Biallelic BORCS8 variants cause an infantile-onset neurodegenerative disorder with altered lysosome dynamics.

BLOC-one-related complex (BORC) is a multiprotein complex composed of eight subunits named BORCS1-8. BORC associates with the cytosolic face of lysosomes, where it sequentially recruits the small GTPase ARL8 and kinesin-1 and -3 microtubule motors to promote anterograde transport of lysosomes toward the peripheral cytoplasm in non-neuronal cells and the distal axon in neurons. The physiological and pathological importance of BORC in humans, however, remains to be determined. Here, we report the identification of compound heterozygous variants [missense c.85T>C (p.Ser29Pro) and frameshift c.71-75dupTGGCC (p.Asn26Trpfs*51)] and homozygous variants [missense c.196A>C (p.Thr66Pro) and c.124T>C (p.Ser42Pro)] in BORCS8 in five children with a severe early-infantile neurodegenerative disorder from three unrelated families. The children exhibit global developmental delay, severe-to-profound intellectual disability, hypotonia, limb spasticity, muscle wasting, dysmorphic facies, optic atrophy, leuko-axonopathy with hypomyelination, and neurodegenerative features with prevalent supratentorial involvement. Cellular studies using a heterologous transfection system show that the BORCS8 missense variants p.Ser29Pro, p.Ser42Pro and p.Thr66Pro are expressed at normal levels but exhibit reduced assembly with other BORC subunits and reduced ability to drive lysosome distribution toward the cell periphery. The BORCS8 frameshift variant p.Asn26Trpfs*51, on the other hand, is expressed at lower levels and is completely incapable of assembling with other BORC subunits and promoting lysosome distribution toward the cell periphery. Therefore, all the BORCS8 variants are partial or total loss-of-function alleles and are thus likely pathogenic. Knockout of the orthologous borcs8 in zebrafish causes decreased brain and eye size, neuromuscular anomalies and impaired locomotion, recapitulating some of the key traits of the human disease. These findings thus identify BORCS8 as a novel genetic locus for an early-infantile neurodegenerative disorder and highlight the critical importance of BORC and lysosome dynamics for the development and function of the central nervous system.

NMJ Analyser: a novel method to quantify neuromuscular junction morphology in zebrafish.

MOTIVATION: Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structural integrity is crucial for transducing motor neuron signals that initiate skeletal muscle contraction. Zebrafish has emerged as a simple and efficient model to study NMJ structural morphology and function in the context of developmental neurobiology and neuromuscular diseases. However, methods to quantify NMJ morphology from voluminous data of NMJ confocal images accurately, rapidly, and reproducibly are lacking. RESULTS: We developed an ImageJ macro called "NMJ Analyser" to automatically and unbiasedly analyse NMJ morphology in zebrafish. From the Z-stack of a zebrafish hemisomite, both presynaptic and postsynaptic fluorescently labeled termini at NMJs are extracted from background signal, with larger clusters of termini being segmented into individual termini using an unbiased algorithm. The program then determines whether each presynaptic terminus is co-localized with a postsynaptic terminus and vice versa, or whether it is orphaned, and tabulates the number of orphan and co-localized pre- and postsynaptic termini. The usefulness of this ImageJ macro plugin will be helpful to quantify NMJ parameters in zebrafish, particularly during development and in disease models of neuromuscular diseases. It can enable high-throughput NMJ phenotypic screens in the drug discovery process for neuromuscular diseases. It could also be further applied to the investigation of NMJ of other developmental systems. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: NMJ Analyser is available for download at https://github.com/PattenLab/NMJ-Analyser.git.

BASHY Dyes Are Highly Efficient Lipid Droplet-Targeting Photosensitizers that Induce Ferroptosis through Lipid Peroxidation.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid-peroxidation-driven mechanism of cell death and a promising therapeutic target to eradicate cancer cells. In this study, we discovered that boronic acid-derived salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY) dyes are highly efficient singlet-oxygen photosensitizers (PSs; ΦΔ up to 0.8) that induce ferroptosis triggered by photodynamic therapy. The best-performing BASHY dye displayed a high phototoxicity against the human glioblastoma multiform U87 cell line, with an IC50 value in the low nanomolar range (4.40 nM) and a remarkable phototoxicity index (PI > 22,700). Importantly, BASHY dyes were shown to accumulate in lipid droplets (LDs) and this intracellular partition was found to be essential for the enhanced phototoxicity and the induction of ferroptosis through lipid peroxidation. The safety and phototoxicity of this platform were validated using an in vivo zebrafish model (Danio rerio).

