interactions. Therefore, it is important to diagnose hearing loss soon after birth so that interventions can be provided as early as possible. Most newborns in the United States are screened for hearing deficits and commercially available next-generation sequencing hearing loss panels often can identify the causative gene, which may also identify congenital defects in other organs. One of the most prevalent autosomal dominant congenital hearing loss syndromes is branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR), which also presents with defects in craniofacial structures and the kidney. Currently, mutations in three genes, SIX1, SIX5, and EYA1, are known to be causative in about half of the BOR patients that have been tested. To uncover new candidate genes that could be added to congenital hearing loss genetic screens, we have combined the power of Drosophila mutants and protein biochemical assays with the embryological advantages of Xenopus, a key aquatic animal model with a high level of genomic similarity to human, to identify potential Six1 transcriptional targets and interacting proteins that play a role during otic development. We review our transcriptomic, yeast 2-hybrid, and proteomic approaches that have revealed a large number of new candidates. We also discuss how we have begun to identify how Six1 and co-factors interact to direct developmental events necessary for normal otic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Neal
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Anindita Rajasekaran
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nisveta Jusić
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Louis Taylor
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Mai Read
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Francesca Pignoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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5
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Koralewska N, Corradi E, Milewski MC, Masante L, Szczepanska A, Kierzek R, Figlerowicz M, Baudet ML, Kurzynska-Kokorniak A. Short 2'-O-methyl/LNA oligomers as highly-selective inhibitors of miRNA production in vitro and in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae284. [PMID: 38676942 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that share identical or near-identical sequences constitute miRNA families and are predicted to act redundantly. Yet recent evidence suggests that members of the same miRNA family with high sequence similarity might have different roles and that this functional divergence might be rooted in their precursors' sequence. Current knock-down strategies such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or miRNA sponges cannot distinguish between identical or near identical miRNAs originating from different precursors to allow exploring unique functions of these miRNAs. We here develop a novel strategy based on short 2'-OMe/LNA-modified oligonucleotides to selectively target specific precursor molecules and ablate the production of individual members of miRNA families in vitro and in vivo. Leveraging the highly conserved Xenopus miR-181a family as proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that 2'-OMe/LNA-ASOs targeting the apical region of pre-miRNAs achieve precursor-selective inhibition of mature miRNA-5p production. Furthermore, we extend the applicability of our approach to the human miR-16 family, illustrating its universality in targeting precursors generating identical miRNAs. Overall, our strategy enables efficient manipulation of miRNA expression, offering a powerful tool to dissect the functions of identical or highly similar miRNAs derived from different precursors within miRNA families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Koralewska
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Eloina Corradi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Marek C Milewski
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Linda Masante
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Szczepanska
- Department of Ribonucleoprotein Biochemistry, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kierzek
- Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Marek Figlerowicz
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Marie-Laure Baudet
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Anna Kurzynska-Kokorniak
- Department of Ribonucleoprotein Biochemistry, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan 61-704, Poland
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6
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Pozo-Morales M, Cobham AE, Centola C, McKinney MC, Liu P, Perazzolo C, Lefort A, Libert F, Bai H, Rohner N, Singh SP. Starvation resistant cavefish reveal conserved mechanisms of starvation-induced hepatic lipotoxicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574986. [PMID: 38260657 PMCID: PMC10802416 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Starvation causes the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver, a somewhat counterintuitive phenomenon that is nevertheless conserved from flies to humans. Much like fatty liver resulting from overfeeding, hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis) during undernourishment can lead to lipotoxicity and atrophy of the liver. Here, we found that while surface populations of Astyanax mexicanus undergo this evolutionarily conserved response to starvation, the starvation-resistant cavefish larvae of the same species do not display an accumulation of lipid droplets upon starvation. Moreover, cavefish are resistant to liver atrophy during starvation, providing a unique system to explore strategies for liver protection. Using comparative transcriptomics between zebrafish, surface fish, and cavefish, we identified the fatty acid transporter slc27a2a/fatp2 to be correlated with the development of fatty liver. Pharmacological inhibition of slc27a2a in zebrafish rescues steatosis and atrophy of the liver upon starvation. Further, down-regulation of FATP2 in drosophila larvae inhibits the development of starvation-induced steatosis, suggesting the evolutionary conserved importance of the gene in regulating fatty liver upon nutrition deprivation. Overall, our study identifies a conserved, druggable target to protect the liver from atrophy during starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Pozo-Morales
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ansa E Cobham
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Cielo Centola
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | | | - Peiduo Liu
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Camille Perazzolo
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Lefort
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédérick Libert
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hua Bai
- Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Sumeet Pal Singh
- IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Alves-Pimenta S, Colaço B, Oliveira PA, Venâncio C. Development Features on the Selection of Animal Models for Teratogenic Testing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:67-104. [PMID: 38285334 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_3] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Today, the use of animal models from different species continues to represent a fundamental step in teratogenic testing, despite the increase in alternative solutions that provide an important screening to the enormous quantity of new substances that aim to enter the market every year. The maintenance of these models is due to the sharing of similar development processes with humans, and in this way they represent an important contribution to the safety in the use of the compounds tested. Furthermore, the application of advances in embryology to teratology, although hampered by the complexity of reproductive processes, continues to prove the importance of sensitivity during embryonic and fetal development to detect potential toxicity, inducing mortality/abortion and malformations.In this chapter, essential periods of development in different models are outlined, highlighting the similarities and differences between species, the advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic testing. Models can be divided into invertebrate species such as earthworms of the species Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns. Vertebrate nonmammalian species Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio are important models to assess teratogenic potential later in development with fewer ethical requirements. Finally, the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically closer to humans, are essential for the assessment of complex specialized processes, occurring later in development.Regulations for the development of toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. Although ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. On the other hand, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine low cost, less ethical requirements, and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. Their main advantage is to allow high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, in contrast to the in vitro techniques, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. Better knowledge of the development pathways of animal models will allow to maximize human translation and reduce the number of animals used, leading to a selection of compounds with an improved safety profile and reduced time to market for new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Alves-Pimenta
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Venâncio
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
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8
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Carotenuto R, Pallotta MM, Tussellino M, Fogliano C. Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802) as a Model Organism for Bioscience: A Historic Review and Perspective. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:890. [PMID: 37372174 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
In vitro systems have been mainly promoted by authorities to sustain research by following the 3Rs principle, but continuously increasing amounts of evidence point out that in vivo experimentation is also of extreme relevance. Xenopus laevis, an anuran amphibian, is a significant model organism in the study of evolutionary developmental biology, toxicology, ethology, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology and tumor biology; thanks to the recent development of genome editing, it has also acquired a relevant position in the field of genetics. For these reasons, X. laevis appears to be a powerful and alternative model to the zebrafish for environmental and biomedical studies. Its life cycle, as well as the possibility to obtain gametes from adults during the whole year and embryos by in vitro fertilization, allows experimental studies of several biological endpoints, such as gametogenesis, embryogenesis, larval growth, metamorphosis and, of course, the young and adult stages. Moreover, with respect to alternative invertebrate and even vertebrate animal models, the X. laevis genome displays a higher degree of similarity with that of mammals. Here, we have reviewed the main available literature on the use of X. laevis in the biosciences and, inspired by Feymann's revised view, "Plenty of room for biology at the bottom", suggest that X. laevis is a very useful model for all possible studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Carotenuto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Fogliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
