1
|
Mutschler C, Telerman SB. Glial plasticity in the zebrafish central nervous system. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00093-X. [PMID: 38760196 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Glial cells have a remarkable plasticity. Recent studies using zebrafish as a model highlight conserved cellular behavior in health and disease in the central nervous system (CNS) between zebrafish and humans. These findings inform our understanding of their function and how their dysregulation in pathogenesis can be determinant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Mutschler
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Stephanie B Telerman
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yeramilli V, Rizek CS, Graham J, Taylor C, Cheddadi R, Patterson S, Watts S, Martin C. Parental preconception stress in zebrafish induces long-lasting anxiety in offspring. Physiol Behav 2024; 277:114477. [PMID: 38301945 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The growth and function of the vertebrate brain are impacted by environmental stimuli and early life stress. Adults who experience chronic stress during early life are more likely to suffer various neurodevelopmental and health issues. However, our understanding of how these specific environmental signals at different developmental stages affect brain development is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated if stress in parents prior to conception modulates neurodevelopment in offspring. We used a chronic unpredictable stress model adapted to zebrafish, which is an increasingly popular vertebrate model in neuroscience research to investigate the effects of both maternal and paternal preconception stress on offspring behavior. We evaluated the responsiveness of three anxiety-related behavioral paradigms in zebrafish: the novel tank test, thigmotaxis, and shoaling behavior. We found larvae from stressed females exhibited anxiety-like behavior in a thigmotaxis assay. As these larvae matured into adults, they continued to exhibit anxiety-like behavior in a novel tank and shoaling behavioral assay. These studies indicate preconception stress exposure in parents can induce life-long alterations in offspring neurodevelopment. Further, these results expand the hypothesis that chronically elevated glucocorticoid signaling not only in stressed mothers, but also stressed dads can affect neurodevelopment in offspring. We propose that zebrafish may be a useful model to study the transgenerational effects of chronic stress mediated via the maternal and paternal line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Yeramilli
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | | | - Jessica Graham
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | - Christopher Taylor
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Riadh Cheddadi
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | - Sophie Patterson
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Stephen Watts
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Colin Martin
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roy D, Subramaniam B, Chong WC, Bornhorst M, Packer RJ, Nazarian J. Zebrafish-A Suitable Model for Rapid Translation of Effective Therapies for Pediatric Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1361. [PMID: 38611039 PMCID: PMC11010887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers are the leading cause of disease-related deaths in children and adolescents. Most of these tumors are difficult to treat and have poor overall survival. Concerns have also been raised about drug toxicity and long-term detrimental side effects of therapies. In this review, we discuss the advantages and unique attributes of zebrafish as pediatric cancer models and their importance in targeted drug discovery and toxicity assays. We have also placed a special focus on zebrafish models of pediatric brain cancers-the most common and difficult solid tumor to treat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debasish Roy
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
| | - Bavani Subramaniam
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
| | - Wai Chin Chong
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
| | - Miriam Bornhorst
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
| | - Roger J. Packer
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
| | - Javad Nazarian
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20012, USA; (D.R.)
