1
|
Green AJ, Truong L, Thunga P, Leong C, Hancock M, Tanguay RL, Reif DM. Deep autoencoder-based behavioral pattern recognition outperforms standard statistical methods in high-dimensional zebrafish studies. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012423. [PMID: 39255309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an essential model organism in screening for developmental neurotoxic chemicals and their molecular targets. The success of zebrafish as a screening model is partially due to their physical characteristics including their relatively simple nervous system, rapid development, experimental tractability, and genetic diversity combined with technical advantages that allow for the generation of large amounts of high-dimensional behavioral data. These data are complex and require advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to comprehensively analyze and capture spatiotemporal responses. To accomplish this goal, we have trained semi-supervised deep autoencoders using behavior data from unexposed larval zebrafish to extract quintessential "normal" behavior. Following training, our network was evaluated using data from larvae shown to have significant changes in behavior (using a traditional statistical framework) following exposure to toxicants that include nanomaterials, aromatics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental contaminants. Further, our model identified new chemicals (Perfluoro-n-octadecanoic acid, 8-Chloroperfluorooctylphosphonic acid, and Nonafluoropentanamide) as capable of inducing abnormal behavior at multiple chemical-concentrations pairs not captured using distance moved alone. Leveraging this deep learning model will allow for better characterization of the different exposure-induced behavioral phenotypes, facilitate improved genetic and neurobehavioral analysis in mechanistic determination studies and provide a robust framework for analyzing complex behaviors found in higher-order model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Green
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Sciome LLC, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Connor Leong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Melody Hancock
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David M Reif
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Predictive Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Souza BR, Codo BC, Romano-Silva MA, Tropepe V. Darpp-32 is regulated by dopamine and is required for the formation of GABAergic neurons in the developing telencephalon. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111060. [PMID: 38906412 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr. 32 kDa) is a phosphoprotein that is modulated by multiple receptors integrating intracellular pathways and playing roles in various physiological functions. It is regulated by dopaminergic receptors through the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, which modulates the phosphorylation of threonine 34 (Thr34). When phosphorylated at Thr34, DARPP-32 becomes a potent protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) inhibitor. Since dopamine is involved in the development of GABAergic neurons and DARPP-32 is expressed in the developing brain, it is possible that DARPP-32 has a role in GABAergic neuronal development. We cloned the zebrafish darpp-32 gene (ppp1r1b) gene and observed that it is evolutionarily conserved in its inhibitory domain (Thr34 and surrounding residues) and the docking motif (residues 7-11 (KKIQF)). We also characterized darpp-32 protein expression throughout the 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larval brain by immunofluorescence and demonstrated that darpp-32 is mainly expressed in regions that receive dopaminergic projections (pallium, subpallium, preoptic region, and hypothalamus). We demonstrated that dopamine acutely suppressed darpp-32 activity by reducing the levels of p-darpp-32 in the 5dpf zebrafish larval brain. In addition, the knockdown of darpp-32 resulted in a decrease in the number of GABAergic neurons in the subpallium of the 5dpf larval brain, with a concomitant increase in the number of DAergic neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that darpp-32 downregulation during development reduced the motor behavior of 5dpf zebrafish larvae. Thus, our observations suggest that darpp-32 is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of dopamine receptor signaling and is required for the formation of GABAergic neurons in the developing telencephalon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rezende Souza
- Laboratório NeuroDEv, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 31270-901; Laboratório de Neurociências Molecular e Comportamental (LANEC) - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Campos Codo
- Laboratório NeuroDEv, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 31270-901; Laboratório de Neurociências Molecular e Comportamental (LANEC) - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Romano-Silva
- Laboratório de Neurociências and INCT de Medicina Molecular, Department of Mental Health, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 30130-100
| | - Vincent Tropepe
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G5.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tignard P, Pottin K, Geeverding A, Doulazmi M, Cabrera M, Fouquet C, Liffran M, Fouchard J, Rosello M, Albadri S, Del Bene F, Trembleau A, Breau MA. Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes are instrumental to ensure proper olfactory placode shape, position and boundary with the brain, as well as olfactory axon development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.29.547040. [PMID: 39253416 PMCID: PMC11383033 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.547040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent progress, the complex roles played by the extracellular matrix in development and disease are still far from being fully understood. Here, we took advantage of the zebrafish sly mutation which affects Laminin γ1, a major component of basement membranes, to explore its role in the development of the olfactory system. Following a detailed characterisation of Laminin distribution in the developing olfactory circuit, we analysed basement membrane integrity, olfactory placode and brain morphogenesis, and olfactory axon development in sly mutants, using a combination of immunochemistry, electron microscopy and quantitative live imaging of cell movements and axon behaviours. Our results point to an original and dual contribution of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in organising the border between the olfactory placode and the adjacent brain: they maintain placode shape and position in the face of major brain morphogenetic movements, they establish a robust physical barrier between the two tissues while at the same time allowing the local entry of the sensory axons into the brain and their navigation towards the olfactory bulb. This work thus identifies key roles of Laminin γ1-dependent basement membranes in neuronal tissue morphogenesis and axon development in vivo .
Collapse
|
4
|
Karimi Z, Zarifkar A, Mirzaei E, Dianatpour M, Dara M, Aligholi H. Therapeutic effects of nanosilibinin in valproic acid-zebrafish model of autism spectrum disorder: Focusing on Wnt signaling pathway and autism spectrum disorder-related cytokines. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:454-468. [PMID: 38961588 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we delved into the intricate world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its connection to the disturbance in the Wnt signaling pathway and immunological abnormalities. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of silibinin, a remarkable modulator of both the Wnt signaling pathway and the immune system, on the neurobehavioral and molecular patterns observed in a zebrafish model of ASD induced by valproic acid (VPA). Because silibinin is a hydrophobic molecule and highly insoluble in water, it was used in the form of silibinin nanoparticles (nanosilibinin, NS). After assessing survival, hatching rate, and morphology of zebrafish larvae exposed to different concentrations of NS, the appropriate concentrations were chosen. Then, zebrafish embryos were exposed to VPA (1 μM) and NS (100 and 200 μM) at the same time for 120 h. Next, anxiety and inattentive behaviors and the expression of CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, LRP6, TNFalpha, IL1beta, and BDNF genes were assessed 7 days post fertilization. The results indicated that higher concentrations of NS had adverse effects on survival, hatching, and morphological development. The concentrations of 100 and 200 μM of NS could ameliorate the anxiety-like behavior and learning deficit and decrease ASD-related cytokines (IL1beta and TNFalpha) in VPA-treated larvae. In addition, only 100 μM of NS prevented raising the gene expression of Wnt signaling-related factors (CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, and LRP6). In conclusion, NS treatment for the first 120 h showed therapeutic effect on an autism-like phenotype probably via reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines genes and changing the expression of Wnt signaling components genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Karimi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asadollah Zarifkar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahintaj Dara
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Aligholi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Souza AJF, Romaguera ARDC, Vasconcelos JVA, Negreiros-Neto LG, de Oliveira VM, Cadena PG, Barbosa ALR, Lyra ML. Speckle statistics as a tool to distinguish collective behaviors of Zebrafish shoals. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15835. [PMID: 38982121 PMCID: PMC11233544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an important model animal for studying the emergence of collective behavior in nature. Here, we show how to properly analyze the polarization statistics to distinguish shoal regimes. In analogy with the statistical properties of optical speckles, we show that exponential and Rayleigh distributions emerge in shoals with many fish with uncorrelated velocity directions. In the opposite limit of just two fish, the polarization distribution peaks at high polarity, with the average value being a decreasing function of the shoal's size, even in the absence of correlations. We also perform a set of experiments unveiling two shoaling regimes. Large shoals behave as small domains with strong intra-domain and weak inter-domain correlations. A strongly correlated regime develops for small shoals. The reported polarization statistical features shall guide future automated neuroscience, pharmacological, toxicological, and embryogenesis-motivated experiments aiming to explore the collective behavior of fish shoals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adauto J F de Souza
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - João V A Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - Viviane M de Oliveira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Pabyton G Cadena
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Anderson L R Barbosa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo L Lyra
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, 57072-970, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Burato A, Legname G. Comparing Prion Proteins Across Species: Is Zebrafish a Useful Model? Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z. [PMID: 38918277 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the considerable body of research dedicated to the field of neurodegeneration, the gap in knowledge on the prion protein and its intricate involvement in brain diseases remains substantial. However, in the past decades, many steps forward have been taken toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the physiological role of the prion protein and the misfolding event converting it into its pathological counterpart, the prion. This review aims to provide an overview of the main findings regarding this protein, highlighting the advantages of many different animal models that share a conserved amino acid sequence and/or structure with the human prion protein. A particular focus will be given to the species Danio rerio, a compelling research organism for the investigation of prion biology, thanks to its conserved orthologs, ease of genetic manipulation, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput experimentation. We will explore its potential in filling some of the gaps on physiological and pathological aspects of the prion protein, with the aim of directing the future development of therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burato
