Review
Ophthalmology
Emilie van der Sande, Annechien E. G. Haarman, Wim H. Quint, Kirke C. D. Tadema, Magda A. Meester-Smoor, Maarten Kamermans, Chris I. De Zeeuw, Caroline C. W. Klaver, Beerend H. J. Winkelman, Adriana I. Iglesias
Summary: This review provides evidence linking the GJD2(Cx36) gene to the development of myopia, discussing the role of gap junctional communication in the eye, as well as the potential mechanisms involving dopamine and gap junction phosphorylation and coupling that may explain the role of GJD2(Cx36) in refractive error development.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Yujun Wang, Yuan Jin, Qiong Zhang, Ying Xiong, Xiang Gu, Shan Zeng, Wei Chen
Summary: Hearing loss is commonly observed in individuals with mutations or deficiencies of the GJB2 gene. Previous research focused on K+ circulation defect and abnormal ATP-Ca2+ signals as the pathological mechanisms; however, recent studies indicate that cochlear developmental disorders and oxidative stress play a crucial role in GJB2-related hearing loss. This review summarizes the pathological mechanisms of GJB2-related hearing loss, including K+ circulation, developmental disorders of the organ of Corti, nutrition delivery, oxidative stress, and ATP-Ca2+ signals. Understanding the pathology of GJB2-related hearing loss can lead to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Wim H. Quint, Kirke C. D. Tadema, Johan H. C. Crins, Nina C. C. J. Kokke, Magda A. Meester-Smoor, Rob Willemsen, Caroline C. W. Klaver, Adriana I. Iglesias
Summary: The study establishes a set of assays for in vivo screening of candidate genes for ocular diseases in zebrafish, focusing on refractive error. The proposed phenotyping pipeline successfully evaluates ocular biometry, refractive status, intraocular pressure, and visual function in zebrafish. The results validate the pipeline and demonstrate the potential of zebrafish as an animal model for genetic screenings of ocular diseases.
TRANSLATIONAL VISION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Hosein Hoseini-Yazdi, Scott A. Read, David Alonso-Caneiro, Michael J. Collins
Summary: The study found that retinal OFF-pathway stimulation enhanced choroidal thinning associated with accommodation, potentially indicating a mechanism involving accommodation and the OFF signaling pathway. This links near work and myopia.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Penghui Chen, Wenjin Wu, Jifang Zhang, Junmin Chen, Yue Li, Lianhua Sun, Shule Hou, Jun Yang
Summary: This review summarizes three main hypotheses to explain the pathological mechanisms of connexin26-related hearing loss and emphasizes the importance of elucidating these mechanisms for the development of new protective and therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Cherie A. Brown-Panton, Shiva Sabour, Georg S. O. Zoidl, Christiane Zoidl, Nima Tabatabaei, Georg R. Zoidl
Summary: Through studying zebrafish, this research provides evidence linking the mammalian connexin-36 (Cx36) ortholog gjd2b/Cx35.1 with refractive error, as well as identifying its role in the development of the visual system and visually guided behaviors in zebrafish.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Annechien E. G. Haarman, Clair A. Enthoven, Milly S. Tedja, Jan R. Polling, J. Willem L. Tideman, Jan E. E. Keunen, Camiel J. F. Boon, Janine F. Felix, H. Raat, Annette J. M. Geerards, Gregorius P. M. Luyten, Gwyneth A. van Rijn, Virginie J. M. Verhoeven, Caroline C. W. Klaver
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the refractive error gene GJD2 on human myopia, finding that it affects ocular biometry, particularly axial length and anterior chamber depth. Children carrying two risk alleles show larger axial length/corneal radius ratio at ages 6 and 9. Education and environmental factors negatively influence myopia and biometric outcomes, though gene-environment interactions do not reach statistical significance.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Liu, Kathryn A. Salvati, Scott C. Baraban
Summary: STXBP1 mutations are linked to various neurological disorders, and abnormal neural network activity under this mutation could play a key role in epileptic network formation. Using a zebrafish model combined with calcium imaging and electrophysiology recordings helps uncover this process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masakatsu Watanabe
