Generation of Two-color Transgenic Zebrafish Using the Green and Red Fluorescent Protein Reporter Genes gfp and rfp

Two tissue-specific promoters were used to express both green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in transgenic zebrafish embryos. One promoter (CK), derived from a cytokeratin gene, is active specifically in skin epithelia in embryos, and the other promoter (MLC) from a muscle-specific gene encodes a myosin light chain 2 polypeptide. When the 2 promoters drove the 2 reporter genes to express in the same embryos, both genes were faithfully expressed in the respective tissues, skin or muscle. When the 2 fluorescent proteins were expressed in the same skin or muscle cells under the same promoter, GFP fluorescence appeared earlier than RFP fluorescence in both skin and muscle tissues, probably owing to a higher detection sensitivity of GFP. However, RFP appeared to be more stable as its fluorescence steadily increased during development. Finally, F₁ transgenic offspring were obtained expressing GFP in skin cells under the CK promoter and RFP in muscle cells under the MLC promoter. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring expression of multiple genes in different tissues in the same transgenic organism.     

Faithful expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in transgenic zebrafish embryos under control of zebrafish gene promoters

Although the zebrafish has become a popular model organism for vertebrate developmental and genetic analyses, its use in transgenic studies still suffers from the scarcity of homologous gene promoters. In the present study, three different zebrafish cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced completely, and their expression patterns were characterized by whole‐mount in situ hybridization as well as by Northern blot hybridization. The first clone encodes a type II cytokeratin (CK), which is specifically expressed in skin epithelia in early embryos and prominently expressed in the adult skin tissue. The second clone is muscle specific and encodes a muscle creatine kinase (MCK). The third clone, expressed ubiquitously in all tissues, is derived from an acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0 (arp) gene. In order to test the fidelity of zebrafish embryos in transgenic expression, the promoters of the three genes were isolated using a rapid linker‐mediated PCR approach and subsequently ligated to a modified green fluorescent protein (gfp) reporter gene. When the three hybrid GFP constructs were introduced into zebrafish embryos by microinjection, the three promoters were activated faithfully in developing zebrafish embryos. The 2.2‐kb ck promoter was sufficient to direct GFP expression in skin epithelia, although a weak expression in muscle was also observed in a few embryos. This pattern of transgenic expression is consistent with the expression pattern of the endogenous cytokeratin gene. The 1.5‐kb mck promoter/gfp was expressed exclusively in skeletal muscles and not elsewhere. By contrast, the 0.8‐kb ubiquitous promoter plus the first intron of the arp gene were capable of expressing GFP in a variety of tissues, including the skin, muscle, lens, neurons, notochord, and circulating blood cells. Our experiments, therefore, further demonstrated that zebrafish embryos can faithfully express exogenously introduced genes under the control of zebrafish promoters. Dev. Genet. 25:158–167, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Global analysis of hematopoietic and vascular endothelial gene expression by tissue specific microarray profiling in zebrafish

In this study, we utilize fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) of cells from transgenic zebrafish coupled with microarray analysis to globally analyze expression of cell type specific genes. We find that it is possible to isolate cell populations from Tg(fli1:egfp)(y1) zebrafish embryos that are enriched in vascular, hematopoietic and pharyngeal arch cell types. Microarray analysis of GFP+ versus GFP- cells isolated from Tg(fli1:egfp)(y1) embryos identifies genes expressed in hematopoietic, vascular and pharyngeal arch tissue, consistent with the expression of the fli1:egfp transgene in these cell types. Comparison of expression profiles from GFP+ cells isolated from embryos at two different time points reveals that genes expressed in different fli1+ cell types display distinct temporal expression profiles. We also demonstrate the utility of this approach for gene discovery by identifying numerous previously uncharacterized genes that we find are expressed in fli1:egfp-positive cells, including new markers of blood, endothelial and pharyngeal arch cell types. In parallel, we have developed a database to allow easy access to both our microarray and in situ results. Our results demonstrate that this is a robust approach for identification of cell type specific genes as well as for global analysis of cell type specific gene expression in zebrafish embryos.     

Transgene expression in zebrafish: A comparison of retroviral-vector and DNA-injection approaches.