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang X, Li S, Zhang C, Xu W, Wu M, Cheng J, Li Z, Tao L, Zhang Y. Stereoselective toxicity of acetochlor chiral isomers on the nervous system of zebrafish larvae. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133016. [PMID: 37992503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Acetochlor (ACT) is a widely detected pesticide globally, and the neurotoxic effects of its chiral isomers on humans and environmental organisms remain uncertain. Zebrafish were used to study the neurotoxicity of ACT and its chiral isomers. Our study reveals that the R-ACT, Rac-ACT, and S-ACT induce neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae by impairing vascular development and disrupting the blood-brain barrier. These detrimental effects lead to apoptosis in brain cells, hindered development of the central nervous system, and manifest as altered swimming behavior and social interactions in the larvae. Importantly, the neurotoxicity caused by the S-ACT exhibits the most pronounced impact and significantly diverges from the effects induced by the R-ACT. The neurotoxicity associated with the Rac-ACT falls intermediate between that of the R-ACT and S-ACT. Fascinatingly, we observed a remarkable recovery in the S-ACT-induced abnormalities in BBB, neurodevelopment, and behavior in zebrafish larvae upon supplementation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This observation strongly suggests that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway serves as a major target of S-ACT-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, S-ACT significantly influences zebrafish larval neurodevelopment by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, distinguishing it from R-ACT neurotoxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shoulin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, UT southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Wenping Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Mengqi Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiagao Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Liming Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li X, Feng T, Lu W. The effects of valproic acid neurotoxicity on aggressive behavior in zebrafish autism model. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109783. [PMID: 37926328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective drug, which is preferred for the treatments of epilepsy and various kinds of seizures. Nonetheless, VPA has many side effects associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we conducted molecular and behavior tests in adult proactive zebrafish after VPA exposure to investigate gene transcription changes, social behavior, aggression, anxiety and locomotion. Our findings revealed that VPA exposure generates ASD-like phenotypes and behaviors: genes associated with autism, such as adsl, mbd5 and shank3a altered; social interaction deficit. Further behavioral patterns suggest that VPA exposure induces decreases in aggression and increases the anxiety behavior and body cortisol significantly. VPA exposure did not affect locomotor activity in zebrafish. Additionally, we used correlative analyses to investigate the robustness between the ASD-related genes and the different behavior tests, results showed that ASD-related genes are negatively associated with aggressive behavior. Our study demonstrated that aggressive behavior assay is a better predictor of behavior for neurotoxicology of VPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Tangsong Feng
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Weiqun Lu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chai Y, Sheng D, Ji X, Meng Y, Shen F, He R, Ma R, Wang Y. Developmental and neurobehavioral toxicity of 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) (antioxidant AO2246) during the early life stage of zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:166306. [PMID: 37586501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2,2'-Methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (AO2246) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant extensively used in food packaging bags and cosmetics. Recently, AO2246 was detected with unexpectedly high concentrations in plasma and breast milk samples from pregnant and lactating women. Hence, it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to evaluate the detrimental effects of AO2246 on biota. OBJECTIVE To investigate the developmental and behavioral toxicity of AO2246 in zebrafish, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS Zebrafish embryos were exposed to AO2246 at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 10 μM for up to 6 days postfertilization (dpf). Hatching rate, survival rate, heart rate, and body length were measured. Locomotor behavioral and electrophysiologal analyses were performed. Two fluorescence-labeled transgenic zebrafish lines (endothelium-Tg and macrophage/microglia-Tg) were employed. RNA sequencing was carried out. RESULTS AO2246 has a 96-hour LC50 value of 3 μM. The exposure of AO2246 resulted in a significant reduction in both hatching rate and heart rate. Analysis of locomotor behavior demonstrated that larvae exposed to AO2246 doses exceeding 2 μM exhibited a significant decrease in both total distance and mean velocity. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in spike activity at a concentration of 3 μM, relative to control conditions. The administration of AO2246 at 3 μM elicited morphological reactivity and immune alteration of the midbrain microglia in the macrophage/microglia-transgenic zebrafish line, indicating a potential contribution of neurological disorders to behavioral defects. RNA sequencing analysis revealed altered gene expression profiles at high AO2246 concentrations, particularly the dysregulation of pathways associated with neuronal function. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that AO2246 exposure elicits developmental and neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish larvae. Specifically, exposure to AO2246 was found to cause disturbances in neuronal electrophysiological activity and neurological disorders, which ultimately led to the impairment of locomotor behavior in zebrafish larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Chai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; College of stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Donglai Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiaowei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Yanlong Meng
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Feihao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; College of stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Rui He
- College of stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Runjia Ma
- College of Nursing and Rehabilitation, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration of Zhejiang Province, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; College of stomatology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Washbourne P. Can we model autism using zebrafish? Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:453-458. [PMID: 37623916 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common, heritable neuropsychiatric disorders in the world, affecting almost 1% of the population. The core symptoms used to diagnose ASD are decreased social interaction and increased repetitive behaviors. Despite the large number of affected individuals, the precise mechanisms that cause this disorder remain unclear. The identification of genes and environmental factors associated with ASD allows the study of the underlying mechanisms in animal models. Although ASD presents as a human disorder, based on recent advances in understanding their brain anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary conservation of neuronal cell types, I propose that zebrafish may provide novel insights into the etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Washbourne
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Green AJ, Truong L, Thunga P, Leong C, Hancock M, Tanguay RL, Reif DM. Deep autoencoder-based behavioral pattern recognition outperforms standard statistical methods in high-dimensional zebrafish studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.13.557544. [PMID: 37745446 PMCID: PMC10515950 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.13.557544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have become an essential tool in screening for developmental neurotoxic chemicals and their molecular targets. The success of zebrafish as a screening model is partially due to their physical characteristics including their relatively simple nervous system, rapid development, experimental tractability, and genetic diversity combined with technical advantages that allow for the generation of large amounts of high-dimensional behavioral data. These data are complex and require advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to comprehensively analyze and capture spatiotemporal responses. To accomplish this goal, we have trained semi-supervised deep autoencoders using behavior data from unexposed larval zebrafish to extract quintessential "normal" behavior. Following training, our network was evaluated using data from larvae shown to have significant changes in behavior (using a traditional statistical framework) following exposure to toxicants that include nanomaterials, aromatics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental contaminants. Further, our model identified new chemicals (Perfluoro-n-octadecanoic acid, 8-Chloroperfluorooctylphosphonic acid, and Nonafluoropentanamide) as capable of inducing abnormal behavior at multiple chemical-concentrations pairs not captured using distance moved alone. Leveraging this deep learning model will allow for better characterization of the different exposure-induced behavioral phenotypes, facilitate improved genetic and neurobehavioral analysis in mechanistic determination studies and provide a robust framework for analyzing complex behaviors found in higher-order model systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Preethi Thunga
- Department of Statistics, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Connor Leong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Melody Hancock
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David M Reif
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Boueid MJ, El-Hage O, Schumacher M, Degerny C, Tawk M. Zebrafish as an emerging model to study estrogen receptors in neural development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1240018. [PMID: 37664862 PMCID: PMC10469878 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1240018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens induce several regulatory signals in the nervous system that are mainly mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs). ERs are largely expressed in the nervous system, yet the importance of ERs to neural development has only been elucidated over the last decades. Accumulating evidence shows a fundamental role for estrogens in the development of the central and peripheral nervous systems, hence, the contribution of ERs to neural function is now a growing area of research. The conservation of the structure of the ERs and their response to estrogens make the zebrafish an interesting model to dissect the role of estrogens in the nervous system. In this review, we highlight major findings of ER signaling in embryonic zebrafish neural development and compare the similarities and differences to research in rodents. We also discuss how the recent generation of zebrafish ER mutants, coupled with the availability of several transgenic reporter lines, its amenability to pharmacological studies and in vivo live imaging, could help us explore ER function in embryonic neural development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcel Tawk
- *Correspondence: Cindy Degerny, ; Marcel Tawk,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hedge JM, Hunter DL, Sanders E, Jarema KA, Olin JK, Britton KN, Lowery M, Knapp BR, Padilla S, Hill BN. Influence of Methylene Blue or Dimethyl Sulfoxide on Larval Zebrafish Development and Behavior. Zebrafish 2023; 20:132-145. [PMID: 37406269 PMCID: PMC10627343 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of larval zebrafish developmental testing and assessment, specifically larval zebrafish locomotor activity, has been recognized as a higher throughput testing strategy to identify developmentally toxic and neurotoxic chemicals. There are, however, no standardized protocols for this type of assay, which could result in confounding variables being overlooked. Two chemicals commonly employed during early-life stage zebrafish assays, methylene blue (antifungal agent) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, a commonly used vehicle) have been reported to affect the morphology and behavior of freshwater fish. In this study, we conducted developmental toxicity (morphology) and neurotoxicity (behavior) assessments of commonly employed concentrations for both chemicals (0.6-10.0 μM methylene blue; 0.3%-1.0% v/v DMSO). A light-dark transition behavioral testing paradigm was applied to morphologically normal, 6 days postfertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae kept at 26°C. Additionally, an acute DMSO challenge was administered based on early-life stage zebrafish assays typically used in this research area. Results from developmental toxicity screens were similar between both chemicals with no morphological abnormalities detected at any of the concentrations tested. However, neurodevelopmental results were mixed between the two chemicals of interest. Methylene blue resulted in no behavioral changes up to the highest concentration tested, 10.0 μM. By contrast, DMSO altered larval behavior following developmental exposure at concentrations as low as 0.5% (v/v) and exhibited differential concentration-response patterns in the light and dark photoperiods. These results indicate that developmental DMSO exposure can affect larval zebrafish locomotor activity at routinely used concentrations in developmental neurotoxicity assessments, whereas methylene blue does not appear to be developmentally or neurodevelopmentally toxic to larval zebrafish at routinely used concentrations. These results also highlight the importance of understanding the influence of experimental conditions on larval zebrafish locomotor activity that may ultimately confound the interpretation of results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan M. Hedge
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Advanced Experimental Toxicology Models Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Deborah L. Hunter
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Erik Sanders
- Aquatics Lab Services LLC 1112 Nashville Street St. Peters, MO 63376, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Jarema
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Immediate Office, Program Operations Staff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Jeanene K. Olin
