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Almeida LM, Lima LP, Oliveira NAS, Silva RFO, Sousa B, Bessa J, Pinho BR, Oliveira JMA. PERK inhibition in zebrafish mimics human Wolcott-Rallison syndrome phenotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589737. [PMID: 38659860 PMCID: PMC11042256 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome (WRS) is the most common cause of permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus among consanguineous families. The diabetes associated with WRS is non-autoimmune, insulin-requiring and associated with skeletal dysplasia and growth retardation. The therapeutic options for WRS patients rely on permanent insulin pumping or on invasive transplants of liver and pancreas. WRS has a well identified genetic cause: loss-of-function mutations in the gene coding for an endoplasmic reticulum kinase named PERK (protein kinase R-like ER kinase). Currently, WRS research is facilitated by cellular and rodent models with PERK ablation. While these models have unique strengths, cellular models incompletely replicate the organ/system-level complexity of WRS, and rodents have limited scalability for efficiently screening potential therapeutics. To address these challenges, we developed a new in vivo model of WRS by pharmacologically inhibiting PERK in zebrafish. This small vertebrate displays high fecundity, rapid development of organ systems and is amenable to highly efficient in vivo drug testing. PERK inhibition in zebrafish produced typical WRS phenotypes such as glucose dysregulation, skeletal defects, and impaired development. PERK inhibition in zebrafish also produced broad-spectrum WRS phenotypes such as impaired neuromuscular function, compromised cardiac function and muscular integrity. These results show that zebrafish holds potential as a versatile model to study WRS mechanisms and contribute to the identification of promising therapeutic options for WRS.
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Perlee S, Ma Y, Hunter MV, Swanson JB, Ming Z, Xia J, Lionnet T, McGrail M, White R. A zebrafish system for identifying genetic dependencies in melanocytes and melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586101. [PMID: 38562693 PMCID: PMC10983904 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The advent of large-scale sequencing in both development and disease has identified large numbers of candidate genes that may be linked to important phenotypes. Validating the function of these candidates in vivo is challenging, due to low efficiency and low throughput of most model systems. This is especially the case in skin cells such as melanocytes, where the background mutation rate is high. We have developed a rapid and scalable system for assessing the role of candidate genes in a melanocyte specific manner using zebrafish. We generated transgenic zebrafish in which Cas9 was knocked-in to the endogenous mitfa locus, a master transcription factor of the melanocyte lineage. By introducing single guide RNA expression cassettes into mitfaCas9 embryos, we were able to achieve highly efficient melanocyte-specific mutation of genes important for melanocyte patterning and survival. These animals can be used to screen for dominant or recessive pigment defects in both the F0 generation (3 days) and F1 generation (3 months). We also utilized the mitfaCas9 line to study the role of melanoma genetic dependencies such as SOX10, demonstrating that loss of SOX10 reduces melanoma initiation yet promotes tumor progression by a switch to a SOX9hi state. This SOX10 to SOX9 switch has previously been observed in human patients, indicating that our system can be used to rapidly uncover biological states with relevance to human disease. Our high efficiency genetic approach can be readily applied to other cell lineages, with relevance to both development and disease.
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Wang Q, Deng J, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Xia B, Chen T. A medaka gonad-specific lncRNA may act as pri-miR-202 to regulate testicular endocrine homeostasis and spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2024; 214:273-285. [PMID: 37948817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.020] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
A large number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in animal gonads, but their functions are poorly understood. In this study, a gonad-specific lncRNA, termed lnc4, was identified and characterized in the model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes). The expression pattern and in vitro functional analyses indicated that lnc4 was likely to be a primary transcript of miR-202 (pri-miR-202). Results of single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that the precursor miR-202 (pre-miR-202) was highly expressed in the nuclei of testicular somatic cells, including Leydig and Sertoli cells, whereas only a small amount of lnc4 molecules could be detected co-expressed with pre-miR-202 in Sertoli cells due to its low expression level. Deletion of the lnc4 locus led to a significant reduction in testis size and a dramatic decrease in the number of male germ cells, as well as a reduction in sperm viability. Moreover, lnc4 knockout resulted in enhanced synthesis and secretion of testicular somatic cells and accelerated differentiation of immature male germ cells. Taken together, functional studies of lnc4 and its mature transcript miR-202 will contribute to the understanding of the important role of non-coding RNAs in animal or human reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434024, China; College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Jiajie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Institute of Hydrobiology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design (INASEED), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Yuewen Jiang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Bilin Xia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- Fisheries College of Jimei University, Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Xiamen, Fujian, 361021, China; College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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Ramli, Aramaki T, Watanabe M, Kondo S. Piezo1 mutant zebrafish as a model of idiopathic scoliosis. Front Genet 2024; 14:1321379. [PMID: 38259612 PMCID: PMC10801085 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1321379] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, unique to humans due to their upright posture. However, the cause of this disease is not well understood because it is challenging to find a model for experimentation. This study aimed to create a model for human idiopathic scoliosis by manipulating the function of mechanosensitive channels called Piezo channels in zebrafish. Zebrafish were chosen because they experience similar biomechanical forces to humans, particularly in relation to the role of mechanical force in scoliosis progression. Here we describe piezo1 and piezo2a are involved in bone formation, with a double knockout resulting in congenital systemic malformations. However, an in-frame mutation of piezo1 led to fully penetrant juvenile-onset scoliosis, bone asymmetry, reduced tissue mineral density, and abnormal intervertebral discs-resembling non-congenital scoliosis symptoms in humans. These findings suggest that functional Piezo channels responding to mechanical forces are crucial for bone formation and maintaining spine integrity, providing insights into skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramli
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Aramaki
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kondo
- Laboratory of Pattern Formation, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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5
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Yamanaka T, Matsui H. Modeling familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease in small fishes. Dev Growth Differ 2024; 66:4-20. [PMID: 37991125 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of animal models for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been challenging. Nevertheless, once established, they will serve as valuable tools for elucidating the causes and pathogenesis of PD, as well as for developing new strategies for its treatment. Following the recent discovery of a series of PD causative genes in familial cases, teleost fishes, including zebrafish and medaka, have often been used to establish genetic PD models because of their ease of breeding and gene manipulation, as well as the high conservation of gene orthologs. Some of the fish lines can recapitulate PD phenotypes, which are often more pronounced than those in rodent genetic models. In addition, a new experimental teleost fish, turquoise killifish, can be used as a sporadic PD model, because it spontaneously manifests age-dependent PD phenotypes. Several PD fish models have already made significant contributions to the discovery of novel PD pathological features, such as cytosolic leakage of mitochondrial DNA and pathogenic phosphorylation in α-synuclein. Therefore, utilizing various PD fish models with distinct degenerative phenotypes will be an effective strategy for identifying emerging facets of PD pathogenesis and therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Liu J, Xie H, Wu M, Hu Y, Kang Y. The role of cilia during organogenesis in zebrafish. Open Biol 2023; 13:230228. [PMID: 38086423 PMCID: PMC10715920 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like organelles that protrude from the surface of eukaryotic cells and are present on the surface of nearly all human cells. Cilia play a crucial role in signal transduction, organ development and tissue homeostasis. Abnormalities in the structure and function of cilia can lead to a group of human diseases known as ciliopathies. Currently, zebrafish serves as an ideal model for studying ciliary function and ciliopathies due to its relatively conserved structure and function of cilia compared to humans. In this review, we will summarize the different types of cilia that present in embryonic and adult zebrafish, and provide an overview of the advantages of using zebrafish as a vertebrate model for cilia research. We will specifically focus on the roles of cilia during zebrafish organogenesis based on recent studies. Additionally, we will highlight future prospects for ciliary research in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xie
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Wu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidan Hu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunsi Kang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
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7
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Yang C, Shitamukai A, Yang S, Kawaguchi A. Advanced Techniques Using In Vivo Electroporation to Study the Molecular Mechanisms of Cerebral Development Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14128. [PMID: 37762431 PMCID: PMC10531473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex undergoes a strictly regulated developmental process. Detailed in situ visualizations, imaging of these dynamic processes, and in vivo functional gene studies significantly enhance our understanding of brain development and related disorders. This review introduces basic techniques and recent advancements in in vivo electroporation for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebral diseases. In utero electroporation (IUE) is extensively used to visualize and modify these processes, including the forced expression of pathological mutants in human diseases; thus, this method can be used to establish animal disease models. The advent of advanced techniques, such as genome editing, including de novo knockout, knock-in, epigenetic editing, and spatiotemporal gene regulation, has further expanded our list of investigative tools. These tools include the iON expression switch for the precise control of timing and copy numbers of exogenous genes and TEMPO for investigating the temporal effects of genes. We also introduce the iGONAD method, an improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery approach, as a novel genome-editing technique that has accelerated brain development exploration. These advanced in vivo electroporation methods are expected to provide valuable insights into pathological conditions associated with human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Atsunori Shitamukai
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shucai Yang
- Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ayano Kawaguchi
- Department of Human Morphology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Density and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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Shimizu N, Shiraishi H, Hanada T. Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2246. [PMID: 37759472 PMCID: PMC10526867 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