To assess alternative methods for introducing expressing transgenes into the germ line of zebrafish, transgenic fish that express a nuclear-targeted, enhanced, green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene were produced using both pseudotyped retroviral vector infection and DNA microinjection of embryos. Germ-line transgenic founders were identified and the embryonic progeny of these founders were evaluated for the extent and pattern of eGFP expression. To compare the two modes of transgenesis, both vectors used the Xenopus translational elongation factor 1-alpha enhancer/promoter regulatory cassette. Several transgenic founder fish which transferred eGFP expression to their progeny were identified. The gene expression patterns are described and compared for the two modes of gene transfer. Transient expression of eGFP was detected 1 day after introducing the transgenes via either DNA microinjection or retroviral vector infection. In both cases of gene transfer, transgenic females produced eGFP-positive progeny even before the zygotic genome was turned on. Therefore, GFP was being provided by the oocyte before fertilization. A transgenic female revealed eGFP expression in her ovarian follicles. The qualitative patterns of gene expression in the transgenic progeny embryos after zygotic induction of gene expression were similar and independent of the mode of transgenesis. The appearance of newly synthesized GFP is detectable within 5-7 h after fertilization. The variability of the extent of eGFP expression from transgenic founder to transgenic founder was wider for the DNA-injection transgenics than for the retroviral vector-produced transgenics. The ability to provide expressing germ-line transgenic progeny via retroviral vector infection provides both an alternative mode of transgenesis for zebrafish work and a possible means of easily assessing the insertional mutagenesis frequency of retroviral vector infection of zebrafish embryos. However, because of the transfer of GFP from oocyte to embryo, the stability of GFP may create problems of analysis in embryos which develop as quickly as those of zebrafish.     

Modified bacterial artificial chromosomes for zebrafish transgenesis

Transgenesis using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) offers greater fidelity in directing desirable expression of foreign genes. Application of this technology in the optically transparent zebrafish with fluorescent protein reporters enables unparalleled visual analysis of regulation of gene expression in a living organism. Here we describe a streamlined procedure of direct selecting multiple BAC clones based on public sequence databases followed by rapid modification with GFP or RFP for transgenic analysis in zebrafish. Experimental procedures for BAC DNA preparation, microinjection of zebrafish embryos and screening of transgenic zebrafish carrying GFP/RFP modified BAC clones are detailed.     

In vivo studies of liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) gene expression in liver of transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Mammalian liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is a small cytosolic protein in various tissues including liver, small intestine and kidney and is thought to play a crucial role in intracellular fatty acid trafficking and metabolism. To better understand its tissue-specific regulation during zebrafish hepatogenesis, we isolated 5'-flanking sequences of the zebrafish L-FABP gene and used a green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic strategy to generate liver-specific transgenic zebrafish. The 2.8-kb 5'-flanking sequence of zebrafish L-FABP gene was sufficient to direct GFP expression in liver primordia, first observed in 2 dpf embryos and then continuously to the adult stage. This pattern of transgenic expression is consistent with the expression pattern of the endogenous gene. F2 inheritance rates of 42-51% in all the seven transgenic lines were consistent with the ratio of Mendelian segregation. Further, hhex and zXbp-1 morphants displayed a visible liver defect, which suggests that it is possible to establish an in vivo system for screening genes required for liver development.     

Characterization of Promoter Activities of Four Different Japanese Flounder Promoters in Transgenic Zebrafish

An important consideration in transgenic research is the choice of promoter for regulating the expression of a foreign gene. In this study several tissue-specific and inducible promoters derived from Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus were identified, and their promoter activity was examined in transgenic zebrafish. The 5′ flanking regions of the Japanese flounder complement component C3, gelatinase B, keratin, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes were linked to green fluorescence protein (GFP) as a reporter gene. The promoter regulatory constructs were introduced into fertilized zebrafish eggs. As a result we obtained several stable transgenic zebrafish that displayed green fluorescence in different tissues. Complement component C3 promoter regulated GFP expression in liver, and gelatinase B promoter regulated it in the pectoral fin and gills. Keratin promoter regulated GFP expression in skin and liver. TNF gene promoter regulated GFP expression in the pharynx and heart. TNF promoter had lipoplysaccharide-inducible activity, such that when transgenic embryos were immersed lipopolysaccharide, GFP expression increased in the epithelial tissues. These 4 promoters regulated the expression of GFP in different patterns in transgenic zebrafish.     

