TUBA4A downregulation as observed in ALS motor cortex causes ALS-related abnormalities in zebrafish.

Disease-associated variants of (alpha-tubulin 4A) have recently been identified in familial ALS. Interestingly, a downregulation of TUBA4A protein expression was observed in familial as well as sporadic ALS brain tissue. To investigate whether a decreased TUBA4A expression could be a driving factor in ALS pathogenesis, we assessed whether knockdown in zebrafish could recapitulate an ALS-like phenotype.

The Role of Histo-Blood Group Antigens and Microbiota in Human Norovirus Replication in Zebrafish Larvae.

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the major agent for viral gastroenteritis, causing >700 million infections yearly. Fucose-containing carbohydrates named histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are known (co)receptors for HuNoV. Moreover, bacteria of the gut microbiota expressing HBGA-like structures have shown an enhancing effect on HuNoV replication in an model.