| | | | - Toshikatsu Hanada
- Department of Cell Biology, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Yufu 879-5593, Oita, Japan;
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9
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Hayashi S, Tamura K, Tsukamoto D, Ogita Y, Takamatsu N, Ito M. Promoter generation for the chimeric sex-determining gene dm-W in Xenopus frogs. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:53-60. [PMID: 37302840 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many sex-determining genes (SDGs) were generated as neofunctionalized genes through duplication and/or mutation of gonadal formation-related genes. We previously identified dm-W as an SDG in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis and found that a partial duplication of the masculinization gene dmrt1 created the neofunctionalized dm-W after allotetraploidization by interspecific hybridization. The allotetraploid Xenopus species have two dmrt1 genes, dmrt1.L and dmrt1.S. Xenopus laevis dm-W has four exons: two dmrt1.S-derived exons (exons 2 and 3) and two other exons (noncoding exon 1 and exon 4). Our recent work revealed that exon 4 originated from a DNA transposon, hAT-10. Here, to clarify when and how the noncoding exon 1 and its coexisting promoter evolved during the establishment of dm-W after allotetraploidization, we newly determined nucleotide sequences of the dm-W promoter region from two other allotetraploid species, X. largeni and X. petersii, and performed an evolutionary analysis. We found that dm-W acquired a new exon 1 and TATA-type promoter in the common ancestor of the three allotetraploid Xenopus species, resulting in the deletion of the dmrt1.S-derived TATA-less promoter. In addition, we demonstrated that the TATA box contributes to dm-W promoter activity in cultured cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that this novel TATA-type promoter was important for the establishment of dm-W as a sex-determining gene, followed by the degeneration of the preexisting promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Hayashi
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University
| | - Kei Tamura
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University
| | | | - Yusaku Ogita
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University
| | | | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Bioscience, School of Science, Kitasato University
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Yu T, Kuang H, Wu X, Huang Y, Wang J, Wen Z. Cell competition for neuron-derived trophic factor controls the turnover and lifespan of microglia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf9790. [PMID: 37327343 PMCID: PMC10275588 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf9790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are brain-resident macrophages capable of long-term maintenance through self-renewal. Yet the mechanism governing the turnover and lifespan of microglia remains unknown. In zebrafish, microglia arise from two sources, rostral blood island (RBI) and aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM). The RBI-derived microglia are born early but have a short lifespan and diminish in adulthood, while the AGM-derived microglia emerge later and are capable of long-term maintenance in adulthood. Here, we show that the attenuation of RBI microglia is due to their less competitiveness for neuron-derived interleukin-34 (Il34) caused by age-dependent decline of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor a (csf1ra). Alterations of Il34/Csf1ra levels and removal of AGM microglia revamp the proportion and lifespan of RBI microglia. The csf1ra/CSF1R expression in zebrafish AGM-derived microglia and murine adult microglia also undergo age-dependent decline, leading to the elimination of aged microglia. Our study reveals cell competition as a general mechanism controlling the turnover and lifespan of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haoyue Kuang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Xiaohai Wu
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianzhong Wang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zilong Wen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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11
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Yamaguchi K, Ogawa R, Tsukahara M, Kawakami K. Efficient production of recombinant proteins in suspension CHO cells culture using the Tol2 transposon system coupled with cycloheximide resistance selection. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7628. [PMID: 37165015 PMCID: PMC10172305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA recombination techniques in mammalian cells has been applied to the production of therapeutic proteins for several decades. To be used for commercial production, established cell lines should stably express target proteins with high productivity and acceptable quality for human use. In the conventional transfection method, the screening process is laborious and time-consuming since superior cell lines had to be selected from an enormous number of transfected cell pools and clonal cell lines with a wide variety of transgene insertion locations. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of a Tol2 transposon system and cell selection by cycloheximide resistance is an efficient method to express therapeutic proteins, such as human antibody in suspension culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The resulting stable cell lines showed constant productivity and cell growth over a long enough cultivation periods for recombinant protein production. We anticipate that this approach will prove widely applicable to protein production in research and development of pharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keina Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
- Bio Process Research and Development Laboratories, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., 100-1 Hagiwara-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0013, Japan.
| | - Risa Ogawa
- Bio Process Research and Development Laboratories, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., 100-1 Hagiwara-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0013, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Tsukahara
- Bio Process Research and Development Laboratories, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., 100-1 Hagiwara-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-0013, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
- Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.
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12
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Masson MA, Nait-Oumesmar B. Emerging concepts in oligodendrocyte and myelin formation, inputs from the zebrafish model. Glia 2023; 71:1147-1163. [PMID: 36645033 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), which are derived from OL precursor cells. Myelin insulates axons allowing the saltatory conduction of action potentials and also provides trophic and metabolic supports to axons. Interestingly, oligodendroglial cells have the capacity to sense neuronal activity, which regulates myelin sheath formation via the vesicular release of neurotransmitters. Neuronal activity-dependent regulation of myelination is mediated by specialized interaction between axons and oligodendroglia, involving both synaptic and extra-synaptic modes of communications. The zebrafish has provided key advantages for the study of the myelination process in the CNS. External development and transparent larval stages of this vertebrate specie combined with the existence of several transgenic reporter lines provided key advances in oligodendroglial cell biology, axo-glial interactions and CNS myelination. In this publication, we reviewed and discussed the most recent knowledge on OL development and myelin formation, with a focus on mechanisms regulating these fundamental biological processes in the zebrafish. Especially, we highlighted the critical function of axons and oligodendroglia modes of communications and calcium signaling in myelin sheath formation and growth. Finally, we reviewed the relevance of these knowledge's in demyelinating diseases and drug discovery of pharmacological compounds favoring myelin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Amélie Masson
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Brahim Nait-Oumesmar
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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13
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Watanabe M. Fish-specific N-terminal domain sequence in Connexin 39.4 plays an important role in zebrafish stripe formation by regulating the opening and closing of gap junctions and hemichannels. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130342. [PMID: 36889448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130342] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin 39.4 (Cx39.4) is involved in zebrafish (Danio rerio) skin patterning; when mutated, zebrafish exhibit a wavy stripe/labyrinth pattern instead of stripes. Cx39.4 is unique in that it has two additional serine/arginine (SR) residues, Ser2 and Arg3, at positions 2 and 3. Here, I investigated the role of these SR residues in Cx39.4 function. METHODS To examine the SR residues in Cx39.4, mutants of the SR residues were generated. Voltage-clamp recordings were performed using Xenopus oocytes to characterize the channel properties of the mutants. Transgenic zebrafish expressing each mutant were generated, and the effects of each mutation on fish skin patterning were evaluated. RESULTS The Cx39.4R3K mutant showed essentially the same properties as the wild-type (Cx39.4WT) in both electrophysiological analyses, leading to transgenic, complete phenotype rescue. Both the Cx39.4R3A mutant and deletion mutant of SR residues (Cx39.4delSR) showed a faster decay of gap junction activity and abnormal hemichannel activity, resulting in wide stripes and interstripes that indicate instability. Although the Cx39.4R3D mutant showed no channel activity in gap junctions or hemichannels, it caused unstable phenotypes in the transgene, namely a completely rescued phenotype in some individuals and loss of melanophores in others. CONCLUSIONS The SR residues in the NT domain of Cx39.4 are critical for the regulation of channel function, which appears to determine skin patterning. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE These results elucidate the roles of the two SR residues unique to the NT domain of Cx39.4 in its channel function, which is important for zebrafish stripe pattern formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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14
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Kemmler CL, Moran HR, Murray BF, Scoresby A, Klem JR, Eckert RL, Lepovsky E, Bertho S, Nieuwenhuize S, Burger S, D'Agati G, Betz C, Puller AC, Felker A, Ditrychova K, Bötschi S, Affolter M, Rohner N, Lovely CB, Kwan KM, Burger A, Mosimann C. Next-generation plasmids for transgenesis in zebrafish and beyond. Development 2023; 150:dev201531. [PMID: 36975217 PMCID: PMC10263156 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Transgenesis is an essential technique for any genetic model. Tol2-based transgenesis paired with Gateway-compatible vector collections has transformed zebrafish transgenesis with an accessible modular system. Here, we establish several next-generation transgenesis tools for zebrafish and other species to expand and enhance transgenic applications. To facilitate gene regulatory element testing, we generated Gateway middle entry vectors harboring the small mouse beta-globin minimal promoter coupled to several fluorophores, CreERT2 and Gal4. To extend the color spectrum for transgenic applications, we established middle entry vectors encoding the bright, blue-fluorescent protein mCerulean and mApple as an alternative red fluorophore. We present a series of p2A peptide-based 3' vectors with different fluorophores and subcellular localizations to co-label cells expressing proteins of interest. Finally, we established Tol2 destination vectors carrying the zebrafish exorh promoter driving different fluorophores as a pineal gland-specific transgenesis marker that is active before hatching and through adulthood. exorh-based reporters and transgenesis markers also drive specific pineal gland expression in the eye-less cavefish (Astyanax). Together, our vectors provide versatile reagents for transgenesis applications in zebrafish, cavefish and other models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie L. Kemmler
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Hannah R. Moran
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brooke F. Murray
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aaron Scoresby