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Katy N. Britton
- ORAU Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Morgan Lowery
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Bridget R. Knapp
- ORISE Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Bridgett N. Hill
- ORISE Research Participation Program hosted by EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pluimer BR, Harrison DL, Boonyavairoje C, Prinssen EP, Rogers-Evans M, Peterson RT, Thyme SB, Nath AK. Behavioral analysis through the lifespan of disc1 mutant zebrafish identifies defects in sensorimotor transformation. iScience 2023; 26:107099. [PMID: 37416451 PMCID: PMC10320522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DISC1 is a genetic risk factor for multiple psychiatric disorders. Compared to the dozens of murine Disc1 models, there is a paucity of zebrafish disc1 models-an organism amenable to high-throughput experimentation. We conducted the longitudinal neurobehavioral analysis of disc1 mutant zebrafish across key stages of life. During early developmental stages, disc1 mutants exhibited abrogated behavioral responses to sensory stimuli across multiple testing platforms. Moreover, during exposure to an acoustic sensory stimulus, loss of disc1 resulted in the abnormal activation of neurons in the pallium, cerebellum, and tectum-anatomical sites involved in the integration of sensory perception and motor control. In adulthood, disc1 mutants exhibited sexually dimorphic reduction in anxiogenic behavior in novel paradigms. Together, these findings implicate disc1 in sensorimotor processes and the genesis of anxiogenic behaviors, which could be exploited for the development of novel treatments in addition to investigating the biology of sensorimotor transformation in the context of disc1 deletion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brock R. Pluimer
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Devin L. Harrison
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Chanon Boonyavairoje
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eric P. Prinssen
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark Rogers-Evans
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Randall T. Peterson
- Deparment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Summer B. Thyme
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Anjali K. Nath
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wiśniewski K, Antonowski T, Juranek J, Podlasz P, Wojtkiewicz J. Antiepileptic Properties of Scyllo-Inositol on Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087598. [PMID: 37108760 PMCID: PMC10144795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087598] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, with about 70 million affected people worldwide, is one of the biggest challenges of medicine today. It is estimated that about one-third of epileptic patients receive inadequate treatment. Inositols have proved effective in many disorders; hence, in the current study, we tested potential antiepileptic properties of scyllo-inositol (SCI)-one of the most common commercially available inositols-in zebrafish larvae with pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. First, we studied the general effect of SCI on zebrafish motility, and then we tested SCI antiepileptic properties over short (1 h) and long (120 h) exposure protocols. Our results demonstrated that SCI alone does not reduce zebrafish motility regardless of the dose. We also observed that short-term exposure to SCI groups reduced PTZ-treated larva motility compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, prolonged exposure did not produce similar results, likely due to the insufficient concentration of SCI given. Our results highlight the potential of SCI use in epilepsy treatment and warrant further clinical studies with inositols as potential seizure-reducing drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wiśniewski
- Students' Scientific Club of Pathophysiologists, Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Antonowski
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Judyta Juranek
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Piotr Podlasz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary Medicine and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Wojtkiewicz
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Morris EK, Daignault-Mill S, Stehbens SJ, Genovesi LA, Lagendijk AK. Addressing blood-brain-tumor-barrier heterogeneity in pediatric brain tumors with innovative preclinical models. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1101522. [PMID: 36776301 PMCID: PMC9909546 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors represent the leading cause of disease-related mortality and morbidity in children, with effective treatments urgently required. One factor limiting the effectiveness of systemic therapy is the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), which limits the brain penetration of many anticancer drugs. BBB integrity is often compromised in tumors, referred to as the blood-brain-tumor-barrier (BBTB), and the impact of a compromised BBTB on the therapeutic sensitivity of brain tumors has been clearly shown for a few selected agents. However, the heterogeneity of barrier alteration observed within a single tumor and across distinct pediatric tumor types represents an additional challenge. Herein, we discuss what is known regarding the heterogeneity of tumor-associated vasculature in pediatric brain tumors. We discuss innovative and complementary preclinical model systems that will facilitate real-time functional analyses of BBTB for all pediatric brain tumor types. We believe a broader use of these preclinical models will enable us to develop a greater understanding of the processes underlying tumor-associated vasculature formation and ultimately more efficacious treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysse K. Morris
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sheena Daignault-Mill
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J. Stehbens
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura A. Genovesi
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
| | - Anne K. Lagendijk
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Laura A. Genovesi, ; Anne K. Lagendijk,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Frese L, Braunbeck T. Adapting classic paradigms to analyze alterations of shoal-wide behavior in early-life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) - A case study with fluoxetine. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 95:107136. [PMID: 36423854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Given the strong increase in prescription of neuroactive pharmaceuticals, neurotoxicity has received growing concern in science and the public. Regulatory requirements stimulated the development of new methods to evaluate the risk of neurotoxic substances for humans and the environment, and, with respect to potential damage to aquatic ecosystems, a variety of behavior-based assays have been proposed for neurotoxicity testing, most of which, however, are restricted to changes in the behavior of individual fish. Since many fish species form shoals under natural conditions, this may cause important aspects of behavior to be overlooked and there is a need for behavior assays integrating individual behavior with behavior of the entire swarm. In order to combine more environmentally realistic sub-chronic exposure scenarios with undistorted social behavior and animal welfare considerations, two behavioral assays are proposed that might be integrated into early-life stage toxicity studies according to OECD TG 210, which are commonly run for a multitude of regulations: To this end, protocols for a novel tank test and a predator response assay were adapted to also record the behavior of free-swimming zebrafish (Danio rerio) juveniles within shoals. Comparisons of the diving response (novel tank) or the shoal's coherence and position relative to the stimulus (predator) with control groups allow conclusions about the anxiety state of the fish, which might well have an impact on survival chances in the wild. As a model substance, the antidepressant fluoxetine ((RS)-N-Methyl-3-phenyl-3-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)propylamine) produced adverse effects down to concentrations three orders of magnitude below the EC10 from acute fish embryo toxicity tests according to OECD TG 236. With the integration of such behavior tests into OECD TG 210, important population-relevant information on potential neurotoxicity can be collected without increasing the number of experimental animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Frese
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Group, Center for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Group, Center for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Singh BJ, Zu L, Summers J, Asdjodi S, Glasgow E, Kanwal JS. NemoTrainer: Automated Conditioning for Stimulus-Directed Navigation and Decision Making in Free-Swimming Zebrafish. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010116. [PMID: 36611725 PMCID: PMC9817937 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Current methods for associative conditioning in animals involve human intervention that is labor intensive, stressful to animals, and introduces experimenter bias in the data. Here, we describe a simple apparatus and a flexible, microcontroller-based conditioning paradigm that minimizes human intervention. Our methodology exploits directed movement towards a target that depends on spatial working memory, including processing of sensory inputs, motivational drive, and attentional mechanisms. Within a stimulus-driven conditioning paradigm designed to train zebrafish, we present a localized pulse of light via LEDs and/or sounds via an underwater transducer. A webcam placed below a glass tank records fish-swimming behavior. For classical conditioning, animals simply associate a sound or light with an unconditioned stimulus, such as a small food reward presented at a fixed location, and swim towards that location to obtain a few grains of food dispensed automatically via a sensor-triggered, stepper motor. During operant conditioning, a fish must first approach a proximity sensor at a remote location and then swim to the reward location. For both types of conditioning, a timing-gated interrupt activates stepper motors via custom software embedded within a microcontroller (Arduino). "Ardulink", a Java facility, implements Arduino-computer communication protocols. In this way, a Java-based user interface running on a host computer can provide full experimental control. Alternatively, a similar level of control is achieved via an Arduino script communicating with an event-driven application controller running on the host computer. Either approach can enable precise, multi-day scheduling of training, including timing, location, and intensity of stimulus parameters; and the feeder. Learning can be tracked by monitoring turning, location, response times, and directional swimming of individual fish. This facilitates the comparison of performance within and across a cohort of animals. Our scheduling and control software and apparatus ("NemoTrainer") can be used to study multiple aspects of species-specific behaviors as well as the effects on them of various interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bishen J. Singh
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Luciano Zu
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Jacqueline Summers
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Saman Asdjodi
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Jagmeet S. Kanwal
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(202)-687-1305
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mrinalini R, Tamilanban T, Naveen Kumar V, Manasa K. Zebrafish - The Neurobehavioural Model in Trend. Neuroscience 2022; 520:95-118. [PMID: 36549602 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.016] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is currently in vogue as a prevalently used experimental model for studies concerning neurobehavioural disorders and associated fields. Since the 1960s, this model has succeeded in breaking most barriers faced in the hunt for an experimental model. From its appearance to its high parity with human beings genetically, this model renders itself as an advantageous experimental lab animal. Neurobehavioural disorders have always posed an arduous task in terms of their detection as well as in determining their exact etiology. They are still, in most cases, diseases of interest for inventing or discovering novel pharmacological interventions. Thus, the need for a harbinger experimental model for studying neurobehaviours is escalating. Ensuring the same model is used for studying several neuro-studies conserves the results from inter-species variations. For this, we need a model that satisfies all the pre-requisite conditions to be made the final choice of model for neurobehavioural studies. This review recapitulates the progress of zebrafish as an experimental model with its most up-to-the-minute advances in the area. Various tests, assays, and responses employed using zebrafish in screening neuroactive drugs have been tabulated effectively. The tools, techniques, protocols, and apparatuses that bolster zebrafish studies are discussed. The probable research that can be done using zebrafish has also been briefly outlined. The various breeding and maintenance methods employed, along with the information on various strains available and most commonly used, are also elaborated upon, supplementing Zebrafish's use in neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Mrinalini
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, India - 603203
| | - T Tamilanban
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, India - 603203
| | - V Naveen Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, India - 603203.