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aksoy YA, Cole AJ, Deng W, Hesselson D. Zebrafish CCNF and FUS Mediate Stress-Specific Motor Responses. Cells 2024; 13:372. [PMID: 38474336 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons. Mutations in the cyclin F (CCNF) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes have been associated with ALS pathology. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional role of CCNF and FUS in ALS by using genome editing techniques to generate zebrafish models with genetic disruptions in these genes. Sequence comparisons showed significant homology between human and zebrafish CCNF and FUS proteins. We used CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN-mediated genome editing to generate targeted disruptions in the zebrafish ccnf and fus genes. Ccnf-deficient zebrafish exhibited abnormal motor neuron development and axonal outgrowth, whereas Fus-deficient zebrafish did not exhibit developmental abnormalities or axonopathies in primary motor neurons. However, Fus-deficient zebrafish displayed motor impairments in response to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The Ccnf-deficient zebrafish were only sensitized to endoplasmic reticulum stress, indicating that ALS genes have overlapping as well as unique cellular functions. These zebrafish models provide valuable platforms for studying the functional consequences of CCNF and FUS mutations in ALS pathogenesis. Furthermore, these zebrafish models expand the drug screening toolkit used to evaluate possible ALS treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yagiz Alp Aksoy
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexander J Cole
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wei Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Centenary Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scherer NM, Maurel C, Graus MS, McAlary L, Richter G, Radford RAW, Hogan A, Don EK, Lee A, Yerbury J, Francois M, Chung RS, Morsch M. RNA-binding properties orchestrate TDP-43 homeostasis through condensate formation in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae112. [PMID: 38381071 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Insoluble cytoplasmic aggregate formation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 is a major hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. TDP-43 localizes predominantly in the nucleus, arranging itself into dynamic condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Mutations and post-translational modifications can alter the condensation properties of TDP-43, contributing to the transition of liquid-like biomolecular condensates into solid-like aggregates. However, to date it has been a challenge to study the dynamics of this process in vivo. We demonstrate through live imaging that human TDP-43 undergoes nuclear condensation in spinal motor neurons in a living animal. RNA-binding deficiencies as well as post-translational modifications can lead to aberrant condensation and altered TDP-43 compartmentalization. Single-molecule tracking revealed an altered mobility profile for RNA-binding deficient TDP-43. Overall, these results provide a critically needed in vivo characterization of TDP-43 condensation, demonstrate phase separation as an important regulatory mechanism of TDP-43 accessibility, and identify a molecular mechanism of how functional TDP-43 can be regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Scherer
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Cindy Maurel
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Matthew S Graus
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardio-Vascular Development: gene regulation and editing, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luke McAlary
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Grant Richter
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Rowan A W Radford
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alison Hogan
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Emily K Don
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Justin Yerbury
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Mathias Francois
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardio-Vascular Development: gene regulation and editing, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Roger S Chung
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, MND Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Domena JB, Ferreira BCLB, Chen J, Bartoli M, Tagliaferro A, Vanni S, Graham RM, Leblanc RM. The art of simplicity: Water-soluble porphyrin-like carbon dots self-assemble into mesmerizing red glow. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 234:113719. [PMID: 38181692 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
In this new study, we present an intriguing development in the field of theranostics: the simplistic self-assembly of red-emissive amphiphilic porphyrin-like carbon dots (P-CDs). By harnessing their exceptional photophysical properties, we have revealed a strong candidate as the ideal photosensitizer (PS) for applications, particularly in the realm of imaging. Spanning a remarkable size average between 1-4 nm, these particles exhibit both highly stable and unparalleled emission characteristics between 650 and 715 nm in water in comparison to current carbon dots (CDs) available. Lastly, these CDs were fairly non-toxic when tested against normal human cell lines as well as were found to have favorable imaging capabilities in zebrafish embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Domena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Jiuyan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - M Bartoli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - A Tagliaferro
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - Steven Vanni
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; HCA Florida University Hospital, 3476 S University Dr., Davie, FL 33328, USA; Department of Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Regina M Graham