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - John R. Klem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Rachel L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lepovsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Sylvain Bertho
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Susan Nieuwenhuize
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Burger
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca D'Agati
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Charles Betz
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, Spitalstrasse 41, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Christin Puller
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Felker
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Ditrychova
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Seraina Bötschi
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Affolter
- Growth & Development, Biozentrum, Spitalstrasse 41, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rohner
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - C. Ben Lovely
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kristen M. Kwan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexa Burger
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christian Mosimann
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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15
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Inotsume M, Chiba T, Matsushima T, Kurimoto R, Nakajima M, Kato T, Shishido K, Liu L, Kawakami K, Asahara H. One-step generation of mice with gene editing by Tol2 transposon-dependent gRNA delivery. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:975-984. [PMID: 36876986 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Conditional knockout mice are valuable tools for examining the functions of targeted genes in a time- and space-specific manner. Here, we generated gene-edited mice by using the Tol2 transposon to introduce guide RNA (gRNA) into fertilized eggs obtained by crossing LSL (loxP-stop-loxP)-CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) mice, which express Cas9 in a Cre-dependent manner, with CAG-CreER mice. Transposase mRNA and plasmid DNA, which contained a gRNA sequence for the gene encoding tyrosinase flanked by the transposase recognition sequence, were injected together into fertilized eggs. As a result, the transcribed gRNA cleaved the target genome in a Cas9-dependent manner. Using this method, it is possible to generate conditional genome-edited mice more easily in a shorter period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Inotsume
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Tomoki Chiba
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Takahide Matsushima
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Ryota Kurimoto
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Mitsuyo Nakajima
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kato
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Kana Shishido
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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16
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Spead O, Moreland T, Weaver CJ, Costa ID, Hegarty B, Kramer KL, Poulain FE. Teneurin trans-axonal signaling prunes topographically missorted axons. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112192. [PMID: 36857189 PMCID: PMC10131173 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112192] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Building precise neural circuits necessitates the elimination of axonal projections that have inaccurately formed during development. Although axonal pruning is a selective process, how it is initiated and controlled in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that trans-axonal signaling mediated by the cell surface molecules Glypican-3, Teneurin-3, and Latrophilin-3 prunes misrouted retinal axons in the visual system. Retinotopic neuron transplantations revealed that pioneer ventral axons that elongate first along the optic tract instruct the pruning of dorsal axons that missort in that region. Glypican-3 and Teneurin-3 are both selectively expressed by ventral retinal ganglion cells and cooperate for correcting missorted dorsal axons. The adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor Latrophilin-3 signals along dorsal axons to initiate the elimination of topographic sorting errors. Altogether, our findings show an essential function for Glypican-3, Teneurin-3, and Latrophilin-3 in topographic tract organization and demonstrate that axonal pruning can be initiated by signaling among axons themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Spead
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Trevor Moreland
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Cory J Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Irene Dalla Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Brianna Hegarty
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | | | - Fabienne E Poulain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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17
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Xue Q, Varady SR, Waddell TQA, Roman MR, Carrington J, Roh-Johnson M. Lack of Paxillin phosphorylation promotes single-cell migration in vivo. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:213850. [PMID: 36723624 PMCID: PMC9929932 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202206078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions are structures that physically link the cell to the extracellular matrix for cell migration. Although cell culture studies have provided a wealth of information regarding focal adhesion biology, it is critical to understand how focal adhesions are dynamically regulated in their native environment. We developed a zebrafish system to visualize focal adhesion structures during single-cell migration in vivo. We find that a key site of phosphoregulation (Y118) on Paxillin exhibits reduced phosphorylation in migrating cells in vivo compared to in vitro. Furthermore, expression of a non-phosphorylatable version of Y118-Paxillin increases focal adhesion disassembly and promotes cell migration in vivo, despite inhibiting cell migration in vitro. Using a mouse model, we further find that the upstream kinase, focal adhesion kinase, is downregulated in cells in vivo, and cells expressing non-phosphorylatable Y118-Paxillin exhibit increased activation of the CRKII-DOCK180/RacGEF pathway. Our findings provide significant new insight into the intrinsic regulation of focal adhesions in cells migrating in their native environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xue
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sophia R.S. Varady
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Mackenzie R. Roman
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James Carrington
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA,School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Minna Roh-Johnson
- https://ror.org/03r0ha626Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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18
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Henke K, Farmer DT, Niu X, Kraus JM, Galloway JL, Youngstrom DW. Genetically engineered zebrafish as models of skeletal development and regeneration. Bone 2023; 167:116611. [PMID: 36395960 PMCID: PMC11080330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are aquatic vertebrates with significant homology to their terrestrial counterparts. While zebrafish have a centuries-long track record in developmental and regenerative biology, their utility has grown exponentially with the onset of modern genetics. This is exemplified in studies focused on skeletal development and repair. Herein, the numerous contributions of zebrafish to our understanding of the basic science of cartilage, bone, tendon/ligament, and other skeletal tissues are described, with a particular focus on applications to development and regeneration. We summarize the genetic strengths that have made the zebrafish a powerful model to understand skeletal biology. We also highlight the large body of existing tools and techniques available to understand skeletal development and repair in the zebrafish and introduce emerging methods that will aid in novel discoveries in skeletal biology. Finally, we review the unique contributions of zebrafish to our understanding of regeneration and highlight diverse routes of repair in different contexts of injury. We conclude that zebrafish will continue to fill a niche of increasing breadth and depth in the study of basic cellular mechanisms of skeletal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - D'Juan T Farmer
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Xubo Niu
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Jessica M Kraus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
| | - Jenna L Galloway
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Daniel W Youngstrom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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19
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Burgess HA, Burton EA. A Critical Review of Zebrafish Neurological Disease Models-1. The Premise: Neuroanatomical, Cellular and Genetic Homology and Experimental Tractability. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvac018. [PMID: 37649777 PMCID: PMC10464506 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a dramatic rise in the number of genes linked to neurological disorders, necessitating new models to explore underlying mechanisms and to test potential therapies. Over a similar period, many laboratories adopted zebrafish as a tractable model for studying brain development, defining neural circuits and performing chemical screens. Here we discuss strengths and limitations of using the zebrafish system to model neurological disorders. The underlying premise for many disease models is the high degree of homology between human and zebrafish genes, coupled with the conserved vertebrate Bauplan and repertoire of neurochemical signaling molecules. Yet, we caution that important evolutionary divergences often limit the extent to which human symptoms can be modeled meaningfully in zebrafish. We outline advances in genetic technologies that allow human mutations to be reproduced faithfully in zebrafish. Together with methods that visualize the development and function of neuronal pathways at the single cell level, there is now an unprecedented opportunity to understand how disease-associated genetic changes disrupt neural circuits, a level of analysis that is ideally suited to uncovering pathogenic changes in human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold A Burgess
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Edward A Burton
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,15260, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
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20
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Beckers A, Masin L, Dyck A, Bergmans S, Vanhunsel S, Zhang A, Verreet T, Poulain F, Farrow K, Moons L. Optic nerve injury-induced regeneration in the adult zebrafish is accompanied by spatiotemporal changes in mitochondrial dynamics. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:219-225. [PMID: 35799546 PMCID: PMC9241429 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.344837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal regeneration in the central nervous system is an energy-intensive process. In contrast to mammals, adult zebrafish can functionally recover from neuronal injury. This raises the question of how zebrafish can cope with this high energy demand. We previously showed that in adult zebrafish, subjected to an optic nerve crush, an antagonistic axon-dendrite interplay exists wherein the retraction of retinal ganglion cell dendrites is a prerequisite for effective axonal repair. We postulate a ‘dendrites for regeneration’ paradigm that might be linked to intraneuronal mitochondrial reshuffling, as ganglion cells likely have insufficient resources to maintain dendrites and restore axons simultaneously. Here, we characterized both mitochondrial distribution and mitochondrial dynamics within the different ganglion cell compartments (dendrites, somas, and axons) during the regenerative process. Optic nerve crush resulted in a reduction of mitochondria in the dendrites during dendritic retraction, whereafter enlarged mitochondria appeared in the optic nerve/tract during axonal regrowth. Upon dendritic regrowth in the retina, mitochondrial density inside the retinal dendrites returned to baseline levels. Moreover, a transient increase in mitochondrial fission and biogenesis was observed in retinal ganglion cell somas after optic nerve damage. Taken together, these findings suggest that during optic nerve injury-induced regeneration, mitochondria shift from the dendrites to the axons and back again and that temporary changes in mitochondrial dynamics support axonal and dendritic regrowth after optic nerve crush.
