ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0048
Eisei Tsutsumi, Toshinobu Tokumoto
{"title":"Real-Time Observation of Germinal Vesicle Migration During Oocyte Meiotic Cell Division Using Ovarian Fluorescent Transgenic Zebrafish.","authors":"Eisei Tsutsumi, Toshinobu Tokumoto","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0048","url":null,"abstract":"The transgenic (TG) zebrafish allows researchers to bio-image specific biological phenomena in cells and tissues in vivo. We established TG lines to monitor changes in the ovaries of live fish. The original TG line with ovarian fluorescence was occasionally established. Although the cDNA integrated into the line was constructed for the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) driven by the medaka β-actin promoter, the expression of EGFP is restricted to the oocytes and gills in adult fish. Furthermore, we found that germinal vesicles (GVs) in oocytes of the established line can be observed by relatively strong fluorescence around the GV. In this study, we tried to capture the dynamic processes of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) during meiotic cell division using the GV fluorescent oocytes. As a result, GV migration and GVBD could be monitored in real time. We also succeeded in observing actin filaments involved in the migration of GV to the animal pole. This strain can be used for education in the process of oocyte meiotic cell division.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"412 ","pages":"171-176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140790971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0059
Jamie R Shuda, Valerie G. Butler, Theresa M Nelson, Jaqueline M Davidson, Auset M Taylor, Steven A Farber
{"title":"Growing Project BioEYES: A Reflection on 20 Years of Developing and Replicating a K-12 Science Outreach Program.","authors":"Jamie R Shuda, Valerie G. Butler, Theresa M Nelson, Jaqueline M Davidson, Auset M Taylor, Steven A Farber","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0059","url":null,"abstract":"Project BioEYES celebrated 20 years in K12 schools during the 2022-2023 school year. Using live zebrafish (Danio rerio) during week-long science experiments, sparks the interest of students and teachers from school districts, locally and globally. Over the past two decades, BioEYES has been replicated in different ways based on the interest and capacity of our partners. This article discusses several of the successful models, the common challenges, and how each BioEYES site has adopted guiding principles to help foster their success. The core principles of (a) reinforcing content that students are expected to learn in schools, while focusing on the students BECOMING scientists through hands-on experimentation and (b) establishing trust and buy-in from collaborating teachers and partners are what has led to BioEYES being sustained and replicated over the past two decades.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"52 ","pages":"109-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140789673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2024.0141
M. Jackstadt, Lara Hutson, Jennifer O Liang, M. Pickart, Christopher Pierret, T. Franz-Odendaal
{"title":"Zebrafish in Education: Tackling Big Problems with Little Fish.","authors":"M. Jackstadt, Lara Hutson, Jennifer O Liang, M. Pickart, Christopher Pierret, T. Franz-Odendaal","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2024.0141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2024.0141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"66 10","pages":"71-72"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140795204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0095
Andrea M Henle
{"title":"Development of an Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory to Assess Pigmentation and Cell Size in a Zebrafish Model of Uveal Melanoma.","authors":"Andrea M Henle","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0095","DOIUrl":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study outlines a 2-week laboratory module for an authentic cell biology undergraduate research experience that uses zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>), a popular model organism for research. Previous research has indicated that course-based undergraduate research experiences such as this one increase student confidence, active learning, and retention. During this research experience, students investigate variations in pigmentation in the caudal fins of wild type (WT) and transgenic fish [<i>Tg(mitfa:GNAQ<sup>Q209L</sup></i>)]. The transgenic fish express a hyperactive Gα protein, GNAQ<sup>Q209L</sup>, under the melanocyte-specific <i>mitfa</i> promoter, offering insights into uveal melanoma, a common eye cancer. Students specifically analyze the black pigmented cells, melanophores, within the caudal fin. We determined that the transgenic zebrafish have increased pigmentation in their caudal fins, but smaller melanophores. These results suggest there are more melanophores in the <i>Tg(mitfa:GNAQ<sup>Q209L</sup>)</i> fish compared to the WT. Future undergraduate research could investigate these cellular differences. This research experience imparts microscopy and image analysis skills and instills the ability to grapple with large datasets, statistical tests, and data interpretation in alignment with biology education principles. Post-laboratory surveys reveal students attain confidence in the above skills and in handling animals, along with a deeper appreciation for model organism research and its relevance to cancer cell biology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"21 2","pages":"137-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140873294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0093