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lardelli M, Baer L, Hin N, Allen A, Pederson SM, Barthelson K. The Use of Zebrafish in Transcriptome Analysis of the Early Effects of Mutations Causing Early Onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease and Other Inherited Neurodegenerative Conditions. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:S367-S381. [PMID: 37742650 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The degree to which non-human animals can be used to model Alzheimer's disease is a contentious issue, particularly as there is still widespread disagreement regarding the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative dementia. The currently popular transgenic models are based on artificial expression of genes mutated in early onset forms of familial Alzheimer's disease (EOfAD). Uncertainty regarding the veracity of these models led us to focus on heterozygous, single mutations of endogenous genes (knock-in models) as these most closely resemble the genetic state of humans with EOfAD, and so incorporate the fewest assumptions regarding pathological mechanism. We have generated a number of lines of zebrafish bearing EOfAD-like and non-EOfAD-like mutations in genes equivalent to human PSEN1, PSEN2, and SORL1. To analyze the young adult brain transcriptomes of these mutants, we exploited the ability of zebrafish to produce very large families of simultaneous siblings composed of a variety of genotypes and raised in a uniform environment. This "intra-family" analysis strategy greatly reduced genetic and environmental "noise" thereby allowing detection of subtle changes in gene sets after bulk RNA sequencing of entire brains. Changes to oxidative phosphorylation were predicted for all EOfAD-like mutations in the three genes studied. Here we describe some of the analytical lessons learned in our program combining zebrafish genome editing with transcriptomics to understand the molecular pathologies of neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lardelli
- Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lachlan Baer
- Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nhi Hin
- Alkahest Inc., San Carlos, CA, USA
| | - Angel Allen
- Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stephen Martin Pederson
- Black Ochre Data Labs, Indigenous Genomics, Telethon Kinds Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Karissa Barthelson
- Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fiametti LO, de Mello FR, de Castro LM. Peptidomics of Zebrafish Brain in a 6-OHDA-Induced Neurodegeneration Model. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:307-317. [PMID: 38549021 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides such as neuropeptides and peptide hormones are largely understood in their involvement in a variety of physiologic systems. In addition to the neuropeptides produced and processed by the classic secretory pathway, intracellular peptides (InPeps) have shown biological activity in studies involving different organisms. A model that has become attractive in many research fields is the zebrafish (Danio rerio), which has allowed correlating behavioral responses or physiological processes with underlying molecular pathways or signaling cascades, improving the understanding of homeostasis mechanisms of the central nervous system, as well as pathological processes such as neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we provide a detailed description of the protocol of treatment with 6-OHDA, which mimics some features of Parkinson's Disease, as well as the validation of the treatment by evaluation of the locomotor activity and the protocol of peptide extraction followed by isotopic labeling to peptide relative quantitation by mass spectrometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise O Fiametti
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioscience Institute, Sao Vicente, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro M de Castro
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioscience Institute, Sao Vicente, Brazil.
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioscience Institute, Sao Vicente, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khalili A, Safarian N, van Wijngaarden E, Zoidl GS, Zoidl GR, Rezai P. Loss of Panx1 function in zebrafish alters motor behavior in a lab-on-chip model of Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1814-1825. [PMID: 37688406 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms ATP-permeable membrane channels that play roles in purinergic signaling in the nervous system. A link between Panx1 activity and neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD) has been suggested, but experimental evidence is limited. Here, a zebrafish model of PD was produced by exposing panx1a+/+ and panx1a-/- zebrafish larvae to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Electrical stimulation in a microfluidic chip and quantitative real-time-qPCR of zebrafish larvae tested the role of Panx1 in both pathological and normal conditions. After 72-h treatment with 6-OHDA, the electric-induced locomotor activity of 5 days post fertilization (5dpf) panx1a+/+ larvae were reduced, while the stimulus did not affect locomotor activity of age-matched panx1a-/- larvae. A RT-qPCR analysis showed an increase in the expression of genes that are functionally related to dopaminergic signaling, like the tyrosine hydroxylase (th2) and the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (lrrk2). Extending the 6-OHDA treatment duration to 120 h caused a significant reduction in the locomotor response of 7dpf panx1a-/- larvae compared to the untreated panx1a-/- group. The RT-qPCR data showed a reduced expression of dopaminergic signaling genes in both genotypes. It was concluded that the absence of Panx1a channels compromised dopaminergic signaling in 6-OHDA-treated zebrafish larvae and that the increase in the expression of dopaminergic genes was transient, most likely due to a compensatory upregulation. We propose that zebrafish Panx1a models offer opportunities to shed light on PD's physiological and molecular basis. Panx1a might play a role on the progression of PD, and therefore deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Khalili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nickie Safarian