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21
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Gao G, Guo S, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Zhang C, Peng G. Kiaa1024L/Minar2 is essential for hearing by regulating cholesterol distribution in hair bundles. eLife 2022; 11:e80865. [PMID: 36317962 PMCID: PMC9714970 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80865] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Unbiased genetic screens implicated a number of uncharacterized genes in hearing loss, suggesting some biological processes required for auditory function remain unexplored. Loss of Kiaa1024L/Minar2, a previously understudied gene, caused deafness in mice, but how it functioned in the hearing was unclear. Here, we show that disruption of kiaa1024L/minar2 causes hearing loss in the zebrafish. Defects in mechanotransduction, longer and thinner hair bundles, and enlarged apical lysosomes in hair cells are observed in the kiaa1024L/minar2 mutant. In cultured cells, Kiaa1024L/Minar2 is mainly localized to lysosomes, and its overexpression recruits cholesterol and increases cholesterol labeling. Strikingly, cholesterol is highly enriched in the hair bundle membrane, and loss of kiaa1024L/minar2 reduces cholesterol localization to the hair bundles. Lowering cholesterol levels aggravates, while increasing cholesterol levels rescues the hair cell defects in the kiaa1024L/minar2 mutant. Therefore, cholesterol plays an essential role in hair bundles, and Kiaa1024L/Minar2 regulates cholesterol distribution and homeostasis to ensure normal hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuyu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Quan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hefei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Cuizhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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22
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Mafba and Mafbb regulate microglial colonization of zebrafish brain via controlling chemotaxis receptor expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203273119. [PMID: 36122226 PMCID: PMC9522419 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203273119] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are a subpopulation of macrophages residing in the central nervous system (CNS). Because microglial precursors/peripheral macrophages are born in peripheral hematopoietic tissues, the establishment of a microglia pool in the CNS involves two processes: colonization, the homing of macrophages from peripheral tissues to the CNS, and maturation, the differentiation of brain-colonizing macrophages into microglia. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial colonization during early development. Utilizing a zebrafish model system, we show that Mafba and Mafbb, two zebrafish orthologs of mammalian MAFB essential for macrophage differentiation and phagocytosis, regulate microglial colonization of the brain via modulating the lysoPS-Gpr34a signaling pathway during early embryogenesis. Our findings reveal a previously unappreciated genetic mechanism involved in microglial colonization of the brain. Microglia are the central nervous system (CNS)–resident macrophages involved in neural inflammation, neurogenesis, and neural activity regulation. Previous studies have shown that naturally occurring neuronal apoptosis plays a critical role in regulating microglial colonization of the brain in zebrafish. However, the molecular signaling cascades underlying neuronal apoptosis-mediated microglial colonization and the regulation of these cascades remain undefined. Here, we show that basic leucine zipper (b-Zip) transcription factors, Mafba and Mafbb, two zebrafish orthologs of mammalian MAFB, are key regulators in neuronal apoptosis-mediated microglial colonization of the brain in zebrafish. We document that the loss of Mafba and Mafbb function perturbs microglial colonization of the brain. We further demonstrate that Mafba and Mafbb act cell-autonomously and cooperatively to orchestrate microglial colonization, at least in part, by regulating the expression of G protein–coupled receptor 34a (Gpr34a), which directs peripheral macrophage recruitment into the brain through sensing the lysophosphatidylserine (lysoPS) released by the apoptotic neurons. Our study reveals that Mafba and Mafbb regulate neuronal apoptosis-mediated microglial colonization of the brain in zebrafish via the lysoPS-Gpr34a pathway.
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23
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Functional Characterization of the N-Terminal Disordered Region of the piggyBac Transposase. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810317. [PMID: 36142241 PMCID: PMC9499001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The piggyBac DNA transposon is an active element initially isolated from the cabbage looper moth, but members of this superfamily are also present in most eukaryotic evolutionary lineages. The functionally important regions of the transposase are well described. There is an RNase H-like fold containing the DDD motif responsible for the catalytic DNA cleavage and joining reactions and a C-terminal cysteine-rich domain important for interaction with the transposon DNA. However, the protein also contains a ~100 amino acid long N-terminal disordered region (NTDR) whose function is currently unknown. Here we show that deletion of the NTDR significantly impairs piggyBac transposition, although the extent of decrease is strongly cell-type specific. Moreover, replacing the NTDR with scrambled but similarly disordered sequences did not rescue transposase activity, indicating the importance of sequence conservation. Cell-based transposon excision and integration assays reveal that the excision step is more severely affected by NTDR deletion. Finally, bioinformatic analyses indicated that the NTDR is specific for the piggyBac superfamily and is also present in domesticated, transposase-derived proteins incapable of catalyzing transposition. Our results indicate an essential role of the NTDR in the “fine-tuning” of transposition and its significance in the functions of piggyBac-originated co-opted genes.
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24
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Transgenic Overexpression of Myocilin Leads to Variable Ocular Anterior Segment and Retinal Alterations Associated with Extracellular Matrix Abnormalities in Adult Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179989. [PMID: 36077382 PMCID: PMC9456529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179989] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocilin is an enigmatic glaucoma-associated glycoprotein whose biological role remains incompletely understood. To gain novel insight into its normal function, we used transposon-mediated transgenesis to generate the first zebrafish line stably overexpressing myocilin [Tg(actb1:myoc-2A-mCherry)]. qPCR showed an approximately four-fold increased myocilin expression in transgenic zebrafish embryos (144 hpf). Adult (13 months old) transgenic animals displayed variable and age-dependent ocular anterior segment alterations. Almost 60% of two-year-old male, but not female, transgenic zebrafish developed enlarged eyes with severe asymmetrical and variable abnormalities in the anterior segment, characterized by corneal limbus hypertrophy, and thickening of the cornea, iris, annular ligament and lens capsule. The most severe phenotype presented small or absent ocular anterior chamber and pupils, due to iris overgrowth along with dysplastic retinal growth and optic nerve hypertrophy. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased presence of myocilin in most altered ocular tissues of adult transgenic animals, as well as signs of retinal gliosis and expanded ganglion cells and nerve fibers. The preliminary results indicate that these cells contributed to retinal dysplasia. Visual impairment was demonstrated in all old male transgenic zebrafish. Transcriptomic analysis of the abnormal transgenic eyes identified disrupted expression of genes involved in lens, muscular and extracellular matrix activities, among other processes. In summary, the developed transgenic zebrafish provides a new tool to investigate this puzzling protein and provides evidence for the role of zebrafish myocilin in ocular anterior segment and retinal biology, through the influence of extracellular matrix organization and cellular proliferation.
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25
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Zebrafish Models of Paediatric Brain Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179920. [PMID: 36077320 PMCID: PMC9456103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric brain cancer is the second most common childhood cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite significant advancements in the treatment modalities and improvements in the 5-year survival rate, it leaves long-term therapy-associated side effects in paediatric patients. Addressing these impairments demands further understanding of the molecularity and heterogeneity of these brain tumours, which can be demonstrated using different animal models of paediatric brain cancer. Here we review the use of zebrafish as potential in vivo models for paediatric brain tumour modelling, as well as catalogue the currently available zebrafish models used to study paediatric brain cancer pathophysiology, and discuss key findings, the unique attributes that these models add, current challenges and therapeutic significance.