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9
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Gull M, Schmitt SM, Kälin RE, Brändli AW. Screening of Chemical Libraries Using Xenopus Embryos and Tadpoles for Phenotypic Drug Discovery. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:098269-pdb.prot. [PMID: 36180216 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot098269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery assesses the effect of small molecules on the phenotype of cells, tissues, or whole organisms without a priori knowledge of the target or pathway. Using vertebrate embryos instead of cell-based assays has the advantage that the screening of small molecules occurs in the context of the complex biology and physiology of the whole organism. Fish and amphibians are the only classes of vertebrates with free-living larvae amenable to high-throughput drug screening in multiwell dishes. For both animal classes, particularly zebrafish and Xenopus, husbandry requirements are straightforward, embryos can be obtained in large numbers, and they develop ex utero so their development can be monitored easily with a dissecting microscope. At 350 million years, the evolutionary distance between amphibians and humans is significantly shorter than that between fish and humans, which is estimated at 450 million years. This increases the likelihood that drugs discovered by screening in amphibian embryos will be active in humans. Here, we describe the basic protocol for the medium- to high-throughput screening of chemical libraries using embryos of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis Bioactive compounds are identified by observing phenotypic changes in whole embryos and tadpoles. In addition to the discovery of compounds with novel bioactivities, the phenotypic screening protocol also allows for the identification of compounds with in vivo toxicity, eliminating early hits that are poor drug candidates. We also highlight important considerations for designing chemical screens, choosing chemical libraries, and performing secondary screens using whole mount in situ hybridization or immunostaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazhar Gull
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan M Schmitt
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland E Kälin
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - André W Brändli
- Walter-Brendel-Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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10
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Menegola E, Battistoni M, Metruccio F, Di Renzo F. Advantages and disadvantages of the use of Xenopus laevis embryos and Zebra fish as alternative methods to assess teratogens. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2023.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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11
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Chen P, Levy DL. Regulation of organelle size and organization during development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 133:53-64. [PMID: 35148938 PMCID: PMC9357868 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During early embryogenesis, as cells divide in the developing embryo, the size of intracellular organelles generally decreases to scale with the decrease in overall cell size. Organelle size scaling is thought to be important to establish and maintain proper cellular function, and defective scaling may lead to impaired development and disease. However, how the cell regulates organelle size and organization are largely unanswered questions. In this review, we summarize the process of size scaling at both the cell and organelle levels and discuss recently discovered mechanisms that regulate this process during early embryogenesis. In addition, we describe how some recently developed techniques and Xenopus as an animal model can be used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of size regulation and to uncover the significance of proper organelle size scaling and organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
| | - Daniel L Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
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12
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Dumitrescu E, Deshpande A, Wallace KN, Andreescu S. Time-Dependent Monitoring of Dopamine in the Brain of Live Embryonic Zebrafish Using Electrochemically Pretreated Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2022; 2:261-270. [PMID: 36785866 PMCID: PMC9838818 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.1c00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are involved in functions related to signaling, stress response, and pathological disorder development, and thus, their real-time monitoring at the site of production is important for observing the changes related to these disorders. Here, we demonstrate the first time-dependent quantification of dopamine in the brains of live zebrafish embryos using electrochemically pretreated carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) utilizing differential pulse voltammetry as the measurement technique. The pretreatment of the CFMEs in 0.1 M NaOH held at a potential of +1.0 V for 600 s improves the sensitivity toward dopamine and allows for reliable measurements in low ionic strength media. We demonstrate the measurement of extracellular dopamine concentrations in the zebrafish brain during late embryogenesis. The extracellular dopamine concentration in the tectum of zebrafish varies between 200 and 400 nM. The conventional pharmacological manipulation of neurotransmitter levels in the brain demonstrates the selective detection of dopamine at the implantation site. Exposure to the dopamine transporter inhibitor nomifensine induces an increase in extracellular dopamine from 201.9 (±34.9) nM to 352.2 (±20.0) nM, while exposure to the norepinephrine transporter inhibitor desipramine does not lead to a significant modulation of the measured signal. Furthermore, we report the quantitative assessment of the catecholamine stress response of embryos to tricaine, an anesthetic frequently used in zebrafish assays. Exposure to tricaine induces a short-lived increase in brain dopamine from 198.6 (±15.7) nM to a maximum of 278.8 (±14.0) nM. Thus, in vivo electrochemistry can detect real-time changes in zebrafish neurochemical physiology resulting from drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Dumitrescu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson
University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699-5810, United States
| | - Aaditya Deshpande
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson
University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699-5810, United States
| | - Kenneth N. Wallace
- Department
of Biology, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699-5805, United States
| | - Silvana Andreescu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson
University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699-5810, United States
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13
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Jevtić P, Elliott KW, Watkins SE, Sreter JA, Jovic K, Lehner IB, Baures PW, Tsavalas JG, Levy DL, Varga K. An insect antifreeze protein from Anatolica polita enhances the cryoprotection of Xenopus laevis eggs and embryos. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:jeb243662. [PMID: 35014670 PMCID: PMC8920033 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243662] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cryoprotection is of interest in many fields of research, necessitating a greater understanding of different cryoprotective agents. Antifreeze proteins have been identified that have the ability to confer cryoprotection in certain organisms. Antifreeze proteins are an evolutionary adaptation that contributes to the freeze resistance of certain fish, insects, bacteria and plants. These proteins adsorb to an ice crystal's surface and restrict its growth within a certain temperature range. We investigated the ability of an antifreeze protein from the desert beetle Anatolica polita, ApAFP752, to confer cryoprotection in the frog Xenopus laevis. Xenopus laevis eggs and embryos microinjected with ApAFP752 exhibited reduced damage and increased survival after a freeze-thaw cycle in a concentration-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that ApAFP752 localizes to the plasma membrane in eggs and embryonic blastomeres and is not toxic for early development. These studies show the potential of an insect antifreeze protein to confer cryoprotection in amphibian eggs and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Jevtić
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - K. Wade Elliott
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Shelby E. Watkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Sreter
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Katarina Jovic
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Ian B. Lehner
- Department of Chemistry, Keene State College, Keene, NH 03435, USA
| | - Paul W. Baures
- Department of Chemistry, Keene State College, Keene, NH 03435, USA
| | - John G. Tsavalas
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Daniel L. Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Krisztina Varga
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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14
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Closset M, Cailliau K, Slaby S, Marin M. Effects of Aluminium Contamination on the Nervous System of Freshwater Aquatic Vertebrates: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010031. [PMID: 35008450 PMCID: PMC8744726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aluminium (Al) is the most common natural metallic element in the Earth’s crust. It is released into the environment through natural processes and human activities and accumulates in aquatic environments. This review compiles scientific data on the neurotoxicity of aluminium contamination on the nervous system of aquatic organisms. More precisely, it helps identify biomarkers of aluminium exposure for aquatic environment biomonitoring in freshwater aquatic vertebrates. Al is neurotoxic and accumulates in the nervous system of aquatic vertebrates, which is why it could be responsible for oxidative stress. In addition, it activates and inhibits antioxidant enzymes and leads to changes in acetylcholinesterase activity, neurotransmitter levels, and in the expression of several neural genes and nerve cell components. It also causes histological changes in nerve tissue, modifications of organism behaviour, and cognitive deficit. However, impacts of aluminium exposure on the early stages of aquatic vertebrate development are poorly described. Lastly, this review also poses the question of how accurate aquatic vertebrates (fishes and amphibians) could be used as model organisms to complement biological data relating to the developmental aspect. This “challenge” is very relevant since freshwater pollution with heavy metals has increased in the last few decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Closset
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.C.); (K.C.)
| | - Katia Cailliau
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.C.); (K.C.)