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Georg S Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georg R Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pouya Rezai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mahapatra A, Gupta P, Suman A, Ray SS, Singh RK. PFOS-induced dyslipidemia and impaired cholinergic neurotransmission in developing zebrafish: Insight into its mechanisms. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107304. [PMID: 37805080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant that has been widely detected in the environment and is known to accumulate in organisms, including humans. The study investigated dose-dependent mortality, hatching rates, malformations, lipid accumulation, lipid metabolism alterations, and impacts on cholinergic neurotransmission. Increasing PFOS concentration led to higher mortality, hindered hatching, and caused concentration-dependent malformations, indicating severe abnormalities in developing zebrafish. The results also demonstrated that PFOS exposure led to a significant increase in total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in a concentration-dependent manner, while HDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to a significant decrease in glucose levels. The study identified TGs, TCHO, and glucose as the most sensitive biomarkers in assessing lipid metabolism alterations. The study also revealed altered expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including upregulation of fasn, acaca, and hmgcr and downregulation of ldlr, pparα, and abca1, as well as decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and increased fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity,suggesting an impact on fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol uptake, and lipid transport. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to impaired cholinergic neurotransmission, evidenced by a concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, altered gene expressions related to neural development and function, and reduced Na+/K+-ATPase activity. STRING network analysis highlighted two distinct gene clusters related to lipid metabolism and cholinergic neurotransmission, with potential interactions through the pparα-creb1 pathway. Overall, this study provide important insights into the potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose metabolism, and neurotoxicity. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential long-term effects of PFOS exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archisman Mahapatra
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| | - Priya Gupta
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| | - Anjali Suman
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shubhendu Shekhar Ray
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory (METLab), Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lange S, Inal JM. Animal Models of Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15821. [PMID: 37958801 PMCID: PMC10650829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models of human disease is critical for furthering our understanding of disease mechanisms, for the discovery of novel targets for treatment, and for translational research. This Special Topic entitled "Animal Models of Human Disease" aimed to collect state-of-the-art primary research studies and review articles from international experts and leading groups using animal models to study human diseases. Submissions were welcomed on a wide range of animal models and pathologies, including infectious disease, acute injury, regeneration, cancer, autoimmunity, degenerative and chronic disease. Seven participating MDPI journals supported the Special Topic, namely: Biomedicines, Cells, Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Diagnostics, Genes, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and the International Journal of Translational Medicine. In total, 46 papers were published in this Special Topic, with 37 full length original research papers, 2 research communications and 7 reviews. These contributions cover a wide range of clinically relevant, translatable, and comparative animal models, as well as furthering understanding of fundamental sciences, covering topics on physiological processes, on degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, neurological, metabolic, heamatological, hormonal and mitochondrial disorders, developmental processes and diseases, cardiology, cancer, trauma, stress, and ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
- Pathobiology and Extracellular Vesicles Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Jameel M. Inal
- Cell Communication in Disease Pathology, School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, UK;
- Biosciences Research Group, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chaoul V, Dib EY, Bedran J, Khoury C, Shmoury O, Harb F, Soueid J. Assessing Drug Administration Techniques in Zebrafish Models of Neurological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14898. [PMID: 37834345 PMCID: PMC10573323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological diseases, including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, affect nearly one in six of the world's population. The burden of the resulting deaths and disability is set to rise during the next few decades as a consequence of an aging population. To address this, zebrafish have become increasingly prominent as a model for studying human neurological diseases and exploring potential therapies. Zebrafish offer numerous benefits, such as genetic homology and brain similarities, complementing traditional mammalian models and serving as a valuable tool for genetic screening and drug discovery. In this comprehensive review, we highlight various drug delivery techniques and systems employed for therapeutic interventions of neurological diseases in zebrafish, and evaluate their suitability. We also discuss the challenges encountered during this process and present potential advancements in innovative techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chaoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Emanuel-Youssef Dib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Joe Bedran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Chakib Khoury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Omar Shmoury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| | - Frédéric Harb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat P.O. Box 100, Lebanon; (E.-Y.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Jihane Soueid