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26
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Caviglia S, Unterweger IA, Gasiūnaitė A, Vanoosthuyse AE, Cutrale F, Trinh LA, Fraser SE, Neuhauss SCF, Ober EA. FRaeppli: a multispectral imaging toolbox for cell tracing and dense tissue analysis in zebrafish. Development 2022; 149:276363. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.199615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Visualizing cell shapes and interactions of differentiating cells is instrumental for understanding organ development and repair. Across species, strategies for stochastic multicolour labelling have greatly facilitated in vivo cell tracking and mapping neuronal connectivity. Yet integrating multi-fluorophore information into the context of developing zebrafish tissues is challenging given their cytoplasmic localization and spectral incompatibility with common fluorescent markers. Inspired by Drosophila Raeppli, we developed FRaeppli (Fish-Raeppli) by expressing bright membrane- or nuclear-targeted fluorescent proteins for efficient cell shape analysis and tracking. High spatiotemporal activation flexibility is provided by the Gal4/UAS system together with Cre/lox and/or PhiC31 integrase. The distinct spectra of the FRaeppli fluorescent proteins allow simultaneous imaging with GFP and infrared subcellular reporters or tissue landmarks. We demonstrate the suitability of FRaeppli for live imaging of complex internal organs, such as the liver, and have tailored hyperspectral protocols for time-efficient acquisition. Combining FRaeppli with polarity markers revealed previously unknown canalicular topologies between differentiating hepatocytes, reminiscent of the mammalian liver, suggesting common developmental mechanisms. The multispectral FRaeppli toolbox thus enables the comprehensive analysis of intricate cellular morphologies, topologies and lineages at single-cell resolution in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Caviglia
- University of Copenhagen, NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) 1 , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N , Denmark
- University of Zurich 2 , Department of Molecular and Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Iris A. Unterweger
- University of Copenhagen, NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) 1 , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N , Denmark
| | - Akvilė Gasiūnaitė
- University of Copenhagen, NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) 1 , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N , Denmark
| | - Alexandre E. Vanoosthuyse
- University of Copenhagen, NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) 1 , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N , Denmark
| | - Francesco Cutrale
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California 3 , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California 4 , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
| | - Le A. Trinh
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California 3 , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
- University of Southern California 5 Molecular and Computational Biology , , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California 3 , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California 4 , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
- University of Southern California 5 Molecular and Computational Biology , , 1002 West Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 , USA
| | - Stephan C. F. Neuhauss
- University of Zurich 2 , Department of Molecular and Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Elke A. Ober
- University of Copenhagen, NNF Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) 1 , Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N , Denmark
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27
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Liu F, Kambakam S, Almeida MP, Ming Z, Welker JM, Wierson WA, Schultz-Rogers LE, Ekker SC, Clark KJ, Essner JJ, McGrail M. Cre/ lox regulated conditional rescue and inactivation with zebrafish UFlip alleles generated by CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration. eLife 2022; 11:71478. [PMID: 35713402 PMCID: PMC9270027 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate gene activity spatially and temporally is essential to investigate cell type-specific gene function during development and in postembryonic processes and disease models. The Cre/lox system has been widely used for performing cell and tissue-specific conditional analysis of gene function in zebrafish. However, simple and efficient methods for isolation of stable, Cre/lox regulated zebrafish alleles are lacking. Here we applied our GeneWeld CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration strategy to generate floxed alleles that provide robust conditional inactivation and rescue. A universal targeting vector, UFlip, with sites for cloning short homology arms flanking a floxed 2A-mRFP gene trap, was integrated into an intron in rbbp4 and rb1. rbbp4off and rb1off integration alleles resulted in strong mRFP expression, >99% reduction of endogenous gene expression, and recapitulated known indel loss of function phenotypes. Introduction of Cre led to stable inversion of the floxed cassette, loss of mRFP expression, and phenotypic rescue. rbbp4on and rb1on integration alleles did not cause phenotypes in combination with a loss of function mutation. Addition of Cre led to conditional inactivation by stable inversion of the cassette, gene trapping and mRFP expression, and the expected mutant phenotype. Neural progenitor Cre drivers were used for conditional inactivation and phenotypic rescue to showcase how this approach can be used in specific cell populations. Together these results validate a simplified approach for efficient isolation of Cre/lox responsive conditional alleles in zebrafish. Our strategy provides a new toolkit for generating genetic mosaics and represents a significant advance in zebrafish genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Sekhar Kambakam
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Maira P Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Zhitao Ming
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Jordan M Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Wesley A Wierson
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Laura E Schultz-Rogers
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
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28
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Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite decades of research, most heart pathologies have limited treatments, and often the only curative approach is heart transplantation. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches for treating cardiac diseases. Animal models that reproduce the human pathophysiology are essential to uncovering the biology of diseases and discovering therapies. Traditionally, mammals have been used as models of cardiac disease, but the cost of generating and maintaining new models is exorbitant, and the studies have very low throughput. In the last decade, the zebrafish has emerged as a tractable model for cardiac diseases, owing to several characteristics that made this animal popular among developmental biologists. Zebrafish fertilization and development are external; embryos can be obtained in high numbers, are cheap and easy to maintain, and can be manipulated to create new genetic models. Moreover, zebrafish exhibit an exceptional ability to regenerate their heart after injury. This review summarizes 25 years of research using the zebrafish to study the heart, from the classical forward screenings to the contemporary methods to model mutations found in patients with cardiac disease. We discuss the advantages and limitations of this model organism and introduce the experimental approaches exploited in zebrafish, including forward and reverse genetics and chemical screenings. Last, we review the models used to induce cardiac injury and essential ideas derived from studying natural regeneration. Studies using zebrafish have the potential to accelerate the discovery of new strategies to treat cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel González-Rosa
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA
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29
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Turner KJ, Hawkins TA, Henriques PM, Valdivia LE, Bianco IH, Wilson SW, Folgueira M. A Structural Atlas of the Developing Zebrafish Telencephalon Based on Spatially-Restricted Transgene Expression. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:840924. [PMID: 35721460 PMCID: PMC9198225 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.840924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish telencephalon acquires an everted morphology by a two-step process that occurs from 1 to 5 days post-fertilization (dpf). Little is known about how this process affects the positioning of discrete telencephalic cell populations, hindering our understanding of how eversion impacts telencephalic structural organization. In this study, we characterize the neurochemistry, cycle state and morphology of an EGFP positive (+) cell population in the telencephalon of Et(gata2:EGFP)bi105 transgenic fish during eversion and up to 20dpf. We map the transgene insertion to the early-growth-response-gene-3 (egr3) locus and show that EGFP expression recapitulates endogenous egr3 expression throughout much of the pallial telencephalon. Using the gata2:EGFPbi105 transgene, in combination with other well-characterized transgenes and structural markers, we track the development of various cell populations in the zebrafish telencephalon as it undergoes the morphological changes underlying eversion. These datasets were registered to reference brains to form an atlas of telencephalic development at key stages of the eversion process (1dpf, 2dpf, and 5dpf) and compared to expression in adulthood. Finally, we registered gata2:EGFPbi105 expression to the Zebrafish Brain Browser 6dpf reference brain (ZBB, see Marquart et al., 2015, 2017; Tabor et al., 2019), to allow comparison of this expression pattern with anatomical data already in ZBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J. Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A. Hawkins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro M. Henriques
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo E. Valdivia
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Isaac H. Bianco
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Stephen W. Wilson,
| | - Mónica Folgueira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Neurover Group, Centro de Investigacións Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Department of Biology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Mónica Folgueira,
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30
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Wei M, Mi CL, Jing CQ, Wang TY. Progress of Transposon Vector System for Production of Recombinant Therapeutic Proteins in Mammalian Cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:879222. [PMID: 35600890 PMCID: PMC9114503 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.879222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, mammalian cells have become the primary host cells for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs). Despite that the expression of RTPs in mammalian cells can be improved by directly optimizing or engineering the expression vectors, it is still influenced by the low stability and efficiency of gene integration. Transposons are mobile genetic elements that can be inserted and cleaved within the genome and can change their inserting position. The transposon vector system can be applied to establish a stable pool of cells with high efficiency in RTPs production through facilitating the integration of gene of interest into transcriptionally active sites under screening pressure. Here, the structure and optimization of transposon vector system and its application in expressing RTPs at high level in mammalian cells are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chun-Liu Mi
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chang-Qin Jing
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Chang-Qin Jing, ; Tian-Yun Wang,
| | - Tian-Yun Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Chang-Qin Jing, ; Tian-Yun Wang,
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31
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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] [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.
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32
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Corbacho J, Sanabria-Reinoso E, Buono L, Fernández-Miñan A, Martínez-Morales JR. Trap-TRAP, a Versatile Tool for Tissue-Specific Translatomics in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:817191. [PMID: 35174174 PMCID: PMC8841413 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.817191] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and physiological processes depend on the transcriptional and translational activity of heterogeneous cell populations. A main challenge in gene expression studies is dealing with this intrinsic complexity while keeping sequencing efficiency. Translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) methods have allowed cell-specific recovery of polyribosome-associated RNAs by genetic tagging of ribosomes in selected cell populations. Here we combined the TRAP approach with adapted enhancer trap methods (trap-TRAP) to systematically generate zebrafish transgenic lines suitable for tissue-specific translatome interrogation. Through the random integration of a GFP-tagged version of the large subunit ribosomal protein L10a (EGFP-Rpl10a), we have generated stable lines driving expression in a variety of tissues, including the retina, skeletal muscle, lateral line primordia, rhombomeres, or jaws. To increase the range of applications, a UAS:TRAP transgenic line compatible with available Gal4 lines was also generated and tested. The resulting collection of lines and applications constitutes a resource for the zebrafish community in developmental genetics, organ physiology and disease modelling.