| | - Sylvain Slaby
- Normandie University, UNILEHAVRE, CNRS, UMR 3730 SCALE, Environmental Stress and Aquatic Biomonitoring (SEBIO), F-76600 Le Havre, France;
| | - Matthieu Marin
- University Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.C.); (K.C.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Ren Q, Gao D, Mou L, Zhang S, Zhang M, Li N, Sik A, Jin M, Liu K. Anticonvulsant activity of melatonin and its success in ameliorating epileptic comorbidity-like symptoms in zebrafish. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174589. [PMID: 34699755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of common neurological disorders, greatly distresses the well-being of the sufferers. Melatonin has been used in clinical anti-epileptic studies, but its effect on epileptic comorbidities is unknown, and the underlying mechanism needs further investigation. Herein, by generating PTZ-induced zebrafish seizure model, we carried out interdisciplinary research using neurobehavioral assays, bioelectrical detection, molecular biology, and network pharmacology to investigate the activity of melatonin as well as its pharmacological mechanisms. We found melatonin suppressed seizure-like behavior by using zebrafish regular locomotor assays. Zebrafish freezing and bursting activity assays revealed the ameliorative effect of melatonin on comorbidity-like symptoms. The preliminary screening results of neurobehavioral assays were further verified by the expression of key genes involved in neuronal activity, neurodevelopment, depression and anxiety, as well as electrical signal recording from the midbrain of zebrafish. Subsequently, network pharmacology was introduced to identify potential targets of melatonin and its pathways. Real-time qPCR and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were conducted to confirm the underlying mechanisms associated with glutathione metabolism. We also found that melatonin receptors were involved in this process, which were regulated in response to melatonin exposure before PTZ treatment. The antagonists of melatonin receptors affected anticonvulsant activity of melatonin. Overall, current study revealed the considerable ameliorative effects of melatonin on seizure and epileptic comorbidity-like symptoms and unveiled the underlying mechanism. This study provides an animal model for the clinical application of melatonin in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Ren
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Daili Gao
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Lei Mou
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Attila Sik
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Drug Screening Technology of Shandong Academy of Sciences, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
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16
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Udayakumar P, Das R, Kannadasan A. Significance of probiotics in remodeling the gut consortium to enhance the immunity of Caenorhabditis elegans. Genesis 2021; 59:e23454. [PMID: 34664387 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23454] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the recent past, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as one of the leading nematode models for studying host-microbe interactions on molecular, cellular, or organismal levels. In general, morphological and functional similarities of the gut of C. elegans with respect to that of human has brought in speculations on the study of the intestinal microbiota. On the other hand, probiotics have proved their efficacy in metabolism, development, and pathogenesis thereby inducing an immune response in C. elegans. Nurturing C. elegans with probiotics has led to immunomodulatory effects in the intestinal microbiota, proposing C. elegans as one of the in vivo screening criteria to select potential probiotic bacteria for host health-promoting factors. The major prospect of these probiotics is to exert longevity toward the host in diverse environmental conditions. The extent of research on probiotic metabolism has shed light on mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect exerted by the nematode model. This review discusses various aspects of the effects of probiotics in improving the health and mechanisms involved in conferring immunity in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithika Udayakumar
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Reena Das
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Anandbabu Kannadasan
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India
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17
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Hansen CL, Chamberlain TJ, Trevena RL, Kurek JE, Pelegri F. Conserved germ plasm characteristics across the Danio and Devario lineages. Genesis 2021; 59:e23452. [PMID: 34617657 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23452] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In many animal species, germ cell specification requires the inheritance of germ plasm, a biomolecular condensate containing maternally derived RNAs and proteins. Most studies of germ plasm composition and function have been performed in widely evolutionarily divergent model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus laevis, and Danio rerio (zebrafish). In zebrafish, 12 RNAs localize to germ plasm at the furrows of the early embryo. Here, we tested for the presence of these RNAs in three additional species within the Danionin clade: Danio kyathit, Danio albolineatus, and Devario aequipinnatus. By visualizing nanos RNA, we find that germ plasm segregation patterns during early embryogenesis are conserved across these species. Ten additional germ plasm RNAs exhibit localization at the furrows of early embryos in all three non-zebrafish Danionin species, consistent with germ plasm localization. One component of zebrafish germ plasm, ca15b, lacked specific localization in embryos of the more distantly related D. aequipinnatus. Our findings show that within a subset of closely related Danionin species, the vast majority of germ plasm RNA components are conserved. At the same time, the lack of ca15b localization in D. aequipinnatus germ plasm highlights the potential for the divergence of germ plasm composition across a restricted phylogenetic space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Hansen
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Trevor J Chamberlain
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan L Trevena
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jacob E Kurek
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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18
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Karuo Y, Shiraki R, Yoshida A, Tsunokawa R, Nakahara-Yamada M, Tarui A, Sato K, Kawai K, Omote M, Nishimura H. Identification and Synthesis of DDI-6, a Quinolinol Analog Capable of Activating Both Caenorhabditis elegans and Mouse Spermatozoa. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2021; 69:557-563. [PMID: 34078802 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sperm activation is an essential process by which the male gametes become capable of fertilization. Because the process in Caenorhabditis elegans is readily reproducible in vitro, this organism serves as an excellent model to investigate it. C. elegans sperm activation in vivo occurs during spermiogenesis. Membranous organelles (MOs) contained within spermatids fuse with the plasma membrane, resulting in extracellular release of their contents and relocation of some proteins indispensable for fertilization from the MO membrane onto the sperm surface. Intriguingly, these cytological alternations are exhibited similarly in mouse spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction, which also represents a form of sperm activation, prompting us to hypothesize that C. elegans and mice share a common mechanism for sperm activation. To explore this, we first screened a chemical library to identify compounds that activate C. elegans spermatozoa. Because a quinolinol analog named DDI-6 seemed to be a candidate sperm activator, we synthesized it to use for further analyses. This involved direct dechlorination and hydrogenolysis of commercially available 5-chloro-8-quinolinol, both of which are key steps to yield 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-quinolinol, and we subsequently introduced the sulfonamide group to the compound. When C. elegans spermatids were stimulated with solvent alone or the newly synthesized DDI-6, approx. 3% and approx. 28% of spermatids became MO-fused spermatozoa, respectively. Moreover, DDI-6 triggered the acrosome reaction in approx. 20% of mouse spermatozoa, while approx. 12% became acrosome-reacted after mock stimulation. Thus, DDI-6 serves as a moderately effective activator for both C. elegans and mouse spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Karuo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Riona Shiraki
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
| | - Ayaka Yoshida
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
| | - Ryo Tsunokawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | | | - Atsushi Tarui
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kazuyuki Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kentaro Kawai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Masaaki Omote
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Hitoshi Nishimura
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
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19
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Holler K, Neuschulz A, Drewe-Boß P, Mintcheva J, Spanjaard B, Arsiè R, Ohler U, Landthaler M, Junker JP. Spatio-temporal mRNA tracking in the early zebrafish embryo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3358. [PMID: 34099733 PMCID: PMC8184788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23834-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Early stages of embryogenesis depend on subcellular localization and transport of maternal mRNA. However, systematic analysis of these processes is hindered by a lack of spatio-temporal information in single-cell RNA sequencing. Here, we combine spatially-resolved transcriptomics and single-cell RNA labeling to perform a spatio-temporal analysis of the transcriptome during early zebrafish development. We measure spatial localization of mRNA molecules within the one-cell stage embryo, which allows us to identify a class of mRNAs that are specifically localized at an extraembryonic position, the vegetal pole. Furthermore, we establish a method for high-throughput single-cell RNA labeling in early zebrafish embryos, which enables us to follow the fate of individual maternal transcripts until gastrulation. This approach reveals that many localized transcripts are specifically transported to the primordial germ cells. Finally, we acquire spatial transcriptomes of two xenopus species and compare evolutionary conservation of localized genes as well as enriched sequence motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Holler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Neuschulz
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Drewe-Boß
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janita Mintcheva
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bastiaan Spanjaard
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberto Arsiè
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Ohler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Science, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Philipp Junker
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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20
