Fajar Sofyantoro, Nur Indah Septriani, D. S. Yudha, Ega Adhi Wicaksono, D. Priyono, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Alfian Primahesa, Anita Restu Puji Raharjeng, Y. A. Purwestri, T. R. Nuringtyas
Animal venoms and toxins hold promise as sources of novel drug candidates, therapeutic agents, and biomolecules. To fully harness their potential, it is crucial to develop reliable testing methods that provide a comprehensive understanding of their effects and mechanisms of action. However, traditional rodent assays encounter difficulties in mimicking venom-induced effects in human due to the impractical venom dosage levels. The search for reliable testing methods has led to the emergence of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a versatile model organism for evaluating animal venoms and toxins. Zebrafish possess genetic similarities to humans, rapid development, transparency, and amenability to high-throughput assays, making it ideal for assessing the effects of animal venoms and toxins. This review highlights unique attributes of zebrafish and explores their applications in studying venom- and toxin-induced effects from various species, including snakes, jellyfish, cuttlefish, anemones, spiders, and cone snails. Through zebrafish-based research, intricate physiological responses, developmental alterations, and potential therapeutic interventions induced by venoms are revealed. Novel techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, optogenetics, and high-throughput screening hold great promise for advancing venom research. As zebrafish-based insights converge with findings from other models, the comprehensive understanding of venom-induced effects continues to expand, guiding the development of targeted interventions and promoting both scientific knowledge and practical applications.
{"title":"Zebrafish as Versatile Model for Assessing Animal Venoms and Toxins: Current Applications and Future Prospects.","authors":"Fajar Sofyantoro, Nur Indah Septriani, D. S. Yudha, Ega Adhi Wicaksono, D. Priyono, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Alfian Primahesa, Anita Restu Puji Raharjeng, Y. A. Purwestri, T. R. Nuringtyas","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0088","url":null,"abstract":"Animal venoms and toxins hold promise as sources of novel drug candidates, therapeutic agents, and biomolecules. To fully harness their potential, it is crucial to develop reliable testing methods that provide a comprehensive understanding of their effects and mechanisms of action. However, traditional rodent assays encounter difficulties in mimicking venom-induced effects in human due to the impractical venom dosage levels. The search for reliable testing methods has led to the emergence of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a versatile model organism for evaluating animal venoms and toxins. Zebrafish possess genetic similarities to humans, rapid development, transparency, and amenability to high-throughput assays, making it ideal for assessing the effects of animal venoms and toxins. This review highlights unique attributes of zebrafish and explores their applications in studying venom- and toxin-induced effects from various species, including snakes, jellyfish, cuttlefish, anemones, spiders, and cone snails. Through zebrafish-based research, intricate physiological responses, developmental alterations, and potential therapeutic interventions induced by venoms are revealed. Novel techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, optogenetics, and high-throughput screening hold great promise for advancing venom research. As zebrafish-based insights converge with findings from other models, the comprehensive understanding of venom-induced effects continues to expand, guiding the development of targeted interventions and promoting both scientific knowledge and practical applications.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"126 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140708841","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}
Renu Srivastava, Connor W Davison, Abigail G Krull, Seth M Entriken, Amanda Zumbrock, Maria Daniela Cortes Hidalgo, Kiernan J Adair, Anna M Escherich, Jonathan N Lara, Emma C Neverman, Megan Hodnefield, Elyse McElligtot, Elizabeth J Sandquist, Craig Ogilvie, Pascal J Lafontant, J. Essner
We have developed a one-credit semester-long research experience for undergraduate students that involves the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to edit genes in zebrafish. The course is available to students at all stages of their undergraduate training and can be taken up to four times. Students select a gene of interest to edit as the basis of their semester-long project. To select a gene, exploration of developmental processes and human disease is encouraged. As part of the course, students use basic bioinformatic tools, design guide RNAs, inject zebrafish embryos, and analyze both the molecular consequences of gene editing and phenotypic outcomes. Over the 10 years we have offered the course, enrollment has grown from less than 10 students to more than 60 students per semester. Each year, we choose a different gene editing strategy to explore based on recent publications of gene editing methodologies. These have included making CRISPants, targeted integrations, and large gene deletions. In this study, we present how we structure the course and our assessment of the course over the past 3 years.