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33
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Zebrafish, Medaka and Turquoise Killifish for Understanding Human Neurodegenerative/Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031399. [PMID: 35163337 PMCID: PMC8836067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, small fishes such as zebrafish and medaka have been widely recognized as model animals. They have high homology in genetics and tissue structure with humans and unique features that mammalian model animals do not have, such as transparency of embryos and larvae, a small body size and ease of experiments, including genetic manipulation. Zebrafish and medaka have been used extensively in the field of neurology, especially to unveil the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and recently, these fishes have also been utilized to understand neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. The turquoise killifish has emerged as a new and unique model animal, especially for ageing research due to its unique life cycle, and this fish also seems to be useful for age-related neurological diseases. These small fishes are excellent animal models for the analysis of human neurological disorders and are expected to play increasing roles in this field. Here, we introduce various applications of these model fishes to improve our understanding of human neurological disorders.
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34
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Mei S, Wu Y, Wang Y, Cui Y, Zhang M, Zhang T, Huang X, Yu S, Yu T, Zhao J. Disruption of PIKFYVE causes congenital cataract in human and zebrafish. eLife 2022; 11:71256. [PMID: 35023829 PMCID: PMC8758139 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital cataract, an ocular disease predominantly occurring within the first decade of life, is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of congenital cataract remain incompletely defined. Through whole-exome sequencing of a Chinese family with congenital cataract, we identified a potential pathological variant (p.G1943E) in PIKFYVE, which is located in the PIP kinase domain of the PIKFYVE protein. We demonstrated that heterozygous/homozygous disruption of PIKFYVE kinase domain, instead of overexpression of PIKFYVEG1943E in zebrafish mimicked the cataract defect in human patients, suggesting that haploinsufficiency, rather than dominant-negative inhibition of PIKFYVE activity caused the disease. Phenotypical analysis of pikfyve zebrafish mutants revealed that loss of Pikfyve caused aberrant vacuolation (accumulation of Rab7+Lc3+ amphisomes) in lens cells, which was significantly alleviated by treatment with the V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1). Collectively, we identified PIKFYVE as a novel causative gene for congenital cataract and pinpointed the potential application of Baf-A1 for the treatment of congenital cataract caused by PIKFYVE deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyi Mei
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubo Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The first Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaosheng Huang
- Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sejie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The first Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The first Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
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35
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Adewoyin M, Teoh SL, Azmai MNA, Nasruddin NS. Exploiting the Differences Between Zebrafish and Medaka in Biological Research: A Complementary Approach. PHARMACOPHORE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/a5qhctavdz] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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36
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Bhatia S, Kleinjan DJ, Uttley K, Mann A, Dellepiane N, Bickmore WA. Quantitative spatial and temporal assessment of regulatory element activity in zebrafish. eLife 2021; 10:65601. [PMID: 34796872 PMCID: PMC8604437 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations or genetic variation in noncoding regions of the genome harbouring cis-regulatory elements (CREs), or enhancers, have been widely implicated in human disease and disease risk. However, our ability to assay the impact of these DNA sequence changes on enhancer activity is currently very limited because of the need to assay these elements in an appropriate biological context. Here, we describe a method for simultaneous quantitative assessment of the spatial and temporal activity of wild-type and disease-associated mutant human CRE alleles using live imaging in zebrafish embryonic development. We generated transgenic lines harbouring a dual-CRE dual-reporter cassette in a pre-defined neutral docking site in the zebrafish genome. The activity of each CRE allele is reported via expression of a specific fluorescent reporter, allowing simultaneous visualisation of where and when in development the wild-type allele is active and how this activity is altered by mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Bhatia
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Jan Kleinjan
- Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology at the Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, SynthSys, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Uttley
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Mann
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nefeli Dellepiane
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy A Bickmore
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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37
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Spead O, Weaver CJ, Moreland T, Poulain FE. Live imaging of retinotectal mapping reveals topographic map dynamics and a previously undescribed role for Contactin 2 in map sharpening. Development 2021; 148:272618. [PMID: 34698769 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Organization of neuronal connections into topographic maps is essential for processing information. Yet, our understanding of topographic mapping has remained limited by our inability to observe maps forming and refining directly in vivo. Here, we used Cre-mediated recombination of a new colorswitch reporter in zebrafish to generate the first transgenic model allowing the dynamic analysis of retinotectal mapping in vivo. We found that the antero-posterior retinotopic map forms early but remains dynamic, with nasal and temporal retinal axons expanding their projection domains over time. Nasal projections initially arborize in the anterior tectum but progressively refine their projection domain to the posterior tectum, leading to the sharpening of the retinotopic map along the antero-posterior axis. Finally, using a CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis approach, we demonstrate that the refinement of nasal retinal projections requires the adhesion molecule Contactin 2. Altogether, our study provides the first analysis of a topographic map maturing in real time in a live animal and opens new strategies for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying precise topographic mapping in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Spead
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Cory J Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Trevor Moreland
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Fabienne E Poulain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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38
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Higaki S, Nishie T, Todo T, Teshima R, Kusumi K, Mitsumori R, Tooyama I, Fujioka Y, Kawasaki T, Sakai N, Takada T. Germ cell-specific expression of Venus by Tol2-mediated transgenesis in endangered endemic cyprinid Honmoroko (Gnathopogon caerulescens). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1341-1347. [PMID: 34189725 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14840] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fishes expressing a fluorescent protein in germ cells are useful to perform germ cell transfer experiments for conservation study. Nonetheless, no such fish has been generated in endangered endemic fishes. In this study, we tried to produce a fish expressing Venus fluorescent protein in germ cells using Honmoroko (Gnathopogon caerulescens), which is one of the threatened small cyprinid endemic to the ancient Lake Biwa in Japan. To achieve germ cell-specific expression of Venus, we used piwil1 (formally known as ziwi) promoter and Tol2 transposon system. Following the co-injection of the piwil1-Venus expression vector and the Tol2 transposase mRNA into fertilized eggs, presumptive transgenic fish were reared. At 7 months of post-fertilization, about 19% (10/52) of the examined larvae showed Venus fluorescence in their gonad specifically. Immunohistological staining and in vitro spermatogenesis using gonads of the juvenile founder fish revealed that Venus expression was detected in spermatogonia and spermatocyte in male, and oogonia and stage I and II oocytes in female. These results indicate that the Tol2 transposon and zebrafish piwil1 promoter enabled gene transfer and germ cell-specific expression of Venus in G. caerulescens. In addition, in vitro culture of juvenile spermatogonia enables the rapid validation of temporal expression of transgene during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Higaki
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nishie
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Takaaki Todo
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Reiko Teshima
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Kusumi
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Risa Mitsumori
- Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - Ikuo Tooyama
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Kawasaki
- Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Sakai
- Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Takada
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan
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39
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Hasan S, Asakawa S, Watabe S, Kinoshita S. Regulation of the Expression of the Myosin Heavy Chain (MYH) Gene myh14 in Zebrafish Development. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:821-835. [PMID: 34490548 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The human sarcomeric myosin heavy chain gene MYH14 contains an intronic microRNA, miR-499. Our previous studies demonstrated divergent genomic organization and expression patterns of myh14/miR-499 among teleosts; however, the regulatory mechanism is partly known. In this study, we report the regulation of myh14 expression in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Zebrafish myh14 has three paralogs, myh14-1, myh14-2, and myh14-3. Detailed promoter analysis suggested that a 5710-bp 5'-flanking region of myh14-1 and a 5641-bp region of myh14-3 contain a necessary regulatory region to recapitulate specific expression during embryonic development. The 5'-flanking region of zebrafish myh14-1 and its torafugu ortholog shared two distal and a single proximal conserved region. The two distal conserved regions had no effect on zebrafish myh14-1 expression, in contrast to torafugu expression, suggesting an alternative regulatory mechanism among the myh14 orthologs. Comparison among the 5'-flanking regions of the myh14 paralogs revealed two conserved regions. Deletion of these conserved regions significantly reduced the promoter activity of myh14-3 but had no effect on myh14-1, indicating different cis-regulatory mechanisms of myh14 paralogs. Loss of function of miR-499 resulted in a marked reduction in slow muscle fibers in embryonic development. Our study identified different cis-regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of myh14/miR-499 and an indispensable role of miR-499 in muscle fiber-type specification in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Hasan
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, TX, 78041, USA.