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Bai Y, Henry J, Campana O, Wlodkowic D. Emerging prospects of integrated bioanalytical systems in neuro-behavioral toxicology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 756:143922. [PMID: 33302078 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity effects of industrial contaminants are currently significantly under investigated and require innovative analytical approaches to assess health and environmental risks at individual, population and ecosystem levels. Behavioral changes assessed using small aquatic invertebrates as standard biological indicators of the aggregate toxic effects, have been broadly postulated as highly integrative indicators of neurotoxicity with physiological and ecological relevance. Despite recent increase in understanding of the emerging value of behavioral biotests, their wider implementation especially in high-throughput environmental risk assessment assays, is largely limited by the lack of advances in analytical technologies. To date, most of the behavioral biotests have only been performed with larger-volumes and lacked dynamic flow-through conditions. They also lack features necessary for development of higher throughput neuro-behavioral ecotoxicity assays such as miniaturization and integration of automated components. We postulate that some contemporary analytical limitations can be effectively addressed by innovative Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) technologies, an emerging and multidisciplinary field poised to bring significant miniaturization to aquatic ecotoxicity testing. Recent developments in this emerging field demonstrate particular opportunities to study a plethora of behavioral responses of small model organisms in a high-throughput fashion. In this review, we highlight recent advances in this budding new interdisciplinary field of research. We also outline the existing challenges, barriers to development and provide a future outlook in the evolving field of neurobehavioral ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Bai
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason Henry
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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21
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Exner CRT, Willsey HR. Xenopus leads the way: Frogs as a pioneering model to understand the human brain. Genesis 2021; 59:e23405. [PMID: 33369095 PMCID: PMC8130472 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
From its long history in the field of embryology to its recent advances in genetics, Xenopus has been an indispensable model for understanding the human brain. Foundational studies that gave us our first insights into major embryonic patterning events serve as a crucial backdrop for newer avenues of investigation into organogenesis and organ function. The vast array of tools available in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis allows interrogation of developmental phenomena at all levels, from the molecular to the behavioral, and the application of CRISPR technology has enabled the investigation of human disorder risk genes in a higher-throughput manner. As the only major tetrapod model in which all developmental stages are easily manipulated and observed, frogs provide the unique opportunity to study organ development from the earliest stages. All of these features make Xenopus a premier model for studying the development of the brain, a notoriously complex process that demands an understanding of all stages from fertilization to organogenesis and beyond. Importantly, core processes of brain development are conserved between Xenopus and human, underlining the advantages of this model. This review begins by summarizing discoveries made in amphibians that form the cornerstones of vertebrate neurodevelopmental biology and goes on to discuss recent advances that have catapulted our understanding of brain development in Xenopus and in relation to human development and disease. As we engage in a new era of patient-driven gene discovery, Xenopus offers exceptional potential to uncover conserved biology underlying human brain disorders and move towards rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R T Exner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
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22
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Gao J, Shen W. Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115809. [PMID: 33096388 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Xenopus model offers many advantages for investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms underlying embryo development. Moreover, Xenopus oocytes and embryos have been extensively used to study developmental toxicity and human diseases in response to various environmental chemicals. This review first summarizes recent advances in using Xenopus as a vertebrate model to study distinct types of tissue/organ development following exposure to environmental toxicants, chemical reagents, and pharmaceutical drugs. Then, the successful use of Xenopus as a model for diseases, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, autism, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, is reviewed. The potential application of Xenopus in genetic and chemical screening to protect against embryo deficits induced by chemical toxicants and related diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanmei Gao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; College of Life and Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wanhua Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
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23
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Harding P, Cunha DL, Moosajee M. Animal and cellular models of microphthalmia. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:2633004021997447. [PMID: 37181112 PMCID: PMC10032472 DOI: 10.1177/2633004021997447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Microphthalmia is a rare developmental eye disorder affecting 1 in 7000 births. It is defined as a small (axial length ⩾2 standard deviations below the age-adjusted mean) underdeveloped eye, caused by disruption of ocular development through genetic or environmental factors in the first trimester of pregnancy. Clinical phenotypic heterogeneity exists amongst patients with varying levels of severity, and associated ocular and systemic features. Up to 11% of blind children are reported to have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By identifying the aetiology of microphthalmia and understanding how the mechanisms of eye development are disrupted, we can gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis. Animal models, mainly mouse, zebrafish and Xenopus, have provided extensive information on the genetic regulation of oculogenesis, and how perturbation of these pathways leads to microphthalmia. However, differences exist between species, hence cellular models, such as patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) optic vesicles, are now being used to provide greater insights into the human disease process. Progress in 3D cellular modelling techniques has enhanced the ability of researchers to study interactions of different cell types during eye development. Through improved molecular knowledge of microphthalmia, preventative or postnatal therapies may be developed, together with establishing genotype-phenotype correlations in order to provide patients with the appropriate prognosis, multidisciplinary care and informed genetic counselling. This review summarises some key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future. Plain language summary Animal and Cellular Models of the Eye Disorder, Microphthalmia (Small Eye) Microphthalmia, meaning a small, underdeveloped eye, is a rare disorder that children are born with. Genetic changes or variations in the environment during the first 3 months of pregnancy can disrupt early development of the eye, resulting in microphthalmia. Up to 11% of blind children have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By understanding the genes necessary for eye development, we can determine how disruption by genetic changes or environmental factors can cause this condition. This helps us understand why microphthalmia occurs, and ensure patients are provided with the appropriate clinical care and genetic counselling advice. Additionally, by understanding the causes of microphthalmia, researchers can develop treatments to prevent or reduce the severity of this condition. Animal models, particularly mice, zebrafish and frogs, which can also develop small eyes due to the same genetic/environmental changes, have helped us understand the genes which are important for eye development and can cause birth eye defects when disrupted. Studying a patient's own cells grown in the laboratory can further help researchers understand how changes in genes affect their function. Both animal and cellular models can be used to develop and test new drugs, which could provide treatment options for patients living with microphthalmia. This review summarises the key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath
Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Zlatow AL, Wilson SS, Bouley DM, Tetens-Woodring J, Buchholz DR, Green SL. Axial Skeletal Malformations in Genetically Modified Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. Comp Med 2020; 70:532-541. [PMID: 33203505 PMCID: PMC7754201 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-20-000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal malformations in captive-bred, adult Xenopus spp., have not previously been reported. Here we describe 10 sexually mature, genetically modified laboratory frogs (6 Xenopus laevis and 4 Xenopus tropicalis) with axial skeletal abnormalities. The young adult frogs were described by veterinary staff as presenting with "hunchbacks," but were otherwise considered to be in good health. All affected frogs were genetically engineered using various techniques: transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) editing using thyroid hormone receptor α TALEN mRNA, restriction enzyme-mediated integration methods involving insertion of the inducible transgene pCAR/TRDN, or via I-SceI meganuclease transgenesis using either pDRTREdpTR-HS4 or pDPCrtTA-TREG-HS4 plasmid sequences. Radiographic findings (6 frogs) and gross necropsy (10 frogs) revealed vertebral column malformations and sacroiliac deformities that resulted in moderate to severe kyphosis and kyphoscoliosis. These findings were confirmed and additional skeletal abnormalities were identified using computed tomography to create a 3D reconstruction of 4 frogs. Additional findings visible on the 3D reconstructions included incomplete vertebral segmentation, malformed transverse processes, and a short and/or curved urostyle. Histopathologic findings included misshapen intervertebral joints with nonconforming articular surfaces, narrowed joint cavities, flattened or irregularly-formed articular cartilage, irregular maturation lines and nonpolarized chondrocytes, excess fibrocartilage, and evidence of irregular bone resorption and growth. While the specific etiology of the vertebral skeletal abnormalities remains unclear, possibilities include: 1) egg/oocyte physical manipulation (dejellying, microinjection, fertilization, etc.), 2) induction and expression of the transgenes, 3) inactivation (knockout) of existing genes by insertional mutagenesis, or 4) a combination of the above. Furthermore, the possibility of undetected changes in the macro or microenvironment, or a feature of the genetic background of the affected frogs cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Zlatow
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sabrina S Wilson
- Diagnostic Imaging Service, William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Donna M Bouley
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Daniel R Buchholz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sherril L Green
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California;,
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25
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Nguyen JKB, Eames BF. Evolutionary repression of chondrogenic genes in the vertebrate osteoblast. FEBS J 2020; 287:4354-4361. [PMID: 31994313 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression in extant animals might reveal how skeletal cells have evolved over the past 500 million years. The cells that make up cartilage (chondrocytes) and bone (osteoblasts) express many of the same genes, but they also have important molecular differences that allow us to distinguish them as separate cell types. For example, traditional studies of later-diverged vertebrates, such as mouse and chick, defined the genes Col2a1 and sex-determining region Y-box 9 as cartilage-specific. However, recent studies have shown that osteoblasts of earlier-diverged vertebrates, such as frog, gar, and zebrafish, express these 'chondrogenic' markers. In this review, we examine the resulting hypothesis that chondrogenic gene expression became repressed in osteoblasts over evolutionary time. The amphibian is an underexplored skeletal model that is uniquely positioned to address this hypothesis, especially given that it diverged when life transitioned from water to land. Given the relationship between phylogeny and ontogeny, a novel discovery for skeletal cell evolution might bolster our understanding of skeletal cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K B Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - B Frank Eames