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon; (V.C.); (J.B.); (O.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Saputra F, Lai YH, Roldan MJM, Alos HC, Aventurado CA, Vasquez RD, Hsiao CD. The Effect of the Pyrethroid Pesticide Fenpropathrin on the Cardiac Performance of Zebrafish and the Potential Mechanism of Toxicity. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1214. [PMID: 37759613 PMCID: PMC10525504 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Fenpropathrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, has been widely used for many years in agricultural fields. It works by disturbing the voltage-gated sodium channel, leading to paralysis and the death of the target animal. While past studies have focused on neurodegeneration following fenpropathrin poisoning in humans, relatively few pieces of research have examined its effect on other peripheral organs. This study successfully investigated the potential toxicity of fenpropathrin on the cardiovascular system using zebrafish as an animal model. Zebrafish larvae exposed to varying doses of fenpropathrin underwent an evaluation of cardiac physiology by measuring the heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and shortening fraction. The blood flow velocity and the dorsal aorta diameter were also measured to assess the impact of fenpropathrin exposure on the vascular system. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the pesticide binding affinity to various proteins associated with the cardiovascular system, revealing the potential mechanism of the fenpropathrin cardiotoxic effect. The findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in the heart rate stroke volume, cardiac output, shortening fraction, and ejection fraction of zebrafish larvae after 24 h of acute treatment with fenpropathrin. Additionally, zebrafish treated at a concentration of 1 ppm exhibited significantly larger blood vessels in diameter and an increased blood flow velocity compared to the control group. According to molecular docking, fenpropathrin showed a high affinity for various voltage-gated sodium channels like scn1lab, cacna1sb, and clcn3. Finally, from the results, we found that fenpropathrin caused cardiomegaly, which may have been induced by the voltage-gated sodium channel disruption. This study highlights the significant disruption of fenpropathrin in the cardiovascular system and emphasizes the need for further research on the health implications of this pesticide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferry Saputra
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Marri Jmelou M. Roldan
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Honeymae C. Alos
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Charlaine A. Aventurado
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Ross D. Vasquez
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines; (M.J.M.R.); (H.C.A.); (C.A.A.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan;
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
- Research Center for Aquatic Toxicology and Pharmacology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Godino-Gimeno A, Thörnqvist PO, Chivite M, Míguez JM, Winberg S, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Obesity Impairs Cognitive Function with No Effects on Anxiety-like Behaviour in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12316. [PMID: 37569692 PMCID: PMC10419065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the zebrafish has emerged as an important model organism for behavioural studies and neurological disorders, as well as for the study of metabolic diseases. This makes zebrafish an alternative model for studying the effects of energy disruption and nutritional quality on a wide range of behavioural aspects. Here, we used the zebrafish model to study how obesity induced by overfeeding regulates emotional and cognitive processes. Two groups of fish (n = 24 per group) were fed at 2% (CTRL) and 8% (overfeeding-induced obesity, OIO) for 8 weeks and tested for anxiety-like behaviour using the novel tank diving test (NTDT). Fish were first tested using a short-term memory test (STM) and then trained for four days for a long-term memory test (LTM). At the end of the experiment, fish were euthanised for biometric sampling, total lipid content, and triglyceride analysis. In addition, brains (eight per treatment) were dissected for HPLC determination of monoamines. Overfeeding induced faster growth and obesity, as indicated by increased total lipid content. OIO had no effect on anxiety-like behaviour. Animals were then tested for cognitive function (learning and memory) using the aversive learning test in Zantiks AD units. Results show that both OIO and CTRL animals were able to associate the aversive stimulus with the conditioned stimulus (conditioned learning), but OIO impaired STM regardless of fish sex, revealing the effects of obesity on cognitive processes in zebrafish. Obese fish did not show a deficiency in monoaminergic transmission, as revealed by quantification of total brain levels of dopamine and serotonin and their metabolites. This provides a reliable protocol for assessing the effect of metabolic disease on cognitive and behavioural function, supporting zebrafish as a model for behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Godino-Gimeno
- Control of Food Intake Group, Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595 Castellon, Spain;
| | - Per-Ove Thörnqvist
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden (S.W.)
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mauro Chivite
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (M.C.)
| | - Jesús M. Míguez
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Laboratorio de Fisioloxía Animal, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (M.C.)
| | - Svante Winberg
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden (S.W.)