{"title":"An Undergraduate Course in CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing in Zebrafish.","authors":"Renu Srivastava, Connor W Davison, Abigail G Krull, Seth M Entriken, Amanda Zumbrock, Maria Daniela Cortes Hidalgo, Kiernan J Adair, Anna M Escherich, Jonathan N Lara, Emma C Neverman, Megan Hodnefield, Elyse McElligtot, Elizabeth J Sandquist, Craig Ogilvie, Pascal J Lafontant, J. Essner","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0091","url":null,"abstract":"We have developed a one-credit semester-long research experience for undergraduate students that involves the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to edit genes in zebrafish. The course is available to students at all stages of their undergraduate training and can be taken up to four times. Students select a gene of interest to edit as the basis of their semester-long project. To select a gene, exploration of developmental processes and human disease is encouraged. As part of the course, students use basic bioinformatic tools, design guide RNAs, inject zebrafish embryos, and analyze both the molecular consequences of gene editing and phenotypic outcomes. Over the 10 years we have offered the course, enrollment has grown from less than 10 students to more than 60 students per semester. Each year, we choose a different gene editing strategy to explore based on recent publications of gene editing methodologies. These have included making CRISPants, targeted integrations, and large gene deletions. In this study, we present how we structure the course and our assessment of the course over the past 3 years.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"17 6","pages":"162-170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140763587","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}
M. Carvan, Thomas Hansen, Renee A. Hesselbach, Amy Zientek, Craig A. Berg, David H. Petering
The goal of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WInSTEP SEPA program is to provide valuable and relevant research experiences to students and instructors in diverse secondary educational settings. Introducing an online experience allows the expansion of a proven instructional research program to a national scale and removes many common barriers. These can include lack of access to zebrafish embryos, laboratory equipment, and modern classroom facilities, which often deny disadvantaged and underrepresented students from urban and rural school districts valuable inquiry-based learning opportunities. An online repository of zebrafish embryo imagery was developed in the Carvan laboratory to assess the effects of environmental chemicals. The WInSTEP SEPA program expanded its use as an accessible online tool, complementing the existing classroom experience of our zebrafish module. This virtual laboratory environment contains images of zebrafish embryos grown in the presence of environmental toxicants (ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine), allowing students to collect data on 19 anatomical endpoints and generate significant amounts of data related to developmental toxicology and environmental health. This virtual laboratory offers students and instructors the choice of data sets that differ in the independent variables of chemical concentration and duration of postfertilization exposure. This enables students considerable flexibility in establishing their own experimental design to match the curriculum needs of each instructor.
{"title":"Bringing Real Inquiry-Based Science to Diverse Secondary Educational Environments: A Virtual Zebrafish Laboratory to Investigate Environmental Health.","authors":"M. Carvan, Thomas Hansen, Renee A. Hesselbach, Amy Zientek, Craig A. Berg, David H. Petering","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0087","url":null,"abstract":"The goal of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WInSTEP SEPA program is to provide valuable and relevant research experiences to students and instructors in diverse secondary educational settings. Introducing an online experience allows the expansion of a proven instructional research program to a national scale and removes many common barriers. These can include lack of access to zebrafish embryos, laboratory equipment, and modern classroom facilities, which often deny disadvantaged and underrepresented students from urban and rural school districts valuable inquiry-based learning opportunities. An online repository of zebrafish embryo imagery was developed in the Carvan laboratory to assess the effects of environmental chemicals. The WInSTEP SEPA program expanded its use as an accessible online tool, complementing the existing classroom experience of our zebrafish module. This virtual laboratory environment contains images of zebrafish embryos grown in the presence of environmental toxicants (ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine), allowing students to collect data on 19 anatomical endpoints and generate significant amounts of data related to developmental toxicology and environmental health. This virtual laboratory offers students and instructors the choice of data sets that differ in the independent variables of chemical concentration and duration of postfertilization exposure. This enables students considerable flexibility in establishing their own experimental design to match the curriculum needs of each instructor.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"90 ","pages":"73-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140794206","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}
Connor W Davison, Hamelynn Harzman, Jessie Nicholson, Seth M Entriken, Kierinn Mobley, Abigail G Krull, Manik Singhal, Caleb Skow, Nathan Matthews, Lindsey Kopp, Benjamin Gillette, Tyler J Weide, Jana R Hukvari, Sofia C P Stumpf, Olivia M Feldmann, M. McGrail, Renu Srivastava, J. Essner
Tjp1a and other tight junction and adherens proteins play important roles in cell-cell adhesion, scaffolding, and forming seals between cells in epithelial and endothelial tissues. In this study, we labeled Tjp1a of zebrafish with the monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted integration of biotin-labeled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) generated templates. Labeling Tjp1a with RFP allowed us to follow membrane and junctional dynamics of epithelial and endothelial cells throughout zebrafish embryo development. For targeted integration, we used short 35 bp homology arms on each side of the Cas9 genomic target site at the C-terminal of the coding sequence in tjp1a. Through PCR using 5' biotinylated primers containing the homology arms, we generated a double-stranded template for homology directed repair containing a flexible linker followed by RFP. Cas9 protein was complexed with the tjp1a gRNA before mixing with the repair template and microinjected into one-cell zebrafish embryos. We confirmed and recovered a precise integration allele at the desired site at the tjp1a C-terminus. Examination of fluorescence reveals RFP cell-cell junctional labeling using confocal imaging. We are currently using this stable tjp1a-mRFPis86 line to examine the behavior and interactions between cells during vascular formation in zebrafish.