| | - Shuichi Asakawa
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shugo Watabe
- School of Marine Bioscience, Kitasato University, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Kinoshita
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
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40
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Kim GHJ, Mo H, Liu H, Wu Z, Chen S, Zheng J, Zhao X, Nucum D, Shortland J, Peng L, Elepano M, Tang B, Olson S, Paras N, Li H, Renslo AR, Arkin MR, Huang B, Lu B, Sirota M, Guo S. A zebrafish screen reveals Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors as neuroprotective via mitochondrial restoration in dopamine neurons. eLife 2021; 10:69795. [PMID: 34550070 PMCID: PMC8457844 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder without effective disease-modifying therapeutics. Here, we establish a chemogenetic dopamine (DA) neuron ablation model in larval zebrafish with mitochondrial dysfunction and robustness suitable for high-content screening. We use this system to conduct an in vivo DA neuron imaging-based chemical screen and identify the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) inhibitors as significantly neuroprotective. Knockdown of the angiotensin receptor 1 (agtr1) in DA neurons reveals a cell-autonomous mechanism of neuroprotection. DA neuron-specific RNA-seq identifies mitochondrial pathway gene expression that is significantly restored by RAAS inhibitor treatment. The neuroprotective effect of RAAS inhibitors is further observed in a zebrafish Gaucher disease model and Drosophila pink1-deficient PD model. Finally, examination of clinical data reveals a significant effect of RAAS inhibitors in delaying PD progression. Our findings reveal the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of targeting the RAAS pathway for neuroprotection and demonstrate a salient approach that bridges basic science to translational medicine. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the slow death and deterioration of brain cells, in particular of the neurons that produce a chemical messenger known as dopamine. Certain drugs can mitigate the resulting drop in dopamine levels and help to manage symptoms, but they cause dangerous side-effects. There is no treatment that can slow down or halt the progress of the condition, which affects 0.3% of the population globally. Many factors, both genetic and environmental, contribute to the emergence of Parkinson’s disease. For example, dysfunction of the mitochondria, the internal structures that power up cells, is a known mechanism associated with the death of dopamine-producing neurons. Zebrafish are tiny fish which can be used to study Parkinson’s disease, as they are easy to manipulate in the lab and share many characteristics with humans. In particular, they can be helpful to test the effects of various potential drugs on the condition. Here, Kim et al. established a new zebrafish model in which dopamine-producing brain cells die due to their mitochondria not working properly; they then used this assay to assess the impact of 1,403 different chemicals on the integrity of these cells. A group of molecules called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) inhibitors was shown to protect dopamine-producing neurons and stopped them from dying as often. These are already used to treat high blood pressure as they help to dilate blood vessels. In the brain, however, RAAS worked by restoring certain mitochondrial processes. Kim et al. then investigated whether these results are relevant in other, broader contexts. They were able to show that RAAS inhibitors have the same effect in other animals, and that Parkinson’s disease often progresses more slowly in patients that already take these drugs for high blood pressure. Taken together, these findings therefore suggest that RAAS inhibitors may be useful to treat Parkinson’s disease, as well as other brain illnesses that emerge because of mitochondria not working properly. Clinical studies and new ways to improve these drugs are needed to further investigate and capitalize on these potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gha-Hyun J Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Han Mo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Harrison Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Graduate Program of Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Zhihao Wu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Steven Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Jiashun Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Daryl Nucum
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - James Shortland
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Longping Peng
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mannuel Elepano
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND), UCSF Weill Institute forNeurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Benjamin Tang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND), UCSF Weill Institute forNeurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Steven Olson
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND), UCSF Weill Institute forNeurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Nick Paras
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND), UCSF Weill Institute forNeurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Adam R Renslo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Graduate Program of Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, United States
| | - Bingwei Lu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Programs in BiologicalSciences and Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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41
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Jimenez E, Slevin CC, Colón-Cruz L, Burgess SM. Vestibular and Auditory Hair Cell Regeneration Following Targeted Ablation of Hair Cells With Diphtheria Toxin in Zebrafish. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:721950. [PMID: 34489643 PMCID: PMC8416761 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.721950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of Americans experience hearing or balance disorders due to loss of hair cells in the inner ear. The hair cells are mechanosensory receptors used in the auditory and vestibular organs of all vertebrates as well as the lateral line systems of aquatic vertebrates. In zebrafish and other non-mammalian vertebrates, hair cells turnover during homeostasis and regenerate completely after being destroyed or damaged by acoustic or chemical exposure. However, in mammals, destroying or damaging hair cells results in permanent impairments to hearing or balance. We sought an improved method for studying hair cell damage and regeneration in adult aquatic vertebrates by generating a transgenic zebrafish with the capacity for targeted and inducible hair cell ablation in vivo. This model expresses the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) gene under the control of the myo6b promoter, resulting in hDTR expressed only in hair cells. Cell ablation is achieved by an intraperitoneal injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) in adult zebrafish or DT dissolved in the water for larvae. In the lateral line of 5 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish, ablation of hair cells by DT treatment occurred within 2 days in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, in adult utricles and saccules, a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.05 ng DT caused complete loss of hair cells in the utricle and saccule by 5 days post-injection. Full hair cell regeneration was observed for the lateral line and the inner ear tissues. This study introduces a new method for efficient conditional hair cell ablation in adult zebrafish inner ear sensory epithelia (utricles and saccules) and demonstrates that zebrafish hair cells will regenerate in vivo after this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shawn M. Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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42
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Farías-Serratos BM, Lazcano I, Villalobos P, Darras VM, Orozco A. Thyroid hormone deficiency during zebrafish development impairs central nervous system myelination. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256207. [PMID: 34403440 PMCID: PMC8370640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are messengers that bind to specific nuclear receptors and regulate a wide range of physiological processes in the early stages of vertebrate embryonic development, including neurodevelopment and myelogenesis. We here tested the effects of reduced T3 availability upon the myelination process by treating zebrafish embryos with low concentrations of iopanoic acid (IOP) to block T4 to T3 conversion. Black Gold II staining showed that T3 deficiency reduced the myelin density in the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain and the spinal cord at 3 and 7 dpf. These observations were confirmed in 3 dpf mbp:egfp transgenic zebrafish, showing that the administration of IOP reduced the fluorescent signal in the brain. T3 rescue treatment restored brain myelination and reversed the changes in myelin-related gene expression induced by IOP exposure. NG2 immunostaining revealed that T3 deficiency reduced the amount of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in 3 dpf IOP-treated larvae. Altogether, the present results show that inhibition of T4 to T3 conversion results in hypomyelination, suggesting that THs are part of the key signaling molecules that control the timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin synthesis from very early stages of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iván Lazcano
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Qro., México
| | - Patricia Villalobos
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Qro., México
| | - Veerle M. Darras
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Qro., México
- Biology Department, Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aurea Orozco
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Qro., México
- * E-mail:
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43
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Butti Z, Pan YE, Giacomotto J, Patten SA. Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:792. [PMID: 34172817 PMCID: PMC8233344 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene. Reduced levels of C9orf72 mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reduced C9orf72 function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a marked reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates an important role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions. Butti et al. generate a C9orf72 loss-of-function model in zebrafish. They find that that C9orf72 is required for presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval neuromuscular junctions. This study provides functional insights into the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto-temporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Butti
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jean Giacomotto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- INRS- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada. .,Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC, Canada.
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44
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Rajendran S, Balasubramanian S, Webster L, Lee M, Vavilala D, Kulikov N, Choi J, Tang C, Hunter M, Wang R, Kaur H, Karunakaran S, Sitaraman V, Minshull J, Boldog F. Accelerating and de-risking CMC development with transposon-derived manufacturing cell lines. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2301-2311. [PMID: 33704772 PMCID: PMC8252637 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of highly productive, genetically stable manufacturing cell lines is on the critical path to IND filing for protein-based biologic drugs. Here, we describe the Leap-In Transposase® platform, a novel transposon-based mammalian (e.g., Chinese hamster ovary) cell line development system that produces high-titer stable pools with productivity and product quality attributes that are highly comparable to clones that are subsequently derived therefrom. The productivity distributions of clones are strongly biased toward high producers, and genetic and expression stability is consistently high. By avoiding the poor integration rates, concatemer formation, detrimental transgene recombination, low average expression level, unpredictable product quality, and inconsistent genetic stability characteristic of nonhomologous recombination methods, Leap-In provides several opportunities to de-risk programs early and reduce timelines and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Rajendran
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sowmya Balasubramanian
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lynn Webster
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maggie Lee
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Divya Vavilala
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicolay Kulikov
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jessica Choi
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Calvin Tang
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Molly Hunter
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rebecca Wang
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Surya Karunakaran
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Varsha Sitaraman
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeremy Minshull
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ferenc Boldog
- Cell Line DevelopmentProtein Purification and Protein Analytical Departments of ATUM, Inc.NewarkCaliforniaUSA
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45
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Awazu M, Yamaguchi Y, Nagata M, Miura M, Hida M. Caspase-3 regulates ureteric branching in mice via cell migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 559:28-34. [PMID: 33932897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of caspase-3 (Casp3) reduces ureteric branching in organ culture but the mechanism remains unclear. Since Casp3 has non-apoptotic functions, we examined whether Casp3 regulates ureteric branching by promoting cell migration, using a ureteric bud (UB) cell line and Casp3-deficient (Casp3-/-) mice. Also, we examined whether Casp3 plays a role in the reduced ureteric branching of metanephroi from nutrient restricted mothers, in which Casp3 activity is suppressed. A Casp3 inhibitor Ac-DNLD-CHO reduced FGF2-induced cord formation of UB cells in 3D culture. UB cell migration assessed by Boyden chamber and wound healing assays was inhibited by Ac-DNLD-CHO. Glomerular number was reduced by ≈ 30%, and ureteric tip number was lower in Casp3-/- mice compared with controls. Maternal nutrient restriction decreased ureteric tip number in controls but not in Casp3-/-. In conclusion, Casp3 regulates ureteric branching by promoting UB cell migration. Inhibited ureteric branching by maternal nutrient restriction may be mediated by Casp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Awazu
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-19, Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0819, Japan.
