Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joel Dokmegang, Hanh Nguyen, Elena Kardash, Thierry Savy, Matteo Cavaliere, Nadine Peyrieras, Rene Doursat
Summary: The study aims to gain insights into the development of vertebrate limbs by understanding the mechanisms of zebrafish pectoral fin development. Results show that zebrafish pectoral fin cells have a preferential elongation axis, and the axis of cell polarity is a crucial factor in driving fin morphogenesis.
Article
Developmental Biology
Max Meuser, Lena Deuper, Carsten Rudat, Nurullah Aydogdu, Hauke Thiesler, Patricia Zarnovican, Herbert Hildebrandt, Mark-Oliver Trowe, Andreas Kispert
Summary: The patterned array of cells in the mature ureter depends on reciprocal signaling between the epithelium and surrounding mesenchyme, with FGFR2 playing a crucial role. Fgfr2 loss leads to defects in urothelial proliferation, stratification, and differentiation, as well as mesenchymal cell survival and smooth muscle cell differentiation. SHH and BMP4 signaling are affected by Fgfr2 loss, and their activation can rescue the cellular defects in mutant ureters.
Article
Developmental Biology
Scott M. Paulissen, Daniel M. Castranova, Shlomo M. Krispin, Margaret C. Burns, Javier Menendez, Jesus Torres-Vazquez, Brant M. Weinstein
Summary: This study documents the stepwise assembly of the zebrafish pectoral fin vasculature using high-resolution imaging techniques. It reveals that the formation of the fin vascular network is a stereotyped and choreographed process, involving the growth of an initial vascular loop, which connects to the dorsal aorta to initiate pectoral vascular circulation. The research provides insights into the development of a complete and functional organ-specific vascular network.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lisa Fleischhauer, Alejandra Cristina Lopez-Delgado, Karina Geurtzen, Franziska Knopf
Summary: Glucocorticoids are commonly used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents for immune-mediated diseases. However, their use is hindered by the risk of adverse effects such as osteoporosis and skin atrophy. The exact mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood, highlighting the importance of further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Wenjing Dong, Ippo Akasaka, Akifumi Komiyama, Tatsuro Nakamura, Naohiro Mizoguchi, Tasuku Nawaji, Shinichi Ikushiro, Makoto Kobayashi, Hiroki Teraoka
Summary: This study reported the sensitivity of zebrafish to thalidomide and suggested the involvement of human-type CYP3A in its teratogenicity. Thalidomide caused defects in pectoral fins and other malformations in hCYP3A7-expressing embryos/larvae, but not in wild-type and hCYP1A1-expressing embryos/larvae. The results indicate the importance of human-type CYP3A in the pharmacological and toxicological effects of thalidomide.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max D. Knickmeyer, Juan L. Mateo, Stephan Heermann
Summary: The study demonstrates that BMP plays a significant role in optic chiasm formation and RGC axon pathfinding in zebrafish, potentially through an interaction with midline guidance cues and optic stalk morphogenesis. Induction of BMP4 at different time points results in distinct neurodevelopmental abnormalities, severely affecting RGC axon projections in different ways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Lena Deuper, Max Meuser, Hauke Thiesler, Ulrich W. H. Jany, Carsten Rudat, Herbert Hildebrandt, Mark-Oliver Trowe, Andreas Kispert
Summary: The coordinated development of mesenchymal and epithelial progenitors in the murine ureter is regulated by diverse signaling activities. Epithelial FGFR2 signaling enhances epithelial stratification and differentiation through increased expression of Shh, SHH, and BMP4. FGFR1 and FGFR2 in the mesenchyme regulate mesenchymal patterning and differentiation by modulating the SHH/BMP4 signaling axis.
Article
Developmental Biology
Amey Y. Rayrikar, Ganesh A. Wagh, Manas K. Santra, Chinmoy Patra
Summary: This study shows that zebrafish intervertebral discs (IVDs) have distinct zones of cell proliferation and cell death. The cellular communication network factor 2a (ccn2a) is expressed in notochord and IVDs in zebrafish. Mutants of ccn2a exhibit decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death in adult IVDs, leading to degeneration. Overexpression of Ccn2a promotes regeneration in aged IVDs by enhancing cell proliferation and suppressing cell death. Mechanistically, Ccn2a maintains IVD homeostasis and regeneration by enhancing outer annulus fibrosus cell proliferation and suppressing nucleus pulposus cell death through augmenting FGFR1-SHH signaling. These findings suggest that Ccn2a could be a potential therapeutic target for degenerated human discs.
Article
Cell Biology
Dongmei Tang, Yitong Lu, Na Zuo, Renchun Yan, Cheng Wu, Lijuan Wu, Shaofeng Liu, Yingzi He
Summary: This study demonstrates the important role of Kdm6b in the development of the zebrafish hearing organ, regulating the migration of primordium and deposition of neuromasts through mediating the gene expression of chemokines and Wnt and Fgf signaling pathways. Targeting Kdm6b may present as a novel therapeutic regimen for hearing disorders.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clio Korn, Thomas Akam, Kristian H. R. Jensen, Cristiana Vagnoni, Anna Huber, Elizabeth M. Tunbridge, Mark E. Walton
Summary: Dopamine plays a crucial role in adaptive behavior, and DAT and COMT regulate specific aspects of behavioral flexibility by influencing the kinetics of striatal and cortical dopamine, respectively. However, the exact effects of these mechanisms on dopamine release in different brain areas and their impact on flexible decision making strategies remain unclear.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiang-Ke Chen, Zhen-Ni Yi, Jack Jark-Yin Lau, Alvin Chun-Hang Ma
Summary: This study investigated the functions of six core atg genes in vertebrate definitive hematopoiesis using zebrafish as a model. The results showed that different atg gene mutations led to varying types and degrees of hematopoietic abnormalities, further revealing the importance of atg genes in definitive hematopoiesis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaomin Niu, Fuyu Zhang, Lu Ping, Yibei Wang, Bo Zhang, Jian Wang, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: This study investigates the molecular effects of a VWA1 mutation on the development of hemifacial microsomia (HFM) using a zebrafish model. The mutation results in cartilage dysmorphologies and abnormalities in cranial neural crest cell (CNCC) condensation, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Additionally, the VWA1 gene appears to regulate the FGF signaling pathway.
Article
Developmental Biology
Elvin Leonard, Sana Safatul Hasan, Arndt F. Siekmann
Summary: Blood vessels in the zebrafish caudal fin form through a stepwise process involving different morphogenetic processes, including artery generation from vein-derived endothelial cells, production of veins by veins, formation of distinct vascular plexuses, and angiogenesis. These processes are regulated by a combination of signaling pathways and local cues. The study provides insights into the diverse mechanisms underlying the assembly of mature vasculature.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Anzhi Chen, Yanchao Han, Kenneth D. Poss
Summary: Vitamin D enhances the efficacy of fin regeneration in zebrafish, with active signaling identified in adult fins during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Targeting vitamin D signaling pathways could potentially improve regeneration outcomes in other species as well.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Amanda Stenzel, Abigail Mumme-Monheit, Juliana Sucharov, Macie Walker, Jennyfer M. Mitchell, Bruce Appel, James T. Nichols
Summary: The Notch pathway is critical for craniofacial development, with the her9 gene essential for bone mineralization and working redundantly with her6 in certain craniofacial patterning processes.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)