Chromatin remodeller CHD7 is required for GABAergic neuron development by promoting PAQR3 expression.

Mutations in the chromatin remodeller-coding gene CHD7 cause CHARGE syndrome (CS). CS features include moderate to severe neurological and behavioural problems, clinically characterized by intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. To investigate the poorly characterized neurobiological role of CHD7, we here generate a zebrafish chd7-/- model. chd7-/- mutants have less GABAergic neurons and exhibit a hyperactivity behavioural phenotype. The GABAergic neuron defect is at least in part due to downregulation of the CHD7 direct target gene paqr3b, and subsequent upregulation of MAPK/ERK signalling, which is also dysregulated in CHD7 mutant human cells. Through a phenotype-based screen in chd7-/- zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that the small molecule ephedrine restores normal levels of MAPK/ERK signalling and improves both GABAergic defects and behavioural anomalies. We conclude that chd7 promotes paqr3b expression and that this is required for normal GABAergic network development. This work provides insight into the neuropathogenesis associated with CHD7 deficiency and identifies a promising compound for further preclinical studies.

Promising animal models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drug discovery: a comprehensive update.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons. Several animal models have been generated to understand ALS pathogenesis. They have provided valuable insight into disease mechanisms and the development of therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors provide a concise overview of simple genetic model organisms, including C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mouse genetic models that have been generated to study ALS. They emphasize the benefits of each model and their application in translational research for discovering new chemicals, gene therapy approaches, and antibody-based strategies for treating ALS. EXPERT OPINION: Significant progress is being made in identifying new therapeutic targets for ALS. This progress is being enabled by promising animal models of the disease using increasingly effective genetic and pharmacological strategies. There are still challenges to be overcome in order to achieve improved success rates for translating drugs from animal models to clinics for treating ALS. Several promising future directions include the establishment of novel preclinical protocol standards, as well as the combination of animal models with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Donepezil-Loaded Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Superior Efficacy of Extracellular Vesicles Over Polymeric Nanoparticles.

Introduction: Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is challenging and therefore severely restricts neurodegenerative diseases therapy such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Donepezil (DNZ) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor largely prescribed to AD patients, but its use is limited due to peripheral adverse events. Nanodelivery strategies with the polymer Poly (lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-based nanoparticles (NPs-PLA-PEG) and the extracellular vesicles (EVs) were developed with the aim to improve the ability of DNZ to cross the BBB, its brain targeting and efficacy. Methods: EVs were isolated from human plasma and PLA-PEG NPs were synthesized by nanoprecipitation. The toxicity, brain targeting capacity and cholinergic activities of the formulations were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: EVs and NPs-PLA-PEG were designed to be similar in size and charge, efficiently encapsulated DNZ and allowed sustained drug release. In vitro study showed that both formulations EVs-DNZ and NPs-PLA-PEG-DNZ were highly internalized by the endothelial cells bEnd.3. These cells cultured on the Transwell® model were used to analyze the transcytosis of both formulations after validation of the presence of tight junctions, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values and the permeability of the Dextran-FITC. In vivo study showed that both formulations were not toxic to zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio). However, hyperactivity was evidenced in the NPs-PLA-PEG-DNZ and free DNZ groups but not the EVs-DNZ formulations. Biodistribution analysis in zebrafish larvae showed that EVs were present in the brain parenchyma, while NPs-PLA-PEG remained mainly in the bloodstream. Conclusion: The EVs-DNZ formulation was more efficient to inhibit the AChE enzyme activity in the zebrafish larvae head. Thus, the bioinspired delivery system (EVs) is a promising alternative strategy for brain-targeted delivery by substantially improving the activity of DNZ for the treatment of AD.

CHD7 regulates craniofacial cartilage development via controlling HTR2B expression.