| | - Michio Nagata
- Kidney and Vascular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Miura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Mariko Hida
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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46
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Parisi C, Vashisht S, Winata CL. Fish-Ing for Enhancers in the Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3914. [PMID: 33920121 PMCID: PMC8069060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise control of gene expression is crucial to ensure proper development and biological functioning of an organism. Enhancers are non-coding DNA elements which play an essential role in regulating gene expression. They contain specific sequence motifs serving as binding sites for transcription factors which interact with the basal transcription machinery at their target genes. Heart development is regulated by intricate gene regulatory network ensuring precise spatiotemporal gene expression program. Mutations affecting enhancers have been shown to result in devastating forms of congenital heart defect. Therefore, identifying enhancers implicated in heart biology and understanding their mechanism is key to improve diagnosis and therapeutic options. Despite their crucial role, enhancers are poorly studied, mainly due to a lack of reliable way to identify them and determine their function. Nevertheless, recent technological advances have allowed rapid progress in enhancer discovery. Model organisms such as the zebrafish have contributed significant insights into the genetics of heart development through enabling functional analyses of genes and their regulatory elements in vivo. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge on heart enhancers gained through studies in model organisms, discuss various approaches to discover and study their function, and finally suggest methods that could further advance research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Parisi
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland; (C.P.); (S.V.)
| | - Shikha Vashisht
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland; (C.P.); (S.V.)
| | - Cecilia Lanny Winata
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland; (C.P.); (S.V.)
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
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47
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Almeida MP, Welker JM, Siddiqui S, Luiken J, Ekker SC, Clark KJ, Essner JJ, McGrail M. Endogenous zebrafish proneural Cre drivers generated by CRISPR/Cas9 short homology directed targeted integration. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1732. [PMID: 33462297 PMCID: PMC7813866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported efficient precision targeted integration of reporter DNA in zebrafish and human cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and short regions of homology. Here, we apply this strategy to isolate zebrafish Cre recombinase drivers whose spatial and temporal restricted expression mimics endogenous genes. A 2A-Cre recombinase transgene with 48 bp homology arms was targeted into proneural genes ascl1b, olig2 and neurod1. We observed high rates of germline transmission ranging from 10 to 100% (2/20 olig2; 1/5 neurod1; 3/3 ascl1b). The transgenic lines Tg(ascl1b-2A-Cre)is75, Tg(olig2-2A-Cre)is76, and Tg(neurod1-2A-Cre)is77 expressed functional Cre recombinase in the expected proneural cell populations. Somatic targeting of 2A-CreERT2 into neurod1 resulted in tamoxifen responsive recombination in the nervous system. The results demonstrate Cre recombinase expression is driven by the native promoter and regulatory elements of the targeted genes. This approach provides a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective method to generate cell type specific zebrafish Cre and CreERT2 drivers, overcoming challenges associated with promoter-BAC and transposon mediated transgenics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira P Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Genetics and Genomics Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jordan M Welker
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Genetics and Genomics Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department III - Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sahiba Siddiqui
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Genetics and Genomics Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jon Luiken
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Genetics and Genomics Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA. .,Genetics and Genomics Interdepartmental Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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48
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Noel NCL, MacDonald IM, Allison WT. Zebrafish Models of Photoreceptor Dysfunction and Degeneration. Biomolecules 2021; 11:78. [PMID: 33435268 PMCID: PMC7828047 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an instrumental system for the generation of photoreceptor degeneration models, which can be utilized to determine underlying causes of photoreceptor dysfunction and death, and for the analysis of potential therapeutic compounds, as well as the characterization of regenerative responses. We review the wealth of information from existing zebrafish models of photoreceptor disease, specifically as they relate to currently accepted taxonomic classes of human rod and cone disease. We also highlight that rich, detailed information can be derived from studying photoreceptor development, structure, and function, including behavioural assessments and in vivo imaging of zebrafish. Zebrafish models are available for a diversity of photoreceptor diseases, including cone dystrophies, which are challenging to recapitulate in nocturnal mammalian systems. Newly discovered models of photoreceptor disease and drusenoid deposit formation may not only provide important insights into pathogenesis of disease, but also potential therapeutic approaches. Zebrafish have already shown their use in providing pre-clinical data prior to testing genetic therapies in clinical trials, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy for Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. L. Noel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
| | - Ian M. MacDonald
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; (I.M.M.); (W.T.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada
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49
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Usui Y, Watanabe M. Role of the Connexin C-terminus in skin pattern formation of Zebrafish. BBA ADVANCES 2021; 1:100006. [PMID: 37082017 PMCID: PMC10074918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2021.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zebrafish display a striped skin pattern on their body; two types of connexins, namely, Connexin39.4 (Cx39.4) and Connexin41.8 (Cx41.8), are involved in stripe pattern formation. Herein, we investigated the role of the C-terminal (CT) domains of Cx39.4 and Cx41.8 in vivo and in vitro. Methods To investigate the role of CT domains in vivo, we established transgenic zebrafish lines expressing the CT-domain-modified connexin series in pigmented cells and observed skin patterns in fish. To investigate the role of the CT domains in vitro, we expressed the CT-domain modified connexin series in Neuro-2a (N2a) cells and calculated the plaque formation frequency. Results The overexpression of Cx39.4 lacking a CT domain produced skin patterns similar to that produced by full-length Cx39.4 in the cx39.4 -/- mutant and in cx39.4 and cx41.8 double-knockout mutant zebrafish. Fluorescence-protein-fused CT-domain-modified Cx39.4 formed gap junction plaques between N2a cells. The overexpression of CT-truncated Cx41.8 rescued the mutant phenotype in the cx41.8 -/- mutant but did not function in the double knockout zebrafish. Fluorescence-protein-fused CT-truncated Cx41.8 hardly formed plaques between N2a cells without Cx39.4 but formed gap junction plaques when co-expressed with Cx39.4. Conclusions The CT domain of Cx39.4 is not required for protein function, at least in the pigment cells of zebrafish. However, the need for the CT domain of Cx41.8 depends on Cx39.4 expression. General significance These results provide evidence for the interactions between Cx39.4 and Cx41.8 in pigment cells of zebrafish and suggest that at least one connexin must have a CT domain.
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Eufrásio A, Perrod C, Ferreira FJ, Duque M, Galhardo M, Bessa J. In Vivo Reporter Assays Uncover Changes in Enhancer Activity Caused by Type 2 Diabetes-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. Diabetes 2020; 69:2794-2805. [PMID: 32912862 PMCID: PMC7679775 DOI: 10.2337/db19-1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type 2 diabetes overlap with putative endocrine pancreatic enhancers, suggesting that these SNPs modulate enhancer activity and, consequently, gene expression. We performed in vivo mosaic transgenesis assays in zebrafish to quantitatively test the enhancer activity of type 2 diabetes-associated loci. Six out of 10 tested sequences are endocrine pancreatic enhancers. The risk variant of two sequences decreased enhancer activity, while in another two incremented it. One of the latter (rs13266634) locates in an SLC30A8 exon, encoding a tryptophan-to-arginine substitution that decreases SLC30A8 function, which is the canonical explanation for type 2 diabetes risk association. However, other type 2 diabetes-associated SNPs that truncate SLC30A8 confer protection from this disease, contradicting this explanation. Here, we clarify this incongruence, showing that rs13266634 boosts the activity of an overlapping enhancer and suggesting an SLC30A8 gain of function as the cause for the increased risk for the disease. We further dissected the functionality of this enhancer, finding a single nucleotide mutation sufficient to impair its activity. Overall, this work assesses in vivo the importance of disease-associated SNPs in the activity of endocrine pancreatic enhancers, including a poorly explored case where a coding SNP modulates the activity of an enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Eufrásio
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Chiara Perrod
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fábio J Ferreira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Duque
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Galhardo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Bessa
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Porto, Portugal
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