Expression of GFP in nuclear transplants generated by transplantation of embryonic cell nuclei from GFP-transgenic fish into nonenucleated eggs of medaka, Oryzias latipes

In order to investigate whether foreign genes can be used as genetic markers of donor nuclei in fish nuclear transplantation, expression of the GFP gene derived from donor nuclei was examined in nuclear transplants in medaka (Oryzias latipes). Embryonic nuclei were obtained from blastula embryos produced by crossing of transgenic fish of the wild-type strain heterozygous for the GFP gene with nontransgenic ones or by mutual crossing between transgenic fish. The GFP gene was driven by the promoter of the medaka elongation factor gene, EF-1alpha-A, which is known to induce GFP expression in many tissues except for the muscle in the transgenic fish. The nuclei were transplanted into nonenucleated unfertilized eggs of the orange-red strain. Adult nuclear transplants were successfully obtained at the rate of about 2% of the operated eggs. They were triploid and had no reproductive potential. The GFP gene was expressed in embryos, fry, and adults of nuclear transplants in a pattern similar to that in the transgenic fish. These results indicate that GFP is useful as a foreign genetic marker of donor nuclei in fish nuclear transplantation.     

A gene trap approach in Xenopus.

The frog transgenesis technique ultimately promises to make mutagenesis possible through random insertion of plasmid DNA into the genome. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether a gene trap approach combined with transgenesis would be appropriate for performing insertional mutagenesis in Xenopus embryos. Firstly, we confirmed that the transgenic technique results in stable integration into the genome and that transmission through the germline occurs in the expected Mendelian fashion. Secondly, we developed several gene trap vectors, using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker. Using these vectors, we trapped several genes in Xenopus laevis that are expressed in a spatially restricted manner, including expression in the epiphysis, the olfactory bulb and placodes, the eyes, ear, brain, muscles, tail and intestine. Finally, we cloned one of the trapped genes using 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends polymerase chain reaction (RACE PCR). These results suggest that the transgenic technique combined with a gene trap approach might provide a powerful method for generating mutations in endogenous genes in Xenopus.     

人BAFF转基因斑马鱼的构建及早期免疫基因表达检测

目的建立人BAFF转基因斑马鱼模型,探讨其在自身免疫性疾病发病中的作用。方法RT-PCR法由人淋巴瘤细胞克隆了人BAFF基因全长855bp蛋白编码区域,构建表达人BAFF重组质粒Tol2-hBAFF,体外细胞转染并通过免疫印迹法验证蛋白表达。重组载体经显微注射斑马鱼受精卵后,GFP荧光跟踪并筛选阳性鱼。qPCR法检测早期免疫相关基因表达情况。结果人BAFF-GFP融合蛋白可成功表达,利用Tol2-hBAFF重组质粒显微注射斑马鱼受精卵可获得表达人BAFF的转基因斑马鱼,且表达人BAFF斑马鱼1dpf胚胎中TCRAC明显高表达,而Ikaros则表达量显著降低,表明在斑马鱼胚胎中表达人BAFF蛋白会造成早期淋巴系统中基因的过早表达。结论建立的表达人BAFF的转基因斑马鱼,可为系统性红斑狼疮等与BAFF功能亢进密切相关的自身免疫性疾病的治疗,及相关机制研究提供一种具有诸多优点的新型工具。     

Fluorescence visualization of ultraviolet-sensitive cone photoreceptor development in living zebrafish

Cone photoreceptor cells of fish retinae are arranged in a highly organized fashion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor development and retinal pattern formation are largely unknown. Here we established transgenic lines of zebrafish carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA with the 5.5-kb upstream region of the ultraviolet-sensitive cone opsin gene (SWS1). In the transgenic fish, GFP gene expression proceeded in the same spatiotemporal pattern as SWS1 in the retinae of embryos. In the adult retina, GFP expression was observed throughout the short single cone (SSC) layer where SWS1 is specifically expressed. Therefore, the transgenic fish provides an excellent genetic background to study retinal pattern formation, photoreceptor determination and differentiation, and factors regulating these processes and SSC-specific expression of SWS1.     