Mutations in the Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 - coding gene (CHD7) cause CHARGE syndrome (CS). Although craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities are major features of CS patients, the role of CHD7 in bone and cartilage development remain largely unexplored. Here, using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) CS model, we show that chd7-/- larvae display abnormal craniofacial cartilage development and spinal deformities. The craniofacial and spine defects are accompanied by a marked reduction of bone mineralization. At the molecular level, we show that these phenotypes are associated with significant reduction in the expression levels of osteoblast differentiation markers. Additionally, we detected a marked depletion of collagen 2α1 in the cartilage of craniofacial regions and vertebrae, along with significantly reduced number of chondrocytes. Chondrogenesis defects are at least in part due to downregulation of htr2b, which we found to be also dysregulated in human cells derived from an individual with CHD7 mutation-positive CS. Overall, this study thus unveils an essential role for CHD7 in cartilage and bone development, with potential clinical relevance for the craniofacial defects associated with CS.

Patients with CHARGE syndrome exhibit skeletal defects. CHARGE syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the chromatin remodeler-coding gene CHD7. To investigate the poorly characterized role of CHD7 in cartilage and bone development, here, we examine the craniofacial and bone anomalies in a zebrafish chd7-/- mutant model. We find that zebrafish mutant larvae exhibit striking dysmorphism of craniofacial structures and spinal deformities. Notably, we find a significant reduction in osteoblast, chondrocyte, and collagen matrix markers. This work provides important insights to improve our understanding of the role of chd7 in skeletal development.

Pharmacological reduction of ER stress protects against TDP-43 neuronal toxicity in vivo.

C. elegans and D. rerio expressing mutant TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) are powerful in vivo animal models for the genetics and pharmacology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using these small-animal models of ALS, we previously identified methylene blue (MB) as a potent suppressor of TDP-43 toxicity. Consequently here we investigated how MB might exert its neuroprotective properties and found that it acts through reduction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. We tested other compounds known to be active in the ER unfolded protein response in worms and zebrafish expressing mutant human TDP-43 (mTDP-43). We identified three compounds: salubrinal, guanabenz and a new structurally related compound phenazine, which also reduced paralysis, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress in our mTDP-43 models. Using C. elegans genetics, we showed that all four compounds act as potent suppressors of mTDP-43 toxicity through reduction of the ER stress response. Interestingly, these compounds operate through different branches of the ER unfolded protein pathway to achieve a common neuroprotective action. Our results indicate that protein-folding homeostasis in the ER is an important target for therapeutic development in ALS and other TDP-43-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Microarray expression profiling identifies genes with altered expression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is considered a complex genetic disease, in which malfunctioning or dysregulation of one or more genes has been proposed to be responsible for the expressed phenotype. However, to date, no disease causing genes has been identified and the pathogenesis of AIS remains unknown. The aim of this study is, therefore, to identify specific molecules with differing expression patterns in AIS compared to healthy individuals. METHODS: Microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR have examined differences in the gene transcription profile between primary osteoblasts derived from spinal vertebrae of AIS patients and those of healthy individuals. RESULTS: There are 145 genes differentially expressed in AIS osteoblasts. A drastic and significant change has been noted particularly in the expression levels of Homeobox genes (HOXB8, HOXB7, HOXA13, HOXA10), ZIC2, FAM101A, COMP and PITX1 in AIS compared to controls. Clustering analysis revealed the interaction of these genes in biological pathways crucial for bone development, in particular in the differentiation of skeletal elements and structural integrity of the vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports on the expression of molecules that have not been described previously in AIS. We also provide for the first time gene interaction pathways in AIS pathogenesis. These genes are involved in various bone regulatory and developmental pathways and many of them can be grouped into clusters to participate in a particular biological pathway. Further studies can be built on our findings to further elucidate the association between different biological pathways and the pathogenesis of AIS.