Summary: This study investigated the role of two SR residues in the Cx39.4 gene in zebrafish skin patterning. The results showed that these SR residues are critical for channel function, leading to stripe pattern formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Fabio A. Echeverry, Sundas Ijaz, Alberto E. Pereda
Summary: This paper describes a method for recording synaptic transmission from large myelinated club endings in developing zebrafish, which provides valuable insights into the function of these synapses in the vertebrate brain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eri Tabata, Akihiro Itoigawa, Takumi Koinuma, Hiroshi Tayama, Akinori Kashimura, Masayoshi Sakaguchi, Vaclav Matoska, Peter O. Bauer, Fumitaka Oyama
Summary: The study revealed that the evolution in Carnivora due to a noninsect-based diet has caused structural and functional changes in acidic chitinase (Chia). Different levels of chitinolytic activity were observed in Chia proteins from various carnivorous species, with some species having Chia in pseudogene form.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ichiro Fukunaga, Yoko Oe, Cheng Chen, Keiko Danzaki, Sayaka Ohta, Akito Koike, Katsuhisa Ikeda, Kazusaku Kamiya
Summary: The combination of BMP4 and SB can enhance the production of highly purified iCX26GJCs, potentially allowing for large-scale production suitable for high-throughput drug screening or regenerative therapy for GJB2-related deafness.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teresa Capriello, Gianluca Di Meglio, Anna De Maio, Rosaria Scudiero, Anna Rita Bianchi, Marco Trifuoggi, Maria Toscanesi, Antonella Giarra, Ida Ferrandino
Summary: Aluminium is a non-essential metal to human metabolism, but it is considered an etiological factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Research using zebrafish as an animal model suggests that aluminium can affect the morphology of brain tissue and contribute to the dysregulation of genes related to Parkinson's disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing Li, Chong Cui, Rongyu Liao, Xidi Yin, Daqi Wang, Yanbo Cheng, Bowei Huang, Liqin Wang, Meng Yan, Jinan Zhou, Jingjing Zhao, Wei Tang, Yingyi Wang, Xiaohan Wang, Jun Lv, Jinsong Li, Huawei Li, Yilai Shu
Summary: In this study, heterozygous Gjb2(+/35delG) and Gjb2(+/235delC) mouse models were successfully constructed using AG-haESC technology, which showed normal hearing at postnatal day 28. A homozygous mutant mouse model, Gjb2(35delG/35delG), was generated using enhanced tetraploid embryo complementation and exhibited hearing loss similar to human patients at postnatal day 14. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Gjb2 35delG disrupts the function and formation of intercellular gap junction channels in the cochlea.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ziyu Zhao, Wenhao Wang, Guanlin Wang, Zhengwei Huang, Liping Zhou, Li Lin, Yueling Ou, Wanzhen Huang, Xuejuan Zhang, Chuanbin Wu, Liang Tao, Qin Wang
Summary: The proposed RGD-TAT-CLPs/ARTA@miR-34a DPIs could effectively enhance tumor tissue penetration, increase lung drug accumulation, and improve gene transfection efficiency. This breakthrough addresses the issues of poor tumor tissue penetration, insufficient lung drug accumulation, and low gene transfection efficiency in lung cancer therapy.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
M. Stemerdink, B. Garcia-Bohorquez, R. Schellens, G. Garcia-Garcia, E. Van Wijk, J. M. Millan
Summary: Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by sensory neural hearing loss and progressive vision loss. Research indicates that sleep deprivation, olfactory dysfunction, and other symptoms are also part of the disease. Genetic and clinical research, as well as therapeutic approaches for Usher syndrome, are currently being developed to potentially provide treatment for patients.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jeroen J. Smits, Suzanne E. de Bruijn, Cornelis P. Lanting, Jaap Oostrik, Luke O'Gorman, Tuomo Mantere, Frans P. M. Cremers, Susanne Roosing, Helger G. Yntema, Erik de Vrieze, Ronny Derks, Alexander Hoischen, Sjoert A. H. Pegge, Kornelia Neveling, Ronald J. E. Pennings, Hannie Kremer
Summary: Pathogenic variants in SLC26A4 are associated with autosomal recessive hearing loss and vestibular aqueduct enlargement. This study of 28 Dutch index cases with hearing loss and enlarged vestibular aqueducts revealed a potential key haplotype enriched in certain patient cohorts, providing insights for further genetic exploration and potential therapeutic strategies.
