Zebrafish Genetic Screening
Zebrafish Genetic Screening - Related Videos
08:50
Genetic Screens
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2023
Genetic screens are critical tools for defining gene function and understanding gene interactions. Screens typically involve mutating genes and then assessing the affected organisms for phenotypes of interest. The process can be “forward”, where mutations are generated randomly to identify unknown genes responsible for the phenotypes, or it can be “reverse”, where specific genes are targeted for mutation to observe what phenotypes are produced.Here, JoVE reviews various types of genetic...
02:46
Genetic Screens
0 Views •
2021
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options. Forward genetic screens Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
08:10
Multi-enzyme Screening Using a High-throughput Genetic Enzyme Screening System
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Cited by 7 •
2016
This work presents a method of high-throughput screening using a universal genetic enzyme screening system that can be theoretically applied to over 200 enzymes. Here, the single screening system identifies three different enzymes (lipase, cellulase, and alkaline phosphatase) by simply changing the substrate used (p-nitrophenyl acetate, p-nitrophenyl-β-D-cellobioside, and phenyl phosphate).
10:49
Development of automated imaging and analysis for zebrafish chemical screens.
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Cited by 48 •
2010
We report the development of a system for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish transgenic embryos in multiwell plates. This demonstrates the ability to measure dose dependent effects of a small molecule, BCI, on Fibroblast Growth Factor reporter gene expression and provide technology for establishing high-throughput zebrafish chemical screens.
07:03
Large Scale Zebrafish-Based In vivo Small Molecule Screen
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Cited by 17 •
2010
Zebrafish has emerged as a powerful in vivo platform for phenotype-based drug screens and chemical genetic analysis. Here, we demonstrate a simple, practical method for large-scale screening of small molecules using zebrafish embryos.
FAQs
The central distinction is whether the screen begins with a phenotype or a gene. Forward genetic screening starts by finding offspring with a heritable trait and then works toward the responsible gene. Reverse screening starts with a selected gene, alters it with a targeted genome-editing method, and evaluates the resulting phenotype. This contrast determines how researchers connect genetic change and biological function.
Heritability is essential because a selected trait must persist across generations to support genetic analysis. After offspring display a phenotype, researchers breed the relevant fish and use genetic mapping to narrow its genomic location. Sequencing can then identify a candidate gene associated with the trait. Together, breeding, mapping, and sequencing convert an observable difference into a testable gene-function relationship.
External development makes zebrafish embryos accessible for observing consequences of genetic variation during early development. Their conserved biological pathways also make findings relevant to corresponding processes in humans. Consequently, zebrafish genetic screening can connect developmental phenotypes with genes and pathways that may inform studies of physiology or disease, while retaining the experimental advantages of the zebrafish model.
A typical forward screen proceeds from generating or using genetic variation to breeding fish, examining offspring, and selecting those with phenotypes of interest. Researchers then establish that the trait is heritable before applying genetic mapping and sequencing. This workflow separates phenotype detection from gene identification, allowing the initial observation to guide a progressively more specific search for its genetic basis.
Targeted genome editing is most relevant when researchers already want to test a particular gene rather than search broadly across unknown genes. They alter that selected gene and assess the resulting phenotype in the zebrafish. Comparing the altered fish with the observed biological outcome helps evaluate whether the gene contributes to development, physiology, behavior, or disease-related processes.
Applications extend across several biological questions. Screens can reveal genes influencing development, physiology, or behavior, and they can support disease modeling by linking genetic changes to relevant phenotypes. The same platform also contributes to drug discovery. In each case, researchers use zebrafish phenotypes to examine gene function in processes involving biological pathways conserved between zebrafish and humans.