| | - K Manasa
- Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, India - 603203
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
De Meulemeester AS, Heylen L, Siekierska A, Mills JD, Romagnolo A, Van Der Wel NN, Aronica E, de Witte PAM. Hyperactivation of mTORC1 in a double hit mutant zebrafish model of tuberous sclerosis complex causes increased seizure susceptibility and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:952832. [PMID: 36238691 PMCID: PMC9552079 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.952832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in TSC1 and TSC2 genes. TSC patients present with seizures and brain abnormalities such as tubers and subependymal giant cells astrocytoma (SEGA). Despite common molecular and clinical features, the severity of the disease varies greatly, even intrafamilially. The second hit hypothesis suggests that an additional, inactivating mutation in the remaining functional allele causes a more severe phenotype and therefore explains the phenotypic variability. Recently, second hit mutations have been detected frequently in mTORopathies. To investigate the pathophysiological effects of second hit mutations, several mouse models have been developed. Here, we opted for a double mutant zebrafish model that carries a LOF mutation both in the tsc2 and the depdc5 gene. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a second-hit model has been studied in zebrafish. Significantly, the DEP domain-containing protein 5 (DEPDC5) gene has an important role in the regulation of mTORC1, and the combination of a germline TSC2 and somatic DEPDC5 mutation has been described in a TSC patient with intractable epilepsy. Our depdc5−/−x tsc2−/− double mutant zebrafish line displayed greatly increased levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) activity, augmented seizure susceptibility, and early lethality which could be rescued by rapamycin. Histological analysis of the brain revealed ventricular dilatation in the tsc2 and double homozygotes. RNA-sequencing showed a linear relation between the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the degree of mTORC1 hyperactivity. Enrichment analysis of their transcriptomes revealed that many genes associated with neurological developmental processes were downregulated and mitochondrial genes were upregulated. In particular, the transcriptome of human SEGA lesions overlapped strongly with the double homozygous zebrafish larvae. The data highlight the clinical relevance of the depdc5−/− x tsc2−/− double mutant zebrafish larvae that showed a more severe phenotype compared to the single mutants. Finally, analysis of gene-drug interactions identified interesting pharmacological targets for SEGA, underscoring the value of our small zebrafish vertebrate model for future drug discovery efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lise Heylen
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - James D. Mills
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Romagnolo
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicole N. Van Der Wel
- Department of Medical Biology, Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instelling Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Peter A. M. de Witte,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A Mini-Review Regarding the Modalities to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders-Like Impairments in Zebrafish—Focussing on Neurobehavioural and Psychological Responses. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091147. [PMID: 36138883 PMCID: PMC9496774 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex disorders which can be associated with many comorbidities and exhibit multifactorial-dependent phenotypes. An important characteristic is represented by the early onset of the symptoms, during childhood or young adulthood, with a great impact on the socio-cognitive functioning of the affected individuals. Thus, the aim of our review is to describe and to argue the necessity of early developmental stages zebrafish models, focusing on NDDs, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also on schizophrenia. The utility of the animal models in NDDs or schizophrenia research remains quite controversial. Relevant discussions can be opened regarding the specific characteristics of the animal models and the relationship with the etiologies, physiopathology, and development of these disorders. The zebrafish models behaviors displayed as early as during the pre-hatching embryo stage (locomotor activity prone to repetitive behavior), and post-hatching embryo stage, such as memory, perception, affective-like, and social behaviors can be relevant in ASD and schizophrenia research. The neurophysiological processes impaired in both ASD and schizophrenia are generally highly conserved across all vertebrates. However, the relatively late individual development and conscious social behavior exhibited later in the larval stage are some of the most important limitations of these model animal species.
Collapse
|
22
|
Kitson JE, Ord J, Watt PJ. Maternal Chronic Ethanol Exposure Decreases Stress Responses in Zebrafish Offspring. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081143. [PMID: 36009037 PMCID: PMC9405564 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, prenatal alcohol exposure can cause serious health issues in children, known collectively as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Despite the high prevalence of FASD and a lack of effective treatments, the underlying mechanisms causing the teratogenic action of ethanol are still obscure. The limitations of human studies necessitate the use of animal models for identifying the underlying processes, but few studies have investigated the effects of alcohol in the female germline. Here, we used the zebrafish Danio rerio to investigate the effects of chronic (repeated for seven days) exposure to alcohol. Specifically, we tested whether the offspring of females chronically exposed to ethanol during oogenesis exhibited hormonal abnormalities when subjected to a stressor (alarm cue) as larvae, and if they exhibited anxiety-like behaviours as adults. Exposure to alarm cue increased whole-body cortisol in control larvae but not in those of ethanol-treated females. Furthermore, adult offspring of ethanol-treated females showed some reduced anxiety-like behaviours. These findings suggest that the offspring of ethanol-treated females had reduced stress responses. This study is the first to investigate how maternal chronic ethanol exposure prior to fertilisation influences hormonal and behavioural effects in a non-rodent model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet E. Kitson
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - James Ord
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Penelope J. Watt
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pang S, Gao Y, Wang Y, Yao X, Cao M, Liang Y, Song M, Jiang G. Tetrabromobisphenol A perturbs cell fate decisions via BMP signaling in the early embryonic development of zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128512. [PMID: 35739651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) readily accumulates in the egg yolk of aquatic oviparous animals and is transferred to their embryos. Early embryogenesis is vital for organ formation and subsequent development. The developmental toxicity of TBBPA in aquatic animals has been extensively reported. However, few studies have assessed the toxic effects of TBBPA in the early embryonic development. In this work, we found that TBBPA perturbed cell fate decisions along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis during gastrulation, further disrupting early organogenesis in the entire embryo. TBBPA exposure increased the number of embryonic cells that acquired a ventral cell fate, which formed epidermis, blood and heart tissues. In return, the number of embryonic cells that acquired a dorsal cell fate was greatly decreased, causing the TBBPA-exposed embryos to develop a small brain and small eyes. We revealed that TBBPA elevated the activity gradient of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling which is responsible for cell fate specification along the DV axis, with up-regulation of BMP ligands (bmp4, bmp7a) and target genes (szl) and promotion signal transduction through phosphorylation of Smad1/5. As the function of BMP signaling in embryogenesis is highly conserved among many vertebrates, these findings highlight the ecological and health risks of TBBPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochen Pang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanwu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xinglei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effects, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Curnow E, Wang Y. New Animal Models for Understanding FMRP Functions and FXS Pathology. Cells 2022; 11:1628. [PMID: 35626665 PMCID: PMC9140010 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X encompasses a range of genetic conditions, all of which result as a function of changes within the FMR1 gene and abnormal production and/or expression of the FMR1 gene products. Individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common heritable form of intellectual disability, have a full-mutation sequence (>200 CGG repeats) which brings about transcriptional silencing of FMR1 and loss of FMR protein (FMRP). Despite considerable progress in our understanding of FXS, safe, effective, and reliable treatments that either prevent or reduce the severity of the FXS phenotype have not been approved. While current FXS animal models contribute their own unique understanding to the molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral deficits associated with FXS, no single animal model is able to fully recreate the FXS phenotype. This review will describe the status and rationale in the development, validation, and utility of three emerging animal model systems for FXS, namely the nonhuman primate (NHP), Mongolian gerbil, and chicken. These developing animal models will provide a sophisticated resource in which the deficits in complex functions of perception, action, and cognition in the human disorder are accurately reflected and aid in the successful translation of novel therapeutics and interventions to the clinic setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Curnow
- REI Division, Department of ObGyn, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Perdikaris P, Dermon CR. Behavioral and neurochemical profile of MK-801 adult zebrafish model: Forebrain β 2-adrenoceptors contribute to social withdrawal and anxiety-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 115:110494. [PMID: 34896197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in social communication and interaction are core clinical symptoms characterizing multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Interestingly, elevated anxiety levels are a common comorbid psychopathology characterizing individuals with aberrant social behavior. Despite recent progress, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that link anxiety with social withdrawal remain poorly understood. The present study developed a zebrafish pharmacological model displaying social withdrawal behavior, following a 3-h exposure to 4 μΜ (+)-MK-801, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, for 7 days. Interestingly, MK-801-treated zebrafish displayed elevated anxiety levels along with higher frequency of stereotypical behaviors, rendering this zebrafish model appropriate to unravel a possible link of catecholaminergic and ASD-like phenotypes. MK-801-treated zebrafish showed increased telencephalic protein expression of metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5), dopamine transporter (DAT) and β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs), supporting the presence of excitation/inhibition imbalance along with altered dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity. Interestingly, β2-ARs expression, was differentially regulated across the Social Decision-Making (SDM) network nodes, exhibiting increased levels in ventral telencephalic area (Vv), a key-area integrating reward and social circuits but decreased expression in dorso-medial telencephalic area (Dm) and anterior tuberal nucleus (ATN). Moreover, the co-localization of β2-ARs with elements of GABAergic and glutamatergic systems, as well as with GAP-43, a protein indicating increased brain plasticity potential, support the key-role of β2-ARs in the MK-801 zebrafish social dysfunctions. Our results highlight the importance of the catecholaminergic neurotransmission in the manifestation of ASD-like behavior, representing a site of potential interventions for amelioration of ASD-like symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Perdikaris
- Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Catherine R Dermon
- Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26500 Patras, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tran S, Prober DA. Validation of Candidate Sleep Disorder Risk Genes Using Zebrafish. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:873520. [PMID: 35465097 PMCID: PMC9021570 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.873520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders and chronic sleep disturbances are common and are associated with cardio-metabolic diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Several genetic pathways and neuronal mechanisms that regulate sleep have been described in animal models, but the genes underlying human sleep variation and sleep disorders are largely unknown. Identifying these genes is essential in order to develop effective therapies for sleep disorders and their associated comorbidities. To address this unmet health problem, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic variants associated with human sleep traits and sleep disorders. However, in most cases, it is unclear which gene is responsible for a sleep phenotype that is associated with a genetic variant. As a result, it is necessary to experimentally validate candidate genes identified by GWAS using an animal model. Rodents are ill-suited for this endeavor due to their poor amenability to high-throughput sleep assays and the high costs associated with generating, maintaining, and testing large numbers of mutant lines. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), an alternative vertebrate model for studying sleep, allows for the rapid and cost-effective generation of mutant lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Numerous zebrafish mutant lines can then be tested in parallel using high-throughput behavioral assays to identify genes whose loss affects sleep. This process identifies a gene associated with each GWAS hit that is likely responsible for the human sleep phenotype. This strategy is a powerful complement to GWAS approaches and holds great promise to identify the genetic basis for common human sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David A. Prober
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Leggieri A, García-González J, Torres-Perez JV, Havelange W, Hosseinian S, Mech AM, Keatinge M, Busch-Nentwich EM, Brennan CH. Ankk1 Loss of Function Disrupts Dopaminergic Pathways in Zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:794653. [PMID: 35210987 PMCID: PMC8861280 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.794653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) is a member of the receptor-interacting protein serine/threonine kinase family, known to be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and activation of transcription factors. Genetic variation within the ANKK1 locus is suggested to play a role in vulnerability to addictions. However, ANKK1 mechanism of action is still poorly understood. It has been suggested that ANKK1 may affect the development and/or functioning of dopaminergic pathways. To test this hypothesis, we generated a CRISPR-Cas9 loss of function ankk1 zebrafish line causing a 27 bp insertion that disrupts the ankk1 sequence introducing an early stop codon. We found that ankk1 transcript levels were significantly lower in ankk1 mutant (ankk127ins) fish compared to their wild type (ankk1+/+) siblings. In ankk1+/+ adult zebrafish brain, ankk1 protein was detected in isocortex, hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, mesencephalon, and cerebellum, resembling the mammalian distribution pattern. In contrast, ankk1 protein was reduced in the brain of ankk127ins/27ins fish. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed an increase in expression of drd2b mRNA in ankk127ins at both larval and adult stages. In ankk1+/+ adult zebrafish brain, drd2 protein was detected in cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and caudate homolog regions, resembling the pattern in humans. In contrast, drd2 expression was reduced in cortical regions of ankk127ins/27ins being predominantly found in the hindbrain. No differences in the number of cell bodies or axonal projections detected by anti-tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining on 3 days post fertilization (dpf) larvae were found. Behavioral analysis revealed altered sensitivity to effects of both amisulpride and apomorphine on locomotion and startle habituation, consistent with a broad loss of both pre and post synaptic receptors. Ankk127ins mutants showed reduced sensitivity to the effect of the selective dopamine receptor antagonist amisulpride on locomotor responses to acoustic startle and were differentially sensitive to the effects of the non-selective dopamine agonist apomorphine on both locomotion and habituation. Taken together, our findings strengthen the hypothesis of a functional relationship between ANKK1 and DRD2, supporting a role for ANKK1 in the maintenance and/or functioning of dopaminergic pathways. Further work is needed to disentangle ANKK1’s role at different developmental stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judit García-González
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jose V. Torres-Perez
- Department of Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William Havelange
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra M. Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Keatinge
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth M. Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Caroline H. Brennan,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
The use of multiple species to model complex human psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD, can give important insights into conserved evolutionary patterns underlying multidomain behaviors (e.g., locomotion, attention, and impulsivity). Here we discuss the advantages and challenges in modelling ADHD-like phenotypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate species that has been widely used in neuroscience and behavior research. Moreover, multiple behavioral tasks can be used to model the core symptoms of ADHD and its comorbidities. We present a critical review of current ADHD studies in zebrafish, and how this species might be used to accelerate the discovery of new drug treatments for this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tayanloo-Beik A, Hamidpour SK, Abedi M, Shojaei H, Tavirani MR, Namazi N, Larijani B, Arjmand B. Zebrafish Modeling of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Current Status and Future Prospective. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:911770. [PMID: 35911241 PMCID: PMC9329562 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.911770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a complicated range of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders which can occur via genetic or non-genetic factors. Clinically, ASD is associated with problems in relationships, social interactions, and behaviors that pose many challenges for children with ASD and their families. Due to the complexity, heterogeneity, and association of symptoms with some neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders, clinical trials have not yielded reliable results and there still remain challenges in drug discovery and development pipeline for ASD patients. One of the main steps in promoting lead compounds to the suitable drug for commercialization is preclinical animal testing, in which the efficacy and toxicity of candidate drugs are examined in vivo. In recent years, zebrafish have been able to attract the attention of many researchers in the field of neurological disorders such as ASD due to their outstanding features. The presence of orthologous genes for ASD modeling, the anatomical similarities of parts of the brain, and similar neurotransmitter systems between zebrafish and humans are some of the main reasons why scientists draw attention to zebrafish as a prominent animal model in preclinical studies to discover highly effective treatment approaches for the ASD through genetic and non-genetic modeling methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Kokabi Hamidpour
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Abedi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamide Shojaei
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nazli Namazi
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tang C, Zhu Y, Laziyan Y, Yang C, He C, Zuo Z. Long-term exposure to cyprodinil causes abnormal zebrafish aggressive and antipredator behavior through the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 241:106002. [PMID: 34717145 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.106002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyprodinil, one of the main pyrimidinamine fungicides, has been used to control fungal diseases in plants and vegetables worldwide. Previous studies have investigated the influences of cyprodinil on the developmental and reproductive toxicity of fish. However, it remains unknown whether it affects fish behaviors and the underlying mechanisms. In our current study, zebrafish, an ideal model animal for behavioral studies, were exposed to cyprodinil from fertilization to 240 days postfertilization at 0.1 μg/L (environmentally relevant concentration) and 1, 10 μg/L. Firstly, we observed that aggressive behavior of zebrafish was significantly enhanced after exposure to 0.1-10 μg/L cyprodinil and antipredator behavior was decreased after exposure. Cyprodinil exposure altered the adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels, which regulate cortisol homeostasis and were significantly reduced in all exposure groups (0.1-10 μg/L). In addition, most of the key genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal gland axis, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone and melanocortin 2 receptor, were downregulated significantly in all exposure groups, which was consistent with the hormone levels. In addition, in the hypothalamus, the number of apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner in the cyprodinil exposure groups. Moreover, these changes were potentially responsible for the increased aggression of zebrafish during the mirror-like aggressive test and for the reduced antipredator behavior during the predator avoidance test. Overall, the data provided herein further our understanding of cyprodinil toxicity and can be used to assess the ecological effects of cyprodinil on the induction of abnormal behaviors at the environmental level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yibimu Laziyan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Chengyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Behavioral and histological features of zebrafish following sedation with eugenol or propofol. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
32
|
Hubená P, Horký P, Slavík O. Fish self-awareness: limits of current knowledge and theoretical expectations. Anim Cogn 2021; 25:447-461. [PMID: 34655023 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal self-awareness is divided into three levels: bodily, social, and introspective self-awareness. Research has focused mainly on the introspection of so-called higher organisms such as mammals. Herein, we turn our attention to fish and provide opinions on their self-awareness based on a review of the scientific literature. Our specific aims are to discuss whether fish (A) could have a neural substrate supporting self-awareness and whether they display signs of (B) social and (C) introspective self-awareness. The present knowledge does not exclude the possibility that fish could have a simple neocortex or other structures that support certain higher cognitive processes, as the function of the primate cerebral cortex can be replaced by other neurological structures. Fish are known to display winner, loser, and audience effects, which could be interpreted as signs of social self-awareness. The audience effect may be explained not only by ethological cost and benefit theory but also by the concept of public self-awareness, which comes from human studies. The behavioural and neural manifestations of depression may be induced in fish under social subordination and may be viewed as certain awareness of a social status. The current findings on fish introspective self-awareness have been debated in the scientific community and, therefore, demand replication to provide more evidence. Further research is needed to verify the outlined ideas; however, the current knowledge indicates that fish are capable of certain higher cognitive processes, which raises questions and implications regarding ethics and welfare in fish-related research and husbandry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Hubená