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Jeroen J. Smits, Suzanne E. de Bruijn, Cornelis P. Lanting, Jaap Oostrik, Luke O'Gorman, Tuomo Mantere, Frans P. M. Cremers, Susanne Roosing, Helger G. Yntema, Erik de Vrieze, Ronny Derks, Alexander Hoischen, Sjoert A. H. Pegge, Kornelia Neveling, Ronald J. E. Pennings, Hannie Kremer
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sybren M. M. Robijn, Jeroen J. Smits, Kadriye Sezer, Patrick L. M. Huygen, Andy J. Beynon, Erwin van Wijk, Hannie Kremer, Erik de Vrieze, Cornelis P. Lanting, Ronald J. E. Pennings
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of genotype-phenotype correlations in COCH gene variants associated with DFNA9. Analysis of 48 studies reveals a highly variable audiovestibular phenotype in DFNA9, with variants affecting the LCCL domain of cochlin generally leading to more severe hearing loss.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Sarah M. Kamel, Sanne Broekman, Federico Tessadori, Erwin van Wijk, Jeroen Bakkers
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of Sgo1 in organ development and function using a zebrafish model, and reveals that its mutation may lead to abnormal cardiac function, impaired vision, and reduced food intake.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ailis L. Moran, Stephen P. Carter, Joanna J. Kaylor, Zhichun Jiang, Sanne Broekman, Eugene T. Dillon, Alicia Gomez Sanchez, Sajal K. Minhas, Erwin van Wijk, Roxana A. Radu, Gabriel H. Travis, Michelle Carey, Oliver E. Blacque, Breandan N. Kennedy
Summary: The study reveals the importance of Rab28 in regulating both dawn and dusk peaks of outer segment phagocytosis (OSP). Loss of Rab28 leads to dysregulation of factors associated with OSP and perturbs the visual cycle. Transgenic overexpression of Rab28 in zebrafish cones rescues the OSP defect, highlighting the role of Rab28 in regulating OSP.
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Katelyn N. Robillard, Erik de Vrieze, Erwin van Wijk, Jennifer J. Lentz
Summary: Hearing loss, affecting over 430 million people worldwide, has significant impacts on physical, cognitive, and overall well-being. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based therapies show promise in treating hereditary hearing loss disorders by manipulating gene expression and targeting specific genetic factors.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
R. T. W. Schellens, R. W. N. Slijkerman, L. Hetterschijt, T. A. Peters, S. Broekman, A. Clement, M. Westerfield, J. B. Phillips, K. Boldt, H. Kremer, E. De Vrieze, E. Van Wijk
Summary: In this study, whirlin-associated protein complexes were isolated and characterized from zebrafish photoreceptor cells. 19 novel candidate associated proteins were identified, and the association of 7 proteins with WHRN was confirmed. These findings suggest a role for whirlin in the photoreceptor synapse and provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of Usher syndrome type 2.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Merel Stemerdink, Sanne Broekman, Theo Peters, Hannie Kremer, Erik de Vrieze, Erwin van Wijk
Summary: Around 40,000 people worldwide suffer from retinitis pigmentosa caused by ADGRV1 gene variants, but there is currently no treatment available. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, researchers created a mutant zebrafish model with a deletion in the adgrv1 gene, which showed impaired retinal function. This model provides a valuable tool for studying ADGRV1-related retinal dysfunction and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tessa M. A. Peters, Udo F. H. Engelke, Siebolt de Boer, Joris T. G. Reintjes, Jean-Baptiste Roullet, Sanne Broekman, Erik de Vrieze, Erwin van Wijk, Mirjam M. C. Wamelink, Rafael Artuch, Ivo Baric, Jona Merx, Thomas J. Boltje, Jonathan Martens, Michel A. A. P. Willemsen, Marcel M. Verbeek, Ron A. Wevers, K. Michael Gibson, Karlien L. M. Coene
Summary: Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is a rare neurometabolic disorder caused by disruption of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway. Biochemical analysis of body fluid profiles using next-generation metabolic screening (NGMS) revealed increased levels of various acids in SSADHD patients, including aspartic acid, glutaric acid, glycolic acid, 4-guanidinobutanoic acid, and 2-hydroxyglutaric acid. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between the intensities of 4,5-dihydroxyhexanoic acid (4,5-DHHA) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was observed in control cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but not in patient CSF. This study provides new insights into the metabolic disturbances in SSADHD and identifies potential biomarkers.
JOURNAL OF INHERITED METABOLIC DISEASE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
R. Schellens, C. Sanjurjo-Soriano, S. Broekman, T. Peters, C. Jimenez Medina, V. Kalatzis, H. Kremer, E. de Vrieze, E. van Wijk
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Janine Reurink, Erik De Vrieze, Catherina H. Z. Li, Sanne Broekman, Theo Peters, Kornelia Neveling, Hanka Venselaar, Christian Gilissen, Janneke J. C. Van Lith-Verhoeven, Lonneke Haer-Wigman, Carel C. B. Hoyng, Frans P. Cremers, Hannie Kremer, Susanne Roosing, Erwin Van Wyk
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeroen J. Smits, Suzanne E. de Bruijn, Chang Liu, Cornelis P. Lanting, Andy J. Beynon, Joelle Blankevoort, Jaap Oostrik, Wouter Koole, Erik de Vrieze, Cor W. R. J. Cremers, Frans P. M. Cremers, Susanne Roosing, Helger G. Yntema, Henricus P. M. Kunst, Bo Zhao, Ronald J. E. Pennings, Hannie Kremer
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2022)