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - José Miguel Cerdá-Reverter
- Control of Food Intake Group, Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, 12595 Castellon, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Otsuka T, Matsui H. Fish Models for Exploring Mitochondrial Dysfunction Affecting Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087079. [PMID: 37108237 PMCID: PMC10138900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal structure or function, resulting in memory loss and movement disorders. Although the detailed pathogenic mechanism has not been elucidated, it is thought to be related to the loss of mitochondrial function in the process of aging. Animal models that mimic the pathology of a disease are essential for understanding human diseases. In recent years, small fish have become ideal vertebrate models for human disease due to their high genetic and histological homology to humans, ease of in vivo imaging, and ease of genetic manipulation. In this review, we first outline the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Then, we highlight the advantages of small fish as model organisms, and present examples of previous studies regarding mitochondria-related neuronal disorders. Lastly, we discuss the applicability of the turquoise killifish, a unique model for aging research, as a model for neurodegenerative diseases. Small fish models are expected to advance our understanding of the mitochondrial function in vivo, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and be important tools for developing therapies to treat diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Otsuka
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Hideaki Matsui
- Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mignani L, Guerra J, Corli M, Capoferri D, Presta M. Zebra-Sphinx: Modeling Sphingolipidoses in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054747. [PMID: 36902174 PMCID: PMC10002607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipidoses are inborn errors of metabolism due to the pathogenic mutation of genes that encode for lysosomal enzymes, transporters, or enzyme cofactors that participate in the sphingolipid catabolism. They represent a subgroup of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the gradual lysosomal accumulation of the substrate(s) of the defective proteins. The clinical presentation of patients affected by sphingolipid storage disorders ranges from a mild progression for some juvenile- or adult-onset forms to severe/fatal infantile forms. Despite significant therapeutic achievements, novel strategies are required at basic, clinical, and translational levels to improve patient outcomes. On these bases, the development of in vivo models is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of sphingolipidoses and for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies. The teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful platform to model several human genetic diseases owing to the high grade of genome conservation between human and zebrafish, combined with precise genome editing and the ease of manipulation. In addition, lipidomic studies have allowed the identification in zebrafish of all of the main classes of lipids present in mammals, supporting the possibility to model diseases of the lipidic metabolism in this animal species with the advantage of using mammalian lipid databases for data processing. This review highlights the use of zebrafish as an innovative model system to gain novel insights into the pathogenesis of sphingolipidoses, with possible implications for the identification of more efficacious therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|
17
|
Paduraru E, Iacob D, Rarinca V, Plavan G, Ureche D, Jijie R, Nicoara M. Zebrafish as a Potential Model for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Toxic Metals Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36834835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last century, industrial activities increased and caused multiple health problems for humans and animals. At this moment, heavy metals are considered the most harmful substances for their effects on organisms and humans. The impact of these toxic metals, which have no biological role, poses a considerable threat and is associated with several health problems. Heavy metals can interfere with metabolic processes and can sometimes act as pseudo-elements. The zebrafish is an animal model progressively used to expose the toxic effects of diverse compounds and to find treatments for different devastating diseases that human beings are currently facing. This review aims to analyse and discuss the value of zebrafish as animal models used in neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in terms of the benefits of animal models and the limitations that exist.
Collapse
|
18
|
Russo C, Maugeri A, Musumeci L, De Sarro G, Cirmi S, Navarra M. Inflammation and Obesity: The Pharmacological Role of Flavonoids in the Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36769222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A Mediterranean-style diet is highly encouraged thanks to its healthy food pattern, which includes valuable nutraceuticals such as polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids are associated with relevant biological properties through which they prevent or fight the onset of several human pathologies. Globally, the enhanced incidence of overweight and obese people has caused a dramatic increase in comorbidities, raising the need to provide better therapies. Therefore, the development of sophisticated animal models of metabolic dysregulation has allowed for a deepening of knowledge on this subject. Recent advances in using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model for metabolic disease have yielded fundamental insights into the potential anti-obesity effects of flavonoids. Chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system activation seem to characterize the pathogenesis of obesity; thus, their reduction might improve the lipid profile of obese patients or prevent the development of associated metabolic illnesses. In this review, we highlight the beneficial role of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases linked to their anti-inflammatory properties. In light of the summarized studies, we suggest that anti-inflammatory therapies could have a relevant place in the prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
|