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00, Suchdol, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Horký
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Slavík
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague 6, 165 00, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Brun NR, Panlilio JM, Zhang K, Zhao Y, Ivashkin E, Stegeman JJ, Goldstone JV. Developmental exposure to non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls promotes sensory deficits and disrupts dopaminergic and GABAergic signaling in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1129. [PMID: 34561524 PMCID: PMC8463681 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02626-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The most abundant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners found in the environment and in humans are neurotoxic. This is of particular concern for early life stages because the exposure of the more vulnerable developing nervous system to neurotoxic chemicals can result in neurobehavioral disorders. In this study, we uncover currently unknown links between PCB target mechanisms and neurobehavioral deficits using zebrafish as a vertebrate model. We investigated the effects of the abundant non-dioxin-like (NDL) congener PCB153 on neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission linked to the proper execution of a sensorimotor response. Zebrafish that were exposed during development to concentrations similar to those found in human cord blood and PCB contaminated sites showed a delay in startle response. Morphological and biochemical data demonstrate that even though PCB153-induced swelling of afferent sensory neurons, the disruption of dopaminergic and GABAergic signaling appears to contribute to PCB-induced motor deficits. A similar delay was observed for other NDL congeners but not for the potent dioxin-like congener PCB126. The effects on important and broadly conserved signaling mechanisms in vertebrates suggest that NDL PCBs may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in humans and increased selection pressures in vertebrate wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja R Brun
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Panlilio
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanbin Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Evgeny Ivashkin
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - John J Stegeman
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| | - Jared V Goldstone
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li RA, Talikka M, Gubian S, Vom Berg C, Martin F, Peitsch MC, Hoeng J, Zupanic A. Systems Toxicology Approach for Assessing Developmental Neurotoxicity in Larval Zebrafish. Front Genet 2021; 12:652632. [PMID: 34211495 PMCID: PMC8239408 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.652632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse outcomes that result from chemical toxicity are rarely caused by dysregulation of individual proteins; rather, they are often caused by system-level perturbations in networks of molecular events. To fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity, it is necessary to recognize the interactions of molecules, pathways, and biological processes within these networks. The developing brain is a prime example of an extremely complex network, which makes developmental neurotoxicity one of the most challenging areas in toxicology. We have developed a systems toxicology method that uses a computable biological network to represent molecular interactions in the developing brain of zebrafish larvae. The network is curated from scientific literature and describes interactions between biological processes, signaling pathways, and adverse outcomes associated with neurotoxicity. This allows us to identify important signaling hubs, pathway interactions, and emergent adverse outcomes, providing a more complete understanding of neurotoxicity. Here, we describe the construction of a zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity network and its validation by integration with publicly available neurotoxicity-related transcriptomic datasets. Our network analysis identified consistent regulation of tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) as well as the oncogene Krüppel-like factor (Klf8) in response to chemically induced developmental neurotoxicity. The developed network can be used to interpret transcriptomic data in a neurotoxicological context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Li
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Marja Talikka
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Gubian
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Florian Martin
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Anze Zupanic
- Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland.,National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cunningham B, Engstrom AM, Harper BJ, Harper SL, Mackiewicz MR. Silver Nanoparticles Stable to Oxidation and Silver Ion Release Show Size-Dependent Toxicity In Vivo. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1516. [PMID: 34201075 PMCID: PMC8230025 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in commerce, however, the effect of their physicochemical properties on toxicity remains debatable because of the confounding presence of Ag+ ions. Thus, we designed a series of AgNPs that are stable to surface oxidation and Ag+ ion release. AgNPs were coated with a hybrid lipid membrane comprised of L-phosphatidylcholine (PC), sodium oleate (SOA), and a stoichiometric amount of hexanethiol (HT) to produce oxidant-resistant AgNPs, Ag-SOA-PC-HT. The stability of 7-month aged, 20-100 nm Ag-SOA-PC-HT NPs were assessed using UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while the toxicity of the nanomaterials was assessed using a well-established, 5-day embryonic zebrafish assay at concentrations ranging from 0-12 mg/L. There was no change in the size of the AgNPs from freshly made samples or 7-month aged samples and minimal Ag+ ion release (<0.2%) in fishwater (FW) up to seven days. Toxicity studies revealed AgNP size- and concentration-dependent effects. Increased mortality and sublethal morphological abnormalities were observed at higher concentrations with smaller nanoparticle sizes. This study, for the first time, determined the effect of AgNP size on toxicity in the absence of Ag+ ions as a confounding variable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (B.C.); (B.J.H.); (S.L.H.)
| | - Arek M. Engstrom
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Bryan J. Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (B.C.); (B.J.H.); (S.L.H.)
| | - Stacey L. Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; (B.C.); (B.J.H.); (S.L.H.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
- Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, Corvallis, OR 97339, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Robea MA, Ciobica A, Curpan AS, Plavan G, Strungaru S, Lefter R, Nicoara M. Preliminary Results Regarding Sleep in a Zebrafish Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050556. [PMID: 33924776 PMCID: PMC8146635 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most salient developmental neurological diseases and remarkable similarities have been found between humans and model animals of ASD. A common method of inducing ASD in zebrafish is by administrating valproic acid (VPA), which is an antiepileptic drug that is strongly linked with developmental defects in children. In the present study we replicated and extended the findings of VPA on social behavior in zebrafish by adding several sleep observations. Juvenile zebrafish manifested hyperactivity and an increase in ASD-like social behaviors but, interestingly, only exhibited minimal alterations in sleep. Our study confirmed that VPA can generate specific ASD symptoms, indicating that the zebrafish is an alternative model in this field of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Andreea Robea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandrina-Stefania Curpan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Gabriel Plavan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| | - Stefan Strungaru
- Department of Interdisciplinary Research in Science, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I Avenue, 11, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Radu Lefter
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Bd. Carol I, No 8, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mircea Nicoara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (A.-S.C.); (G.P.); (M.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fitzgerald JA, Könemann S, Krümpelmann L, Županič A, Vom Berg C. Approaches to Test the Neurotoxicity of Environmental Contaminants in the Zebrafish Model: From Behavior to Molecular Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:989-1006. [PMID: 33270929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of neuroactive chemicals in the aquatic environment is on the rise and poses a potential threat to aquatic biota of currently unpredictable outcome. In particular, subtle changes caused by these chemicals to an organism's sensation or behavior are difficult to tackle with current test systems that focus on rodents or with in vitro test systems that omit whole-animal responses. In recent years, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a popular model organism for toxicological studies and testing strategies, such as the standardized use of zebrafish early life stages in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's guideline 236. In terms of neurotoxicity, the zebrafish provides a powerful model to investigate changes to the nervous system from several different angles, offering the ability to tackle the mechanisms of action of chemicals in detail. The mechanistic understanding gained through the analysis of this model species provides a good basic knowledge of how neuroactive chemicals might interact with a teleost nervous system. Such information can help infer potential effects occurring to other species exposed to neuroactive chemicals in their aquatic environment and predicting potential risks of a chemical for the aquatic ecosystem. In the present article, we highlight approaches ranging from behavioral to structural, functional, and molecular analysis of the larval zebrafish nervous system, providing a holistic view of potential neurotoxic outcomes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:989-1006. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Fitzgerald
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Könemann
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- EPF Lausanne, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Krümpelmann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anže Županič
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Colette Vom Berg
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Recording Channelrhodopsin-Evoked Field Potentials and Startle Responses from Larval Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:201-220. [PMID: 32865747 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are an excellent model organism to study many aspects of vertebrate sensory encoding and behavior. Their escape responses begin with a C-shaped body bend followed by several swimming bouts away from the potentially threatening stimulus. This highly stereotyped motor behavior provides a model for studying startle reflexes and the neural circuitry underlying multisensory encoding and locomotion. Channelrhodopsin (ChR2) can be expressed in the lateral line and ear hair cells of zebrafish and can be excited in vivo to elicit these rapid forms of escape. Here we review our methods for studying transgenic ChR2-expressing zebrafish larvae, including screening for positive expression of ChR2 and recording field potentials and high-speed videos of optically evoked escape responses. We also highlight important features of the acquired data and provide a brief review of other zebrafish research that utilizes or has the potential to benefit from ChR2 and optogenetics.