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Kha CX, Guerin DJ, Tseng KAS. Studying In Vivo Retinal Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Xenopus laevis. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2092:19-33. [PMID: 31786778 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0175-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficient generation and maintenance of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are key goals needed for developing strategies for productive eye repair. Although vertebrate eye development and retinogenesis are well characterized, the mechanisms that can initiate RPC proliferation following injury-induced regrowth and repair remain unknown. This is partly because endogenous RPC proliferation typically occurs during embryogenesis while studies of retinal regeneration have largely utilized adult (or mature) models. We found that embryos of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, successfully regrew functional eyes after ablation. The initiation of regrowth induced a robust RPC proliferative response with a concomitant delay of the endogenous RPC differentiation program. During eye regrowth, overall embryonic development proceeded normally. Here, we provide a protocol to study regrowth-dependent RPC proliferation in vivo. This system represents a robust and low-cost strategy to rapidly define fundamental mechanisms that regulate regrowth-initiated RPC proliferation, which will facilitate progress in identifying promising strategies for productive eye repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy X Kha
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Dylan J Guerin
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Kelly Ai-Sun Tseng
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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Bonfanti P, Colombo A, Saibene M, Fiandra L, Armenia I, Gamberoni F, Gornati R, Bernardini G, Mantecca P. Iron nanoparticle bio-interactions evaluated in Xenopus laevis embryos, a model for studying the safety of ingested nanoparticles. Nanotoxicology 2019; 14:196-213. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2019.1685695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bonfanti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Anita Colombo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Melissa Saibene
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Fiandra
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Armenia
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Federica Gamberoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Rosalba Gornati
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernardini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paride Mantecca
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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Jin M, Zhang B, Sun Y, Zhang S, Li X, Sik A, Bai Y, Zheng X, Liu K. Involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in anticonvulsant activity of α-asaronol against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in zebrafish. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107760. [PMID: 31493468 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, peroxisome proliferators activated receptors (PPARs), the nuclear hormone receptors, have been reported to be involved in seizure control. Selective agonists and antagonists of PPARs raise seizure thresholds and suppress seizures, respectively. In this study, we evaluated the anticonvulsant effects of α-asaronol, a metabolic product of α-asarone, on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish and investigated the underlying mechanisms. As a result, α-asaronol ameliorated seizures with increase of seizure latency, as well as decrease of seizure-like behavior, c-fos expression, and abnormal neuronal discharge in a concentration dependent manner. By comparing gene expression profiles of zebrafish undergoing seizures and α-asaronol pretreated zebrafish, we found that α-asaronol attenuate seizures through increase of PPAR γ expression, while PPAR γ antagonist GW9662 inhibit the anti-seizures actions of α-asaronol. Moreover, molecular docking simulation implied the physical interaction between α-asaronol and PPAR γ. The overall results indicated that the anticonvulsant effects of α-asaronol are regulated through PPAR γ-mediated pathway, which shed light on development of α-asaronol as a potential antiepileptic drug. In addition, it is for first time to report that PPAR γ is associated with seizures in zebrafish, supporting previous evidence that zebrafish is a suitable alternative for studying seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
| | - Baoyue Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Ying Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, NO.44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Attila Sik
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yajun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China.
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China.
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Siri M, Ruocco MJF, Achilli E, Pizzuto M, Delgado JF, Ruysschaert JM, Grasselli M, Alonso SDV. Effect of structure in ionised albumin based nanoparticle: Characterisation, Emodin interaction, and in vitro cytotoxicity. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 103:109813. [PMID: 31349435 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A γ-irradiated bovine albumin serum-based nanoparticle was characterised structurally, and functionally. The nanoparticle was characterised by A.F.M., D.L.S, zeta potential, T.E.M., gel-electrophoresis, and spectroscopy. We studied the stability of the nanoparticle at different pH values and against time, by fluorescence spectroscopy following the changes in the tryptophan environment in the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle was also functionalized with Folic Acid, its function as a nanovehicle was evaluated through its interaction with the hydrophobic drug Emodin. The binding and kinetic properties of the obtained complex were evaluated by biophysical methods as well as its toxicity in tumor cells. According to its biophysics, the nanoparticle is a spherical nanosized vehicle with a hydrodynamic diameter of 70 nm. Data obtained describe the nanoparticle as nontoxic for cancer cell lines. When combined with Emodin, the nanoparticle proved to be more active on MCF-7 cancer cell lines than the nanoparticle without Emodin. Significantly, the albumin aggregate preserves the main activity-function of albumin and improved characteristics as an excellent carrier of molecules. More than carrier properties, the nanoparticle alone induced an immune response in macrophages which may be advantageous in vaccine and cancer therapy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Siri
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas (LBM), Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, IMBICE-CONICET-CICPBA, Argentina
| | - Maria Julieta Fernandez Ruocco
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas (LBM), Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, IMBICE-CONICET-CICPBA, Argentina; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Estefanía Achilli
- Laboratorio de Materiales Biotecnológicos (LaMaBio), Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, IMBICE-CONICET-CICPBA, Argentina
| | - Malvina Pizzuto
- Laboratory of the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Center for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 206/02, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan F Delgado
- Laboratorio de Obtención, Modificación, Caracterización y Evaluación de Materiales (LOMCEM), Conicet, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Jean-Marie Ruysschaert
- Laboratory of the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Center for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 206/02, Bd du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mariano Grasselli
- Laboratorio de Materiales Biotecnológicos (LaMaBio), Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, IMBICE-CONICET-CICPBA, Argentina
| | - Silvia Del V Alonso
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas (LBM), Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, IMBICE-CONICET-CICPBA, Argentina.
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Selvaraju K, Mofers A, Pellegrini P, Salomonsson J, Ahlner A, Morad V, Hillert EK, Espinosa B, Arnér ESJ, Jensen L, Malmström J, Turkina MV, D'Arcy P, Walters MA, Sunnerhagen M, Linder S. Cytotoxic unsaturated electrophilic compounds commonly target the ubiquitin proteasome system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9841. [PMID: 31285509 PMCID: PMC6614553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of natural products have been advocated as anticancer agents. Many of these compounds contain functional groups characterized by chemical reactivity. It is not clear whether distinct mechanisms of action can be attributed to such compounds. We used a chemical library screening approach to demonstrate that a substantial fraction (~20%) of cytotoxic synthetic compounds containing Michael acceptor groups inhibit proteasome substrate processing and induce a cellular response characteristic of proteasome inhibition. Biochemical and structural analyses showed binding to and inhibition of proteasome-associated cysteine deubiquitinases, in particular ubiquitin specific peptidase 14 (USP14). The results suggested that compounds bind to a crevice close to the USP14 active site with modest affinity, followed by covalent binding. A subset of compounds was identified where cell death induction was closely associated with proteasome inhibition and that showed significant antineoplastic activity in a zebrafish embryo model. These findings suggest that proteasome inhibition is a relatively common mode of action by cytotoxic compounds containing Michael acceptor groups and help to explain previous reports on the antineoplastic effects of natural products containing such functional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Selvaraju
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Arjan Mofers
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Paola Pellegrini
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johannes Salomonsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Ahlner
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vivian Morad
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Belen Espinosa
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Maria V Turkina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine SE-58185 Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Padraig D'Arcy
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael A Walters
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States
| | - Maria Sunnerhagen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stig Linder
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58183, Linköping, Sweden. .,Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Towards High-Throughput Chemobehavioural Phenomics in Neuropsychiatric Drug Discovery. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060340. [PMID: 31174272 PMCID: PMC6627923 DOI: 10.3390/md17060340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel marine-derived neuroactive chemicals with therapeutic potential is difficult due to inherent complexities of the central nervous system (CNS), our limited understanding of the molecular foundations of neuro-psychiatric conditions, as well as the limited applications of effective high-throughput screening models that recapitulate functionalities of the intact CNS. Furthermore, nearly all neuro-modulating chemicals exhibit poorly characterized pleiotropic activities often referred to as polypharmacology. The latter renders conventional target-based in vitro screening approaches very difficult to accomplish. In this context, chemobehavioural phenotyping using innovative small organism models such as planarians and zebrafish represent powerful and highly integrative approaches to study the impact of new chemicals on central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast to in vitro bioassays aimed predominantly at identification of chemicals acting on single targets, phenotypic chemobehavioural analysis allows for complex multi-target interactions to occur in combination with studies of polypharmacological effects of chemicals in a context of functional and intact milieu of the whole organism. In this review, we will outline recent advances in high-throughput chemobehavioural phenotyping and provide a future outlook on how those innovative methods can be utilized for rapidly screening and characterizing marine-derived compounds with prospective applications in neuropharmacology and psychosomatic medicine.