Soaleha Shams, Sidney Olson, Michael P. Ekker, Adam Salmi, Stephen C Ekker, Christopher Pierret
{"title":"The InSciEdRS View: A User-Friendly and Accessible Microscope with Easy-to-Follow Companion Curricula.","authors":"Soaleha Shams, Sidney Olson, Michael P. Ekker, Adam Salmi, Stephen C Ekker, Christopher Pierret","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0093","url":null,"abstract":"Microscopes are essential for research and education in science. Unlike computers and online learning tools, however, microscopes are not currently a fixed element in K-12 classrooms, due to steep cost, needless complexity, and often requiring a prohibitive level of staff training to effectively deploy. In a collaboration with Area 10 Labs, Integrated Science Education Outreach (InSciEd Out) developed a state-of-the-art alternative microscope, the InSciEdRS View, to reduce the financial barrier, prohibitive per-student cost, unnecessary complexity, and extensive staff training. Utilizing a 1080p camera and a lunchbox-style case, this Wi-Fi- and USB-connectable microscope comes with all necessary components for visualization of microscopic specimens (10 × -50 × magnification). While built to handle the rigors of classroom use, its imaging capability and battery-operation can make it flexible for a laboratory or fieldwork as well. We further highlight here K-12 curricula that we have developed using larval zebrafish to enable teachers, science outreach leaders, and parents to support active hands-on science observations. The InSciEdRS View microscope and the InSciEd Out curricula are readily scalable, translatable, and accessible for traditional and neurodiverse students and integrating these in various settings can be an efficient way to achieve better outcomes in science education.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"433 1","pages":"101-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140773156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0073
Hayden Bhavsar, Zoe Robinson, Matthew Benson, Feven Getachew, J. González-Rosa, Pascal J Lafontant
{"title":"Lectins As Effective Tools in the Study of the Biliary Network and the Parenchymal Architecture of the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Liver.","authors":"Hayden Bhavsar, Zoe Robinson, Matthew Benson, Feven Getachew, J. González-Rosa, Pascal J Lafontant","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0073","url":null,"abstract":"Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with specific affinity to glycoconjugates expressed in various tissues. Lectins are of substantial utility as research, histochemical, and diagnostic tools in mammalian systems. Reactivity of 12 commonly used plant-based lectins was studied in zebrafish liver. Four lectins, tomato lectin (TL), wheat germ agglutinin, concanavalin A, and Jacalin showed strong reactivity to hepatic parenchymal structures. Importantly, TL reacted to glycoconjugates within segments of the larval and adult intrahepatic biliary network, from canaliculi to bile ducts. We provide evidence that lectins can serve as important histochemical tools to investigate the structural and functional characteristics of the zebrafish liver.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"490 1","pages":"177-180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140758064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0065
Tony Silveira, Mateus Kütter, B. Nornberg, Marcela Meirelles, Dennis Silva, Andrea Idelette López, Andressa Lopes, Caroline Castro, Jenifer Moraes, Lucia Emanueli Schimith, Priscila de Leon, Luis Fernando Marins, Mariana Remião
{"title":"Course on Breeding, Handling, and Experimental Procedures of Zebrafish (Danio rerio): Training, Refinement, Paradigm Shift, and Dissemination of Knowledge from Brazil to the World.","authors":"Tony Silveira, Mateus Kütter, B. Nornberg, Marcela Meirelles, Dennis Silva, Andrea Idelette López, Andressa Lopes, Caroline Castro, Jenifer Moraes, Lucia Emanueli Schimith, Priscila de Leon, Luis Fernando Marins, Mariana Remião","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0065","url":null,"abstract":"Currently, in Brazil, all researchers involved in animal experimentation must undergo training in laboratory animal science to stay updated on biology, methodology, ethics, and legal considerations related to the use of animals. The training program presented in this study not only aims to fulfill a legal obligation but also intends to train students and professionals to effectively care for their biomodels. It seeks to help them understand the importance of this care, both for the welfare of the animals and for the results of their projects. In total, 58 participants were present at the event (pre-event and full-time course). These participants consisted students and professionals from 11 institutions and 5 different countries. These numbers demonstrate the successful attainment of the desired capillarity in the scientific community and the posterior dissemination of knowledge. Through this course, it was possible to train the participants and raise their awareness about the importance of applying scientific knowledge in their daily practices to maintain the animals, ensuring the welfare of the models and refining the research. Finally, the program presented in this study, as well as the strategies adopted, can serve as a model for other institutions aiming to achieve similar results.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"52 37","pages":"155-161"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140796183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0070