Collapse
|
39
|
Panlilio JM, Aluru N, Hahn ME. Developmental Neurotoxicity of the Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Domoic Acid: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Altered Behavior in the Zebrafish Model. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:117002. [PMID: 33147070 PMCID: PMC7641300 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce potent neurotoxins that threaten human health, but current regulations may not be protective of sensitive populations. Early life exposure to low levels of the HAB toxin domoic acid (DomA) produces long-lasting behavioral deficits in rodent and primate models; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. The zebrafish is a powerful in vivo vertebrate model system for exploring cellular processes during development and thus may help to elucidate mechanisms of DomA developmental neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVES We used the zebrafish model to investigate how low doses of DomA affect the developing nervous system, including windows of susceptibility to DomA exposure, structural and molecular changes in the nervous system, and the link to behavioral alterations. METHODS To identify potential windows of susceptibility, DomA (0.09-0.18 ng) was delivered to zebrafish through caudal vein microinjection during distinct periods in early neurodevelopment. Following exposure, structural and molecular targets were identified using live imaging of transgenic fish and RNA sequencing. To assess the functional consequences of exposures, we quantified startle behavior in response to acoustic/vibrational stimuli. RESULTS Larvae exposed to DomA at 2 d postfertilization (dpf), but not at 1 or 4 dpf, showed consistent deficits in startle behavior at 7 dpf, including lower responsiveness and altered kinematics. Similarly, myelination in the spinal cord was disorganized after exposure at 2 dpf but not 1 or 4 dpf. Time-lapse imaging revealed disruption of the initial stages of myelination. DomA exposure at 2 dpf down-regulated genes required for maintaining myelin structure and the axonal cytoskeleton. DISCUSSION These results in zebrafish reveal a developmental window of susceptibility to DomA-induced behavioral deficits and identify altered gene expression and disrupted myelin structure as possible mechanisms. The results establish a zebrafish model for investigating the mechanisms of developmental DomA toxicity, including effects with potential relevance to exposed sensitive human populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6652.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Panlilio
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)–WHOI Joint Graduate Program in Oceanography and Oceanographic Engineering, Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, WHOI, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ranjan S, Sharma PK. Study of learning and memory in type 2 diabetic model of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endmts.2020.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
|
41
|
Guo SY, Zhang Y, Zhu XY, Zhou JL, Li J, Li CQ, Wu LR. Developmental neurotoxicity and toxic mechanisms induced by olaquindox in zebrafish. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:549-560. [PMID: 33111391 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Olaquindox (OLA) has been widely used as an animal feed additive in China for decades; however, its toxicity and toxic mechanisms have not been well investigated. In this study, the developmental neurotoxicity and toxic mechanisms of OLA were evaluated in zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of OLA (25-1,000 mg/L) from 6 to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf). OLA exposure resulted in many abnormal phenotypes in zebrafish, including shortened body length, notochord degeneration, spinal curvature, brain apoptosis, damage of axon and peripheral motor neuron, and hepatotoxicity. Interestingly, OLA increased zebrafish spontaneous tail coiling, while reduced locomotor capacity. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) showed that the expression levels of nine marker genes for nervous system functions or development, namely, α1-tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap), myelin basic protein (mbp), synapsinII a (syn2a), sonic hedgehog a (shha), encoding HuC (elavl3), mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (manf) growth associated protein 43 (gap43), and acetylcholinesterase (ache) were all down-regulated significantly in zebrafish after treated with OLA. Besides, the anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes bcl-2/bax ratio was reduced. These results show that OLA exposure could cause severe developmental neurotoxicity in the early stages of zebrafish life and OLA might induce neurotoxicity by inhibiting the expression of neuro-developmental genes and promoting apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Ya Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China.,Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhu
- Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Jia-Li Zhou
- Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Chun-Qi Li
- Research and Development Department, Hunter Biotechnology, Inc., Jiangling Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China.,Research and Development Department, New Hunter Testing and Technology Co., Ltd, Xinjinhu Road, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Li-Ren Wu
- Laboratory Animal Regulatory Center, Hangzhou Medical College, Tianmushan Road, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fortier G, Butti Z, Patten SA. Modelling C9orf72-Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Zebrafish. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E440. [PMID: 33096681 PMCID: PMC7589578 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its discovery has revolutionized our understanding of this devastating disease. Model systems are a valuable tool for studying ALS pathobiology and potential therapies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has particularly become a useful model organism to study neurological diseases, including ALS, due to high genetic and physiological homology to mammals, and sensitivity to various genetic and pharmacological manipulations. In this review we summarize the zebrafish models that have been used to study the pathology of C9orf72-related ALS. We discuss their value in providing mechanistic insights and their potential use for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Fortier
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
| | - Zoé Butti
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
| | - Shunmoogum A. Patten
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; (G.F.); (Z.B.)