Differential Regulation of POC5 by ERα in Human Normal and Scoliotic Cells.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity. The incidence of AIS in females is 8.4 times higher than in males. Several hypotheses on the role of estrogen have been postulated for the progression of AIS. Recently, Centriolar protein gene POC5 (POC5) was identified as a causative gene of AIS. POC5 is a centriolar protein that is important for cell cycle progression and centriole elongation. However, the hormonal regulation of POC5 remains to be determined. Here, we identify POC5 as an estrogen-responsive gene under the regulation of estrogen receptor ERα in normal osteoblasts (NOBs) and other ERα-positive cells. Using promoter activity, gene, and protein expression assays, we found that the POC5 gene was upregulated by the treatment of osteoblasts with estradiol (E2) through direct genomic signaling. We observed different effects of E2 in NOBs and mutant POC5A429V AIS osteoblasts. Using promoter assays, we identified an estrogen response element (ERE) in the proximal promoter of POC5, which conferred estrogen responsiveness through ERα. The recruitment of ERα to the ERE of the POC5 promoter was also potentiated by estrogen. Collectively, these findings suggest that estrogen is an etiological factor in scoliosis through the deregulation of POC5.

PKCgamma-induced trafficking of AMPA receptors in embryonic zebrafish depends on NSF and PICK1.

The trafficking of AMPA receptors (Rs) to and from synaptic membranes is a key component underlying synaptic plasticity mechanisms such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), and is likely important for synaptic development in embryonic organisms. However, some of the key biochemical components required for receptor trafficking in embryos are still unknown. Here, we report that in embryonic zebrafish, the activation of PKCgamma by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, strongly potentiates the amplitude of AMPAR-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (AMPA-mEPSCs) via a N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion (NSF) and protein interacting with C-kinase-1 (PICK1)-dependent process. We found that the mEPSC potentiation is DAG- and Ca(2+)-dependent, and occurs on application of active PKCgamma. Peptides that prevent the association of NSF and PICK1 with the GluR2 subunit, and the actin-polymerization blocker, latrunculin B, prevented the increase in mEPSC amplitude. Also, application of tetanus toxin (TeTx), which cleaves SNARE proteins, also blocked the increase in mEPSC amplitude. Last, application of a 5 mM K(+) medium led to an enhancement in mEPSC amplitude that was prevented by addition of the PKCgamma and NSF-blocking peptides, and the NMDA receptor blocker, 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV). Thus, activation of PKCgamma is necessary for the activity-dependent trafficking of AMPARs in embryonic zebrafish. This process is NMDA and SNARE-dependent and requires AMPARs to associate with both NSF and PICK1. The present data further our understanding of AMPAR trafficking, and have important implications for synaptic development and synaptic plasticity.

Modeling neuromuscular diseases in zebrafish.

Neuromuscular diseases are a diverse group of conditions that affect the motor system and present some overlapping as well as distinct clinical manifestations. Although individually rare, the combined prevalence of NMDs is similar to Parkinson's. Over the past decade, new genetic mutations have been discovered through whole exome/genome sequencing, but the pathogenesis of most NMDs remains largely unexplored. Little information on the molecular mechanism governing the progression and development of NMDs accounts for the continual failure of therapies in clinical trials. Different aspects of the diseases are typically investigated using different models from cells to animals. Zebrafish emerges as an excellent model for studying genetics and pathogenesis and for developing therapeutic interventions for most NMDs. In this review, we describe the generation of different zebrafish genetic models mimicking NMDs and how they are used for drug discovery and therapy development.

Chitosan-Based Nanogels: Synthesis and Toxicity Profile for Drug Delivery to Articular Joints.

One important challenge in treating avascular-degraded cartilage is the development of new drugs for both pain management and joint preservation. Considerable efforts have been invested in developing nanosystems using biomaterials, such as chitosan, a widely used natural polymer exhibiting numerous advantages, i.e., non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. However, even if chitosan is generally recognized as safe, the safety and biocompatibility of such nanomaterials must be addressed because of potential for greater interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems. Here, we developed chitosan-based nanogels as drug-delivery platforms and established an initial biological risk assessment for osteocartilaginous applications. We investigated the influence of synthesis parameters on the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting nanogels and their potential impact on the biocompatibility on all types of human osteocartilaginous cells. Monodisperse nanogels were synthesized with sizes ranging from 268 to 382 nm according to the acidic solution used (i.e., either citric or acetic acid) with overall positive charge surface. Our results demonstrated that purified chitosan-based nanogels neither affected cell proliferation nor induced nitric oxide production in vitro. However, nanogels were moderately genotoxic in a dose-dependent manner but did not significantly induce acute embryotoxicity in zebrafish embryos, up to 100 µg∙mL-1. These encouraging results hold great promise for the intra-articular delivery of drugs or diagnostic agents for joint pathologies.