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Ohnesorge N, Sasore T, Hillary D, Alvarez Y, Carey M, Kennedy BN. Orthogonal Drug Pooling Enhances Phenotype-Based Discovery of Ocular Antiangiogenic Drugs in Zebrafish Larvae. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:508. [PMID: 31178719 PMCID: PMC6544088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unbiased screening of large randomized chemical libraries in vivo is a powerful tool to find new drugs and targets. However, forward chemical screens in zebrafish can be time consuming and usually >99% of test compounds have no significant effect on the desired phenotype. Here, we sought to find bioactive drugs more efficiently and to comply with the 3R principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animals in research. We investigated if pooling of drugs to simultaneously test 8–10 compounds in zebrafish larvae can increase the screening efficiency of an established assay that identifies drugs inhibiting developmental angiogenesis in the eye. In a phenotype-based screen, we tested 1,760 small molecule compounds from the ChemBridge DIVERSet™ chemical library for their ability to inhibit the formation of distinct primary hyaloid vessels in the eye. Applying orthogonal pooling of the chemical library, we treated zebrafish embryos from 3 to 5 days post fertilization with pools of 8 or 10 compounds at 10 μM each. This reduced the number of tests from 1,760 to 396. In 63% of cases, treatment showed sub-threshold effects of <40% reduction of primary hyaloid vessels. From 18 pool hits, we identified eight compounds that reduce hyaloid vessels in the larval zebrafish eye by at least 40%. Compound 4-[4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenoxy]aniline ranked as the most promising candidate with reproducible and dose-dependent effects. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a self-deconvoluting matrix strategy applied to drug screening in zebrafish. We conclude that the orthogonal drug pooling strategy is a cost-effective, time-saving, and unbiased approach to discover novel inhibitors of developmental angiogenesis in the eye. Ultimately, this approach may identify new drugs or targets to mitigate disease caused by pathological angiogenesis in the eye, e.g., diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, wherein blood vessel growth and leaky vessels lead to vision impairment or clinical blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Ohnesorge
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Temitope Sasore
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel Hillary
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yolanda Alvarez
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Carey
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Saide K, Sherwood V, Wheeler GN. Paracetamol-induced liver injury modelled in Xenopus laevis embryos. Toxicol Lett 2019; 302:83-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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A Bubble-Free Microfluidic Device for Easy-to-Operate Immobilization, Culturing and Monitoring of Zebrafish Embryos. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10030168. [PMID: 30823425 PMCID: PMC6470713 DOI: 10.3390/mi10030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of miniaturized devices for studying zebrafish embryos has been limited due to complicated fabrication and operation processes. Here, we reported on a microfluidic device that enabled the capture and culture of zebrafish embryos and real-time monitoring of dynamic embryonic development. The device was simply fabricated by bonding two layers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures replicated from three-dimensional (3D) printed reusable molds onto a flat glass substrate. Embryos were easily loaded into the device with a pipette, docked in traps by gravity, and then retained in traps with hydrodynamic forces for long-term culturing. A degassing chamber bonded on top was used to remove air bubbles from the embryo-culturing channel and traps so that any embryo movement caused by air bubbles was eliminated during live imaging. Computational fluid dynamics simulations suggested this embryo-trapping and -retention regime to exert low shear stress on the immobilized embryos. Monitoring of the zebrafish embryogenesis over 20 h during the early stages successfully verified the performance of the microfluidic device for culturing the immobilized zebrafish embryos. Therefore, this rapid-prototyping, low-cost and easy-to-operate microfluidic device offers a promising platform for the long-term culturing of immobilized zebrafish embryos under continuous medium perfusion and the high-quality screening of the developmental dynamics.
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Willsey AJ, Morris MT, Wang S, Willsey HR, Sun N, Teerikorpi N, Baum TB, Cagney G, Bender KJ, Desai TA, Srivastava D, Davis GW, Doudna J, Chang E, Sohal V, Lowenstein DH, Li H, Agard D, Keiser MJ, Shoichet B, von Zastrow M, Mucke L, Finkbeiner S, Gan L, Sestan N, Ward ME, Huttenhain R, Nowakowski TJ, Bellen HJ, Frank LM, Khokha MK, Lifton RP, Kampmann M, Ideker T, State MW, Krogan NJ. The Psychiatric Cell Map Initiative: A Convergent Systems Biological Approach to Illuminating Key Molecular Pathways in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cell 2018; 174:505-520. [PMID: 30053424 PMCID: PMC6247911 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although gene discovery in neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Tourette disorder, has accelerated, resulting in a large number of molecular clues, it has proven difficult to generate specific hypotheses without the corresponding datasets at the protein complex and functional pathway level. Here, we describe one path forward-an initiative aimed at mapping the physical and genetic interaction networks of these conditions and then using these maps to connect the genomic data to neurobiology and, ultimately, the clinic. These efforts will include a team of geneticists, structural biologists, neurobiologists, systems biologists, and clinicians, leveraging a wide array of experimental approaches and creating a collaborative infrastructure necessary for long-term investigation. This initiative will ultimately intersect with parallel studies that focus on other diseases, as there is a significant overlap with genes implicated in cancer, infectious disease, and congenital heart defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Montana T Morris
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sheng Wang
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Helen R Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nawei Sun
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nia Teerikorpi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tierney B Baum
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gerard Cagney
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tejal A Desai
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jennifer Doudna
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Edward Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Vikaas Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Daniel H Lowenstein
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Agard
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael J Keiser
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Brian Shoichet
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark von Zastrow
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lennart Mucke
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth Huttenhain
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Neuroscience, Neurological Research Institute at TCH, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Loren M Frank
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Richard P Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Trey Ideker
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Desanlis I, Felstead HL, Edwards DR, Wheeler GN. ADAMTS9, a member of the ADAMTS family, in Xenopus development. Gene Expr Patterns 2018; 29:72-81. [PMID: 29935379 PMCID: PMC6119763 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by metalloproteinases is crucial during development. The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin type I motifs) enzymes are secreted, multi-domain matrix-associated zinc metalloendopeptidases that have diverse roles in tissue morphogenesis and patho-physiological remodeling. The human family includes 19 members. In this study we identified the 19 members of the ADAMTS family in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis. Gene identification and a phylogenetic study revealed strong conservation of the ADAMTS family and contributed to a better annotation of the Xenopus genomes. Expression of the entire ADAMTS family was studied from early stages to tadpole stages of Xenopus, and detailed analysis of ADAMTS9 revealed expression in many structures during organogenesis such as neural crest (NC) derivative tissues, the pronephros and the pancreas. Versican, a matrix component substrate of ADAMTS9 shows a similar expression pattern suggesting a role of ADAMTS9 in the remodeling of the ECM in these structures by degradation of versican.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Desanlis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Hannah L Felstead
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Dylan R Edwards
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Manjunatha B, Park SH, Kim K, Kundapur RR, Lee SJ. In vivo toxicity evaluation of pristine graphene in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:12821-12829. [PMID: 29476369 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Graphene has been used in several fields covering from electronics to biomedicine, especially exhibiting a widespread variety of promising biological and biomedical applications. In the past decade, the biomedical applications of graphene have attracted much interest. However, the effect of pristine graphene (pG) toxicity in aquatic vertebrates has not been fully studied. Thus, in this study, the toxicity of pG was experimentally evaluated using developing zebrafish embryos as in vivo model system. To determine this, 4-hpf embryos were exposed to different concentrations of pG (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 μg/L) and different early life-stage parameters were observed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpf. Through embryogenesis, pG was observed to induce significant embryonic mortality, delayed hatching, heartbeat, several morphological defects, pericardial toxicity, and bradycardia. Yolk sac edema and pericardial edema were induced by pG in developing embryos. These outcomes would provide new insights into the adverse effects of pG on the developing embryonic cardiac defects in vertebrates and highlight the probable natural environment and health hazards of pG flakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangeppagari Manjunatha
- Center for Biofluid and Biomimic Research, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea
| | - Sung Ho Park
- Center for Biofluid and Biomimic Research, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea
| | - Kiwoong Kim
- Center for Biofluid and Biomimic Research, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea
| | | | - Sang Joon Lee
- Center for Biofluid and Biomimic Research, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 73673, South Korea.