- Centre d’Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines—Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
de Abreu MS, Genario R, Giacomini AC, Demin KA, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Fontana BD, Parker MO, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish as a Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
44
|
Miyawaki I. Application of zebrafish to safety evaluation in drug discovery. J Toxicol Pathol 2020; 33:197-210. [PMID: 33239838 PMCID: PMC7677624 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2020-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, safety evaluation at the early stage of drug discovery research has been done using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo systems in this order because of limitations on the amount of compounds available and the throughput ability of the assay systems. While these in vitro assays are very effective tools for detecting particular tissue-specific toxicity phenotypes, it is difficult to detect toxicity based on complex mechanisms involving multiple organs and tissues. Therefore, the development of novel high throughput in vivo evaluation systems has been expected for a long time. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate with many attractive characteristics for use in drug discovery, such as a small size, transparency, gene and protein similarity with mammals (80% or more), and ease of genetic modification to establish human disease models. Actually, in recent years, the zebrafish has attracted interest as a novel experimental animal. In this article, the author summarized the features of zebrafish that make it a suitable laboratory animal, and introduced and discussed the applications of zebrafish to preclinical toxicity testing, including evaluations of teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity based on morphological findings, evaluation of cardiotoxicity using functional endpoints, and assessment of seizure and drug abuse liability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izuru Miyawaki
- Preclinical Research Laboratories, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma
Co., Ltd., 3-1-98 Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Juan-García A, Bind MA, Engert F. Larval zebrafish as an in vitro model for evaluating toxicological effects of mycotoxins. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 202:110909. [PMID: 32800244 PMCID: PMC7431674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The presence of mycotoxins in food has created concern. Mycotoxin prevalence in our environment has changed in the last few years maybe due to climatic and other environmental changes. Evidence has emerged from in vitro and in vivo models: some mycotoxins have been found to be potentially carcinogenic, embryogenically harmful, teratogenic, and to generate nephrotoxicity. The risk assessment of exposures to mycotoxins at early life stages became mandatory. In this regard, the effects of toxic compounds on zebrafish have been widely studied, and more recently, mycotoxins have been tested with respect to their effects on developmental and teratogenic effects in this model system, which offers several advantages as it is an inexpensive and an accessible vertebrate model to study developmental toxicity. External post-fertilization and quick maturation make it sensitive to environmental effects and facilitate the detection of endpoints such as morphological deformities, time of hatching, and behavioral responses. Therefore, there is a potential for larval zebrafish to provide new insights into the toxicological effects of mycotoxins. We provide an overview of recent mycotoxin toxicological research in zebrafish embryos and larvae, highlighting its usefulness to toxicology and discuss the strengths and limitations of this model system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Juan-García
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés S/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Marie-Abèle Bind
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cho SJ, Park E, Baker A, Reid AY. Age Bias in Zebrafish Models of Epilepsy: What Can We Learn From Old Fish? Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:573303. [PMID: 33015065 PMCID: PMC7511771 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.573303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are a powerful tool for investigating epilepsy. Mammalian seizures can be recapitulated molecularly, behaviorally, and electrophysiologically, using a fraction of the resources required for experiments in mammals. Larval zebrafish offer exceptionally economical and high-throughput approaches and are amenable to state-of-the-art genetic engineering techniques, providing valuable transgenic models of human diseases. For these reasons, larvae tend to be chosen for studying epilepsy, but the value of adult zebrafish may be underappreciated. Zebrafish exhibit transient larval - adult duality. The incompletely developed neural system of larval zebrafish may limit the translation of complex neurological disorders. Larval zebrafish go through dynamic changes during ontogenesis, whereas adult zebrafish are physiologically more stable. Adult zebrafish have a full range of complex brain structures and functions, such as an endothelial blood-brain barrier and adult neurogenesis, both are significant factors in epilepsy research. This review highlights the differences between larval and adult zebrafish that should be considered in pathophysiological and pharmacological studies of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Cho
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eugene Park
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aylin Y. Reid
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Daddiouaissa D, Amid A, Ahmad S, Elnour AAM. Phytochemical analysis of ionic liquid-Graviola (Annona muricata) fruit extract and its acute toxicity on zebrafish early-life stages. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.35118/apjmbb.2020.028.2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Annona muricata, commonly known as soursop and Graviola, is a member of the Annonaceae family. Some of its phytochemicals were reported to have a neurotoxicity effect causing neurodegenerative diseases. However, different parts of this tree have been used for ages in traditional medicine due to their biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer effects. This study aimed to qualitatively screen the crude ionic liquid-Graviola fruit extract (IL-GFE) phytochemical composition, assess its acute toxicity and determine the lethal concentrations using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. IL-GFE contains acetogenins, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins and flavonoids. Acute toxicity effects of IL-GFE on zebrafish embryos were observed from 24 to 120 hours of post fertilisation (hpf). The survival rate, LC50, sublethal endpoints and effect of IL-GFE on the heart rate of zebrafish larvae were assessed. Results showed that the lethal concentration (LC50) of the crude IL-GFE was 173.45 μg/mL. Interestingly, no significant changes on the morphology of the treated zebrafish were observed at a concentration of 125 μg/mL. However, the heart rate of zebrafish larvae at 96 hpf was significantly decreased by 33.76% after treated with crude IL-GFE at 125 µg/mL (119.00 ± 4.72 beats/min) as compared to the untreated group (179.67 ± 4.66 beats/min). This preliminary finding showed that crude ionic liquid-Graviola fruit extract and its phytoconstituents might have the potential to be developed as a food supplement or herbal product. However, further tests need to be conducted to evaluate its medicinal properties and adverse effects on organisms of higher orders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Djabir Daddiouaissa
- Biotechnology Engineering Department, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), P. O. Box 10, Gombak. 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azura Amid
- International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), Level 3, KICT Building, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Syahida Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmed A. M. Elnour
- Biotechnology Engineering Department, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), P. O. Box 10, Gombak. 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Engstrom AM, Faase RA, Marquart GW, Baio JE, Mackiewicz MR, Harper SL. Size-Dependent Interactions of Lipid-Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Developing a Better Mechanistic Understanding Through Model Cell Membranes and in vivo Toxicity. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:4091-4104. [PMID: 32606666 PMCID: PMC7295544 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s249622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Humans are intentionally exposed to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) where they are used in variety of biomedical applications as imaging and drug delivery agents as well as diagnostic and therapeutic agents currently in clinic and in a variety of upcoming clinical trials. Consequently, it is critical that we gain a better understanding of how physiochemical properties such as size, shape, and surface chemistry drive cellular uptake and AuNP toxicity in vivo. Understanding and being able to manipulate these physiochemical properties will allow for the production of safer and more efficacious use of AuNPs in biomedical applications. Methods and Materials Here, AuNPs of three sizes, 5 nm, 10 nm, and 20 nm, were coated with a lipid bilayer composed of sodium oleate, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, and hexanethiol. To understand how the physical features of AuNPs influence uptake through cellular membranes, sum frequency generation (SFG) was utilized to assess the interactions of the AuNPs with a biomimetic lipid monolayer composed of a deuterated phospholipid 1.2-dipalmitoyl-d62-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (dDPPC). Results and Discussion SFG measurements showed that 5 nm and 10 nm AuNPs are able to phase into the lipid monolayer with very little energetic cost, whereas, the 20 nm AuNPs warped the membrane conforming it to the curvature of hybrid lipid-coated AuNPs. Toxicity of the AuNPs were assessed in vivo to determine how AuNP curvature and uptake influence cell health. In contrast, in vivo toxicity tested in embryonic zebrafish showed rapid toxicity of the 5 nm AuNPs, with significant 24 hpf mortality occurring at concentrations ≥20 mg/L, whereas the 10 nm and 20 nm AuNPs showed no significant mortality throughout the five-day experiment. Conclusion By combining information from membrane models using SFG spectroscopy with in vivo toxicity studies, a better mechanistic understanding of how nanoparticles (NPs) interact with membranes is developed to understand how the physiochemical features of AuNPs drive nanoparticle-membrane interactions, cellular uptake, and toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arek M Engstrom
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Ryan A Faase
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Grant W Marquart
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joe E Baio
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | | | - Stacey L Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, Corvallis, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhu XY, Wu YY, Xia B, Dai MZ, Huang YF, Yang H, Li CQ, Li P. Fenobucarb-induced developmental neurotoxicity and mechanisms in zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:11-19. [PMID: 32247646 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Fenobucarb (2-sec-butylphenyl methylcarbamate, BPMC) is an extensively used carbamate insecticide. Its developmental neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms have not been well investigated. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to various concentrations of BPMC from 6 hpf (hours post fertilization, hpf) to 120 hpf. BPMC induced developmental toxicity with reduced motility in larval zebrafish. The spinal cord neutrophil infiltration, increased ROS production, caspase 3 and 9 activation, central nerve and peripheral motor neuron damage, axon and myelin degeneration were observed in zebrafish treated with BPMC generally in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of eight marker genes for nervous system function or development, namely, a1-tubulin, shha, elavl3, gap43, syn2a, gfap, mbp and manf, was significantly downregulated following BPMC exposure. AChE activity reduction and ache gene expression suppression was also found significantly in BPMC-treated zebrafish. These results indicate that BPMC is highly toxic to zebrafish and that BPMC induces zebrafish developmental neurotoxicity through pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, degeneration and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China; Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China
| | - Yu-Ying Wu
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China
| | - Bo Xia
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China
| | - Ming-Zhu Dai
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China
| | - Yan-Feng Huang
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China
| | - Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China
| | - Chun-Qi Li
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, F1A, Building 5, No. 88 Jiangling Road, Binjiang, Zone, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310051, PR China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abozaid A, Trzuskot L, Najmi Z, Paul I, Tsang B, Gerlai R. Developmental stage and genotype dependent behavioral effects of embryonic alcohol exposure in zebrafish larvae. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 97:109774. [PMID: 31655157 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) represent a worldwide problem. The severity and types of symptoms of FASD vary, which may be due to the genotype of the fetus and the developmental stage at which the fetus is exposed to alcohol. The most prevalent forms of FASD present less severe symptoms, including behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, and arise from exposure to low amounts of alcohol consumed infrequently. Treating or diagnosing FASD patients has been difficult because we do not understand the mechanisms underlying FASD. Animal models, including the zebrafish, have been suggested to answer this question. Here, we present a proof of concept analysis studying the behavioral effects of embryonic alcohol exposure in one-week old juvenile zebrafish. We exposed zebrafish embryos at one of five developmental stages (8, 16, 24, 32, or 40 hour post-fertilization) to 0% (control) or 1% (vol/vol) ethanol for 2 h, and tested the behavior of these fish at their age of 7-9 days post-fertilization. We employed two genetically distinct zebrafish populations, a quasi-inbred AB derivative strain, and a genetically variable WT population. We report significant developmental time and genotype dependent effects of alcohol on certain measures of motor function and/or anxiety-like responses. For example, we found embryonic alcohol exposed AB fish to swim faster, vary their speed more, stop moving more often and turn less compared to control fish, alcohol induced changes that were absent or less robust in WT fish. We conclude that our results open new avenues to the identification of genetic mechanisms that mediate or influence alcohol induced developmental alteration of brain function and behavior, which, on the long run, may allow us to identify diagnostic biomarkers and treatment options for human FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amira Abozaid
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Lidia Trzuskot
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Zelaikha Najmi
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Ishti Paul
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada; Department of Cell & System Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|