{"title":"Tagging the tjp1a Gene in Zebrafish with Monomeric Red Fluorescent Protein Using Biotin Homology Arms.","authors":"Connor W Davison, Hamelynn Harzman, Jessie Nicholson, Seth M Entriken, Kierinn Mobley, Abigail G Krull, Manik Singhal, Caleb Skow, Nathan Matthews, Lindsey Kopp, Benjamin Gillette, Tyler J Weide, Jana R Hukvari, Sofia C P Stumpf, Olivia M Feldmann, M. McGrail, Renu Srivastava, J. Essner","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0096","url":null,"abstract":"Tjp1a and other tight junction and adherens proteins play important roles in cell-cell adhesion, scaffolding, and forming seals between cells in epithelial and endothelial tissues. In this study, we labeled Tjp1a of zebrafish with the monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted integration of biotin-labeled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) generated templates. Labeling Tjp1a with RFP allowed us to follow membrane and junctional dynamics of epithelial and endothelial cells throughout zebrafish embryo development. For targeted integration, we used short 35 bp homology arms on each side of the Cas9 genomic target site at the C-terminal of the coding sequence in tjp1a. Through PCR using 5' biotinylated primers containing the homology arms, we generated a double-stranded template for homology directed repair containing a flexible linker followed by RFP. Cas9 protein was complexed with the tjp1a gRNA before mixing with the repair template and microinjected into one-cell zebrafish embryos. We confirmed and recovered a precise integration allele at the desired site at the tjp1a C-terminus. Examination of fluorescence reveals RFP cell-cell junctional labeling using confocal imaging. We are currently using this stable tjp1a-mRFPis86 line to examine the behavior and interactions between cells during vascular formation in zebrafish.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"640 ","pages":"191-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140791119","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}
Kasey L Cooper, Zoe G Krut, Bennet D Franz, Benjamin S Walker, Alexander G Kramer, Jonathan R Morgan, Christopher S. Lassiter
Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that has off-target effects in developing vertebrate embryos. In this study, we investigate treatment of zebrafish embryos with fipronil over the course of 5 days and examine the effects on body length, the cardiovascular system, and craniofacial morphology. We found the insecticide caused shorter body length and a decrease in eye size. By examining specific heart chamber morphology, as well as jaw angle and length, we quantified defects including enlargement of the heart and increases in jaw length and width. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms of fipronil's effect on vertebrate development for both environmental and human health concerns.
{"title":"Fipronil Affects Craniofacial and Heart Development in Zebrafish Embryos (Danio rerio).","authors":"Kasey L Cooper, Zoe G Krut, Bennet D Franz, Benjamin S Walker, Alexander G Kramer, Jonathan R Morgan, Christopher S. Lassiter","doi":"10.1089/zeb.2023.0055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/zeb.2023.0055","url":null,"abstract":"Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that has off-target effects in developing vertebrate embryos. In this study, we investigate treatment of zebrafish embryos with fipronil over the course of 5 days and examine the effects on body length, the cardiovascular system, and craniofacial morphology. We found the insecticide caused shorter body length and a decrease in eye size. By examining specific heart chamber morphology, as well as jaw angle and length, we quantified defects including enlargement of the heart and increases in jaw length and width. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms of fipronil's effect on vertebrate development for both environmental and human health concerns.","PeriodicalId":94273,"journal":{"name":"Zebrafish","volume":"47 4","pages":"181-190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140763108","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}
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.
{"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}
Jamie R Shuda, Valerie G. Butler, Theresa M Nelson, Jaqueline M Davidson, Auset M Taylor, Steven A Farber
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.
{"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}
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}
This study outlines a 2-week laboratory module for an authentic cell biology undergraduate research experience that uses zebrafish (Danio rerio), 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 [Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L)]. The transgenic fish express a hyperactive Gα protein, GNAQQ209L, under the melanocyte-specific mitfa 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 Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L) 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.
{"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}
Soaleha Shams, Sidney Olson, Michael P. Ekker, Adam Salmi, Stephen C Ekker, Christopher Pierret
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.
{"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}
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