Manuel Fiegl, Robin A Kimmel
{"title":"Laboratory Course Using Zebrafish to Uncover Changing Roles of Wnt Signaling in Early Vertebrate Development.","authors":"Manuel Fiegl, Robin A Kimmel","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0070","url":null,"abstract":"Coordinated signaling pathway activity directs early patterning to set up the vertebrate body plan. Perturbations in the timing or location of signal molecule expression impacts embryo morphology and organ formation. In this study, we present a laboratory course to use zebrafish for studying the role of Wnt signaling in specifying the early embryonic axes. Students are exposed to basic techniques in molecular and developmental biology, including embryo manipulation, fluorescence microscopy, image processing, and data analysis. Furthermore, this course incorporates student-designed experiments to stimulate independent inquiry and improve scientific learning, providing an experience resembling graduate-level laboratory research. Students appreciated following vertebrate development in real-time, and principles of embryogenesis were reinforced by observing the morphological changes that arise due to signaling alterations. Scientific and research skills were enhanced through practice in experimental design, interpretation, and presentation.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"40 11","pages":"128-136"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140786775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0071
Ashley Hermans, Sophia Tajnai, Allison Tieman, Sarah Young, Ashley Franklin, Mackenzie Horutz, Steven J Henle
{"title":"A 3D-Printed and Freely Available Device to Measure the Zebrafish Optokinetic Response Before and After Injury.","authors":"Ashley Hermans, Sophia Tajnai, Allison Tieman, Sarah Young, Ashley Franklin, Mackenzie Horutz, Steven J Henle","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0071","DOIUrl":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zebrafish eyes are anatomically similar to humans and have a higher percentage of cone photoreceptors more akin to humans than most rodent models, making them a beneficial model organism for studying vision. However, zebrafish are different in that they can regenerate their optic nerve after injury, which most other animals cannot. Vision in zebrafish and many other vertebrate animals, including humans, can be accessed using the optokinetic response (OKR), which is an innate eye movement that occurs when tracking an object. Because fish cannot use an eye chart, we utilize the OKR that is present in virtually all vertebrates to determine if a zebrafish has vision. To this end, we have developed an inexpensive OKR setup that uses 3D-printed and off-the-shelf parts. This setup has been designed and used by undergraduate researchers and is also scalable to a classroom laboratory setup. We demonstrate that this setup is fully functional for assessing the OKR, and we use it to illustrate the return of the OKR following optic nerve injury in adult zebrafish.</p>","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"21 2","pages":"144-148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11035845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140871831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ZebrafishPub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0066
Rachel V Yinger, Colin J Evangelisto, Nicholas C Tucker, Jessica M Billingsley, Samantha L St Clair
{"title":"β-Estradiol Supplementation Regulates Cholesterol Synthesis Independent of Unsaturated Fat Consumption in Adult Zebrafish.","authors":"Rachel V Yinger, Colin J Evangelisto, Nicholas C Tucker, Jessica M Billingsley, Samantha L St Clair","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0066","DOIUrl":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity is a public health concern resulting in a variety of health complications, including heart disease and insulin resistance. Estrogens have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, but this relationship remains incompletely understood. We assessed the role of 17β-estradiol (E2) in mitigating complications associated with obesity by supplementing E2 in the diets of overfed zebrafish. We report that dietary E2 supplementation protects against weight gain and modulates <i>de novo</i> cholesterol synthesis in a sex-specific manner. Our studies lead us to propose a model in which E2 regulates <i>hmgcr</i> expression independently of unsaturated fat consumption. These data can be used to develop sex-specific treatments for obesity-related health conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"21 2","pages":"223-230"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140861506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}