Xenotransplantation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Zebrafish Embryos

Zebrafish is a widely used animal model with well-characterized background in developmental biology. The fate of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) after their xenotransplantation into the developing embryos of zebrafish is unknown. Therefore, human ADSCs were firstly isolated, and then transduced with lentiviral vector system carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene, and followed by detection of their cell viability and the expression of cell surface antigens. These GFP-expressing human ADSCs were transplanted into the zebrafish embryos at 3.3–4.3 hour post-fertilization (hpf). Green fluorescent signal, the proliferation and differentiation of human ADSCs in recipient embryos were respectively examined using fluorescent microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. The results indicated that human ADSCs did not change their cell viability and the expression levels of cell surface antigens after GFP transduction. Microscopic examination demonstrated that green fluorescent signals of GFP expressed in the transplanted cells were observed in the embryos and larva fish at post-transplantation. The positive staining of Ki-67 revealed the survival and proliferation of human ADSCs in fish larvae after transplantation. The expression of CD105 was observable in the xenotransplanted ADSCs, but CD31 expression was undetectable. Therefore, our results indicate that human ADSCs xenotransplanted in the zebrafish embryos not only can survive and proliferate at across-species circumstance, but also seem to maintain their undifferentiation status in a short term. This xenograft model of zebrafish embryos may provide a promising and useful technical platform for the investigation of biology and physiology of stem cells in vivo.     

A zebrafish gene trap line expresses GFP recapturing expression pattern of foxjlb

Foxj1 has been found to play an important role in cilia formation and function in vertebrates.The zebrafish or Xenopus genome expresses two Foxj1 genes, foxjla/FoxJ1 and foxj1b/FoxJ1.2. In this study, we have generated a zebrafish transgenic line T2BGSZ10 by Tol2 transposon-based gene trapping approach. T2BGSZ10 transgenic fish carry an insertion of the transposon genome into the first intron of thefoxjl1b locus. This insertion results in GFP expression in the forebrain, otic vesicles, floorplate, pronephric ducts and other domains during embryogenesis, which recaptures the expression pattern offoxjlb. Although normal expression offoxjlb is dramatically reduced,T2BGSZ10 homozygous embryos develop normally and grow to adulthood without detectable defects, which may be due to the incomplete interruption of foxj1b expression. Nevertheless, this transgenic line may serve as a useful model for dynamic observation of GFP-labeled tissues and organs and for isolation of GFP-labeled cells.     

A zebrafish gene trap line expresses GFP recapturing expression pattern of foxjlb

Foxj1 has been found to play an important role in cilia formation and function in vertebrates.The zebrafish or Xenopus genome expresses two Foxj1 genes, foxjla/FoxJ1 and foxj1b/FoxJ1.2. In this study, we have generated a zebrafish transgenic line T2BGSZ10 by Tol2 transposon-based gene trapping approach. T2BGSZ10 transgenic fish carry an insertion of the transposon genome into the first intron of thefoxjl1b locus. This insertion results in GFP expression in the forebrain, otic vesicles, floorplate, pronephric ducts and other domains during embryogenesis, which recaptures the expression pattern offoxjlb. Although normal expression offoxjlb is dramatically reduced,T2BGSZ10 homozygous embryos develop normally and grow to adulthood without detectable defects, which may be due to the incomplete interruption of foxj1b expression. Nevertheless, this transgenic line may serve as a useful model for dynamic observation of GFP-labeled tissues and organs and for isolation of GFP-labeled cells.     

The Fugu tyrp1 promoter directs specific GFP expression in zebrafish: tools to study the RPE and the neural crest‐derived melanophores

In vertebrates, pigment cells account for a small percentage of the total cell population and they intermingle with other cell types. This makes it difficult to isolate them for analyzes of their functions in the context of development. To alleviate such difficulty, we generated two stable transgenic zebrafish lines (pt101 and pt102) that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in melanophores under the control of the 1 kb Fugu tyrp1 promoter. In pt101, GFP is expressed in both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and the neural crest‐derived melanophores (NCDM), whereas in pt102, GFP is predominately expressed in the NCDM. Our results indicate that the Fugu tyrp1 promoter can direct transgene expression in a cell‐type‐specific manner in zebrafish. In addition, our findings provide evidence supporting differential regulations of melanin‐synthesizing genes in RPE cells and the NCDM in zebrafish. Utilizing the varying GFP expression levels in these fish, we have isolated melanophores via flow cytometry and revealed the capability of sorting the NCDM from RPE cells as well. Thus, these transgenic lines are useful tools to study melanophores in zebrafish.