In Situ Characterization of the Protein Corona of Nanoparticles In Vitro and In Vivo.

A new theoretical framework that enables the use of differential dynamic microscopy (DDM) in fluorescence imaging mode to quantify in situ protein adsorption onto nanoparticles (NP) while simultaneously monitoring for NP aggregation is proposed. This methodology is used to elucidate the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the protein corona (PC) in vitro and in vivo. The results show that protein adsorption triggers particle aggregation over a wide concentration range and that the formed aggregate structures can be quantified using the proposed methodology. Protein affinity for polystyrene (PS) NPs is observed to be dependent on particle concentration. For complex protein mixtures, this methodology identifies that the PC composition changes with the dilution of serum proteins, demonstrating a Vroman effect never quantitatively assessed in situ on NPs. Finally, DDM allows monitoring of the evolution of the PC in vivo. This results show that the PC composition evolves significantly over time in zebrafish larvae, confirming the inherently dynamic nature of the PC. The performance of the developed methodology allows to obtain quantitative insights into nano-bio interactions in a vast array of physiologically relevant conditions that will serve to further improve the design of nanomedicine.

Deep Tissue Penetration of Bottle-Brush Polymers via Cell Capture Evasion and Fast Diffusion.

Drug nanocarriers (NCs) capable of crossing the vascular endothelium and deeply penetrating into dense tissues of the CNS could potentially transform the management of neurological diseases. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of bottle-brush (BB) polymers with different biological barriers in vitro and in vivo and compared it to nanospheres of similar composition. In vitro internalization and permeability assays revealed that BB polymers are not internalized by brain-associated cell lines and translocate much faster across a blood-brain barrier model compared to nanospheres of similar hydrodynamic diameter. These observations performed under static, no-flow conditions were complemented by dynamic assays performed in microvessel arrays on chip and confirmed that BB polymers can escape the vasculature compartment via a paracellular route. BB polymers injected in mice and zebrafish larvae exhibit higher penetration in brain tissues and faster extravasation of microvessels located in the brain compared to nanospheres of similar sizes. The superior diffusivity of BBs in extracellular matrix-like gels combined with their ability to efficiently cross endothelial barriers via a paracellular route position them as promising drug carriers to translocate across the blood-brain barrier and penetrate dense tissue such as the brain, two unmet challenges and ultimate frontiers in nanomedicine.

Reduced C9orf72 function leads to defective synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular dysfunction in zebrafish.

The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene. Reduced levels of C9orf72 mRNA and protein have been found in ALS/FTD patients, but the role of this protein in disease pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a stable C9orf72 loss-of-function (LOF) model in the zebrafish. We show that reduced C9orf72 function leads to motor defects, muscle atrophy, motor neuron loss and mortality in early larval and adult stages. Analysis of the structure and function of the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the larvae, reveal a marked reduction in the number of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures and an impaired release of quantal synaptic vesicles at the NMJ. Strikingly, we demonstrate a downregulation of SV2a upon C9orf72-LOF and a reduced rate of synaptic vesicle cycling. Furthermore, we show a reduced number and size of Rab3a-postive synaptic puncta at NMJs. Altogether, these results reveal a key function for C9orf72 in the control of presynaptic vesicle trafficking and release at the zebrafish larval NMJ. Our study demonstrates an important role for C9orf72 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis, where it regulates synaptic vesicle release and neuromuscular functions.

Nanoparticle shell structural cues drive in vitro transport properties, tissue distribution and brain accessibility in zebrafish.