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38
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Babošová M, Vašeková P, Porhajašová JI, Noskovič J. Influence of temperature on reproduction and length of metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura). EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2018.1450456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Babošová
- Department of Environmental and Zoology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - P. Vašeková
- Department of Environmental and Zoology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - J. I. Porhajašová
- Department of Environmental and Zoology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - J. Noskovič
- Department of Environmental and Zoology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic
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Corkins ME, Hanania HL, Krneta-Stankic V, DeLay BD, Pearl EJ, Lee M, Ji H, Davidson AJ, Horb ME, Miller RK. Transgenic Xenopus laevis Line for In Vivo Labeling of Nephrons within the Kidney. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E197. [PMID: 29642376 PMCID: PMC5924539 DOI: 10.3390/genes9040197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenopus laevis embryos are an established model for studying kidney development. The nephron structure and genetic pathways that regulate nephrogenesis are conserved between Xenopus and humans, allowing for the study of human disease-causing genes. Xenopus embryos are also amenable to large-scale screening, but studies of kidney disease-related genes have been impeded because assessment of kidney development has largely been limited to examining fixed embryos. To overcome this problem, we have generated a transgenic line that labels the kidney. We characterize this cdh17:eGFP line, showing green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in the pronephric and mesonephric kidneys and colocalization with known kidney markers. We also demonstrate the feasibility of live imaging of embryonic kidney development and the use of cdh17:eGFP as a kidney marker for secretion assays. Additionally, we develop a new methodology to isolate and identify kidney cells for primary culture. We also use morpholino knockdown of essential kidney development genes to establish that GFP expression enables observation of phenotypes, previously only described in fixed embryos. Taken together, this transgenic line will enable primary kidney cell culture and live imaging of pronephric and mesonephric kidney development. It will also provide a simple means for high-throughput screening of putative human kidney disease-causing genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Corkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.C.); (H.L.H.); (V.K.-S.); (B.D.D.)
| | - Hannah L. Hanania
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.C.); (H.L.H.); (V.K.-S.); (B.D.D.)
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Vanja Krneta-Stankic
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.C.); (H.L.H.); (V.K.-S.); (B.D.D.)
- Program in Genes and Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Bridget D. DeLay
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.C.); (H.L.H.); (V.K.-S.); (B.D.D.)
| | - Esther J. Pearl
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; (E.J.P.); (M.E.H.)
| | - Moonsup Lee
- Program in Genes and Development, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Alan J. Davidson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Marko E. Horb
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; (E.J.P.); (M.E.H.)
| | - Rachel K. Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.C.); (H.L.H.); (V.K.-S.); (B.D.D.)
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Fainsod A, Kot-Leibovich H. Xenopus embryos to study fetal alcohol syndrome, a model for environmental teratogenesis. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 96:77-87. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate model systems are central to characterize the outcomes of ethanol exposure and the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), taking advantage of their genetic and morphological closeness and similarity to humans. We discuss the contribution of amphibian embryos to FASD research, focusing on Xenopus embryos. The Xenopus experimental system is characterized by external development and accessibility throughout embryogenesis, large clutch sizes, gene and protein activity manipulation, transgenesis and genome editing, convenient chemical treatment, explants and conjugates, and many other experimental approaches. Taking advantage of these methods, many insights regarding FASD have been obtained. These studies characterized the malformations induced by ethanol including quantitative analysis of craniofacial malformations, induction of fetal growth restriction, delay in gut maturation, and defects in the differentiation of the neural crest. Mechanistic, biochemical, and molecular studies in Xenopus embryos identified early gastrula as the high alcohol sensitivity window, targeting the embryonic organizer and inducing a delay in gastrulation movements. Frog embryos have also served to demonstrate the involvement of reduced retinoic acid production and an increase in reactive oxygen species in FASD. Amphibian embryos have helped pave the way for our mechanistic, molecular, and biochemical understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Hadas Kot-Leibovich
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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Woll KA, Eckenhoff RG. High-Throughput Screening to Identify Anesthetic Ligands Using Xenopus laevis Tadpoles. Methods Enzymol 2018; 602:177-187. [PMID: 29588028 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
General anesthetics are considered among the most significant advances in modern medicine; however, they are also some of the most dangerous commonly administered drugs. Despite this, the discovery of novel anesthetics has been slow, with few clinically used agents regardless of their nearly 200-year history. Xenopus laevis frogs have a long history as a model organism and provide a vital bridge between in vitro and preclinical mammalian assays. The provided protocols are efficient and cost-effective and therefore readily amendable for high-throughput evaluation of novel anesthetic ligands. By using the X. laevis bioassay, a researcher is capable of determining relative general anesthetic tolerance and/or cross-tolerance for candidate nonvolatile and/or volatile ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A Woll
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Roderic G Eckenhoff
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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42
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Sullivan KG, Levin M. Inverse Drug Screening of Bioelectric Signaling and Neurotransmitter Roles: Illustrated Using a Xenopus Tail Regeneration Assay. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2018; 2018:pdb.prot099937. [PMID: 29437995 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot099937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Xenopus embryos and larvae are an ideal model system in which to study the interplay between genetics, physiology, and anatomy in the control of structure and function. An important emerging field is the study of bioelectric signaling, the exchange of ion- and neurotransmitter-mediated messages among all types of cells (not just nerve and muscle cells), in the regulation of growth and form during embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer. To facilitate the mechanistic investigation of bioelectric events in vivo, it is necessary to identify the endogenous signaling machinery involved in any patterning process of interest. This protocol uses the tail regeneration assay in Xenopus to perform an inverse drug screen; tiers of known compounds are used to probe the involvement of increasingly specific classes of bioelectric and neurotransmitter machinery. By using a hierarchical approach, large classes of targets are ruled out in early rounds, focusing attention on progressively narrower sets of proteins. Such a screen avoids many of the limitations of a molecular-genetic targeting approach and provides a rapid and efficient way to focus on specific targets. Usually, <10 experiments are needed to determine whether bioelectrics and/or neurotransmitter signaling are involved in the process of interest. This protocol describes the strategy in the context of a semiquantitative analysis of tail regeneration but can be applied to any assay in Xenopus or other small aquatic model system (e.g., zebrafish). Given the ever-increasing toolkit of chemical genetics, such screens represent a powerful and versatile methodology for probing the physiological circuits underlying pattern regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly G Sullivan
- Biology Department, and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155
| | - Michael Levin
- Biology Department, and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155
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43
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DeLay BD, Corkins ME, Hanania HL, Salanga M, Deng JM, Sudou N, Taira M, Horb ME, Miller RK. Tissue-Specific Gene Inactivation in Xenopus laevis: Knockout of lhx1 in the Kidney with CRISPR/Cas9. Genetics 2018; 208:673-686. [PMID: 29187504 PMCID: PMC5788530 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying genes involved in organogenesis is often difficult because many of these genes are also essential for early development. The allotetraploid frog, Xenopus laevis, is commonly used to study developmental processes, but because of the presence of two homeologs for many genes, it has been difficult to use as a genetic model. Few studies have successfully used CRISPR in amphibians, and currently there is no tissue-targeted knockout strategy described in Xenopus The goal of this study is to determine whether CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout can be targeted to the Xenopus kidney without perturbing essential early gene function. We demonstrate that targeting CRISPR gene editing to the kidney and the eye of F0 embryos is feasible. Our study shows that knockout of both homeologs of lhx1 results in the disruption of kidney development and function but does not lead to early developmental defects. Therefore, targeting of CRISPR to the kidney may not be necessary to bypass the early developmental defects reported upon disruption of Lhx1 protein expression or function by morpholinos, antisense RNA, or dominant negative constructs. We also establish a control for CRISPR in Xenopus by editing a gene (slc45a2) that when knocked out results in albinism without altering kidney development. This study establishes the feasibility of tissue-specific gene knockout in Xenopus, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for assessing the roles of genes implicated in developmental abnormalities that is amenable to high-throughput gene or drug screening techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget D DeLay
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Mark E Corkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hannah L Hanania
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251
| | - Matthew Salanga
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
| | - Jian Min Deng
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Norihiro Sudou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Masanori Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan
| | - Marko E Horb
- National Xenopus Resource and Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
| | - Rachel K Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas 77030
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center University of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas 77030
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44
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Abstract
During pregnancy fetus can be exposed to a variety of chemicals which may induce abortion and malformations. Due to the amounts of new substances coming into the market every year, a high demand for a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective method to detect potential toxicity is necessary. Different species have been used as animal models for teratogen screening, most of them sharing similar development processes with humans. However, the application of embryology knowledge to teratology is hampered by the complexity of the reproduction processes.The present chapter outlines the essential development periods in different models, and highlights the similarities and differences between species, advantages and disadvantages of each group, and specific sensitivities for teratogenic tests. These models can be organized into the following categories: (1) invertebrate species such Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, which have become ideal for screening simple mechanisms in the early periods of reproductive cycle, allowing for rapid results and minor ethical concerns; (2) vertebrate nonmammalian species such Xenopus laevis and Danio rerio, important models to assess teratogenic potential in later development with fewer ethical requirements; and (3) the mammalian species Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, phylogenetically more close to humans, essential to assess complex specialized processes, that occur later in development.Rules for development toxicology tests require the use of mammalian species. However, ethical concerns and costs limit their use in large-scale screening. By contrast, invertebrate and vertebrate nonmammalian species are increasing as alternative animal models, as these organisms combine less ethical requirements, low costs and culture conditions compatible with large-scale screening. In contrast to the in vitro techniques, their main advantage is to allow for high-throughput screening in a whole-animal context, not dependent on the prior identification of a target. In this chapter, the biological development of the animals most used in teratogenic tests is adressed with the aims of maximizing human translation, reducing the number of animals used, and the time to market for new drugs.
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45
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Abstract
Zebrafish are increasingly used to perform phenotypic screens to identify agents that can alter physiology in a whole organismal context. Here, we describe an automated high-content chemical screen using transgenic zebrafish embryos to identify small molecules that modulate Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling. High content multi-well screening was further refined with a particular emphasis on automated imaging and quantification that increases sensitivity and throughput of whole organism chemical screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manush Saydmohammed
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5062 Biomedical Science Tower 3, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5062 Biomedical Science Tower 3, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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46
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García-Caballero M, Quesada AR, Medina MA, Marí-Beffa M. Fishing anti(lymph)angiogenic drugs with zebrafish. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:366-374. [PMID: 29081356 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish, an amenable small teleost fish with a complex mammal-like circulatory system, is being increasingly used for drug screening and toxicity studies. It combines the biological complexity of in vivo models with a higher-throughput screening capability compared with other available animal models. Externally growing, transparent embryos, displaying well-defined blood and lymphatic vessels, allow the inexpensive, rapid, and automatable evaluation of drug candidates that are able to inhibit neovascularisation. Here, we briefly review zebrafish as a model for the screening of anti(lymph)angiogenic drugs, with emphasis on the advantages and limitations of the different zebrafish-based in vivo assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa García-Caballero
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, and IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), University of Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain; Unit 741 of CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana R Quesada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, and IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), University of Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain; Unit 741 of CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel A Medina
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, and IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), University of Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain; Unit 741 of CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Manuel Marí-Beffa
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Málaga, Spain.
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47
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Maia LA, Velloso I, Abreu JG. Advances in the use ofXenopusfor successful drug screening. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1153-1159. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1367281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena A. Maia
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ian Velloso
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose G. Abreu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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48
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Al-Yousuf K, Webster CA, Wheeler GN, Bombelli FB, Sherwood V. Combining Cytotoxicity Assessment and Xenopus laevis Phenotypic Abnormality Assay as a Predictor of Nanomaterial Safety. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 73:20.13.1-20.13.33. [PMID: 28777439 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as an efficient pre-clinical screening tool to predict drug safety during the early stages of the drug discovery process. X. laevis is a relatively inexpensive model that can be used in whole organism high-throughput assays whilst maintaining a high degree of homology to the higher vertebrate models often used in scientific research. Despite an ever-increasing volume of biomedical nanoparticles (NPs) in development, their unique physico-chemical properties challenge the use of standard toxicology assays. Here, we present a protocol that directly compares the sensitivity of X. laevis development as a tool to assess potential NP toxicity by observation of embryo phenotypic abnormalities/lethality after NP exposure, to in vitro cytotoxicity obtained using mammalian cell lines. In combination with conventional cytotoxicity assays, the X. laevis phenotypic assay provides accurate data to efficiently assess the safety of novel biomedical NPs. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamallah Al-Yousuf
- Skin Tumour Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Carl A Webster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victoria Sherwood
- Skin Tumour Laboratory, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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49
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Porro LB, Richards CT. Digital dissection of the model organism Xenopus laevis using contrast-enhanced computed tomography. J Anat 2017; 231:169-191. [PMID: 28547827 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, is one of the most widely used model organisms in biological research. However, the most recent anatomical description of X. laevis was produced nearly a century ago. Compared with other anurans, pipid frogs - including X. laevis - exhibit numerous unusual morphological features; thus, anatomical descriptions of more 'typical' frogs do not detail many aspects of X. laevis skeletal and soft-tissue morphology. The relatively new method of using iodine-based agents to stain soft tissues prior to high-resolution X-ray imaging has several advantages over gross dissection, such as enabling dissection of very small and fragile specimens, and preserving the three-dimensional topology of anatomical structures. Here, we use contrast-enhanced computed tomography to produce a high-resolution three-dimensional digital dissection of a post-metamorphic X. laevis to successfully visualize: skeletal and muscular anatomy; the nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems; and the major sense organs. Our digital dissection updates and supplements previous anatomical descriptions of this key model organism, and we present the three-dimensional data as interactive portable document format (PDF) files that are easily accessible and freely available for research and educational purposes. The data presented here hold enormous potential for applications beyond descriptive purposes, particularly for biological researchers using this taxon as a model organism, comparative anatomy and biomechanical modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Porro
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Christopher T Richards
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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50
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Stooke-Vaughan GA, Davidson LA, Woolner S. Xenopus as a model for studies in mechanical stress and cell division. Genesis 2017; 55. [PMID: 28095623 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We exist in a physical world, and cells within biological tissues must respond appropriately to both environmental forces and forces generated within the tissue to ensure normal development and homeostasis. Cell division is required for normal tissue growth and maintenance, but both the direction and rate of cell division must be tightly controlled to avoid diseases of over-proliferation such as cancer. Recent studies have shown that mechanical cues can cause mitotic entry and orient the mitotic spindle, suggesting that physical force could play a role in patterning tissue growth. However, to fully understand how mechanics guides cells in vivo, it is necessary to assess the interaction of mechanical strain and cell division in a whole tissue context. In this mini-review we first summarise the body of work linking mechanics and cell division, before looking at the advantages that the Xenopus embryo can offer as a model organism for understanding: (1) the mechanical environment during embryogenesis, and (2) factors important for cell division. Finally, we introduce a novel method for applying a reproducible strain to Xenopus embryonic tissue and assessing subsequent cell divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina A Stooke-Vaughan
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Lance A Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - Sarah Woolner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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