Zwitterion polymers with strong antifouling properties have been suggested as the prime alternative to polyethylene glycol (PEG) for drug nanocarriers surface coating. It is believed that PEG coating shortcomings, such as immune responses and incomplete protein repellency, could be overcome by zwitterionic polymers. However, no systematic study has been conducted so far to complete a comparative appraisal of PEG and zwitterionic-coating effects on nanoparticles (NPs) stealthness, cell uptake, cell barrier translocation and biodistribution in the context of nanocarriers brain targeting. Core-shell polymeric particles with identical cores and a shell of either PEG or poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (PMPC) were prepared by impinging jet mixer nanoprecipitation. NPs with similar size and surface potential were systematically compared using in vitro and in vivo assays. NPs behavior differences were rationalized based on their protein-particles interactions. PMPC-coated NPs were significantly more endocytosed by mouse macrophages or brain resident macrophages compared to PEGylated NPs but exhibited the remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in in vitro models. Nanoscale flow cytometry assays showed significantly more adsorbed proteins on PMPC-coated NPs than PEG-coated NPs. In vivo, distribution in zebrafish larvae, showed a strong propensity for PMPC-coated NPs to adhere to the vascular endothelium, while PEG-coated NPs were able to circulate for a longer time and escape the bloodstream to penetrate deep into the cerebral tissue. The stark differences between these two types of particles, besides their similarities in size and surface potential, points towards the paramount role of surface chemistry in controlling NPs fate likely via the formation of distinct protein corona for each coating.

Genetic variant of TTLL11 gene and subsequent ciliary defects are associated with idiopathic scoliosis in a 5-generation UK family.

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a complex 3D deformation of the spine with a strong genetic component, most commonly found in adolescent girls. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects around 3% of the general population. In a 5-generation UK family, linkage analysis identified the locus 9q31.2-q34.2 as a candidate region for AIS; however, the causative gene remained unidentified. Here, using exome sequencing we identified a rare insertion c.1569_1570insTT in the tubulin tyrosine ligase like gene, member 11 (TTLL11) within that locus, as the IS causative gene in this British family. Two other TTLL11 mutations were also identified in two additional AIS cases in the same cohort. Analyses of primary cells of individuals carrying the c.1569_1570insTT (NM_194252) mutation reveal a defect at the primary cilia level, which is less present, smaller and less polyglutamylated compared to control. Further, in a zebrafish, the knock down of ttll11, and the mutated ttll11 confirmed its role in spine development and ciliary function in the fish retina. These findings provide evidence that mutations in TTLL11, a ciliary gene, contribute to the pathogenesis of IS.

Protein kinase Cgamma is a signaling molecule required for the developmental speeding of alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor kinetics.

A key step in the maturation of glutamate synapses is the developmental speeding of alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor (AMPA-R) kinetics, which occurs via a switch in receptor subtypes. However, the molecular components required for the switch in receptors are unknown. Here, we used the zebrafish preparation to show that activation of protein kinase C (PKC)gamma is necessary for the developmental speeding of AMPA-R kinetics. Targeted knockdown of PKCgamma with an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide [PKCgamma-morpholino (PKCgamma-MO)], prevents the normal speeding up of AMPA-R kinetics in Mauthner cells. PKCgamma-MO-injected embryos are incapable of trafficking AMPA-Rs following application of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or PKCgamma. PKCgamma-MO-injected embryos do not hatch or exhibit the C-start escape response. Increasing synaptic activity (33 h post-fertilization embryos) by application of an elevated K(+) medium or by application of N-methyl-D-aspartate induces rapid PKCgamma-dependent trafficking of fast AMPA-Rs to synapses. Our findings reveal that PKCgamma is a molecular link underlying the developmental speeding of AMPA-Rs in zebrafish Mauthner cells.

A Great Catch for Investigating Inborn Errors of Metabolism-Insights Obtained from Zebrafish.

Inborn errors of metabolism cause abnormal synthesis, recycling, or breakdown of amino acids, neurotransmitters, and other various metabolites. This aberrant homeostasis commonly causes the accumulation of toxic compounds or depletion of vital metabolites, which has detrimental consequences for the patients. Efficient and rapid intervention is often key to survival. Therefore, it requires useful animal models to understand the pathomechanisms and identify promising therapeutic drug targets. Zebrafish are an effective tool to investigate developmental mechanisms and understanding the pathophysiology of disorders. In the past decades, zebrafish have proven their efficiency for studying genetic disorders owing to the high degree of conservation between human and zebrafish genes. Subsequently, several rare inherited metabolic disorders have been successfully investigated in zebrafish revealing underlying mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic targets, including methylmalonic acidemia, Gaucher's disease, maple urine disorder, hyperammonemia, TRAPPC11-CDGs, and others. This review summarizes the recent impact zebrafish have made in the field of inborn errors of metabolism.