Modeling Virus-Induced Inflammation in Zebrafish: A Balance Between Infection Control and Excessive Inflammation.

The inflammatory response to viral infection in humans is a dynamic process with complex cell interactions that are governed by the immune system and influenced by both host and viral factors. Due to this complexity, the relative contributions of the virus and host factors are best studied using animal models. In this review, we describe how the zebrafish () has been used as a powerful model to study host-virus interactions and inflammation by combining robust forward and reverse genetic tools with imaging of transparent embryos and larvae.

Using Zebrafish Models of Human Influenza A Virus Infections to Screen Antiviral Drugs and Characterize Host Immune Cell Responses.

Each year, seasonal influenza outbreaks profoundly affect societies worldwide. In spite of global efforts, influenza remains an intractable healthcare burden. The principle strategy to curtail infections is yearly vaccination.

Triclosan is a mitochondrial uncoupler in live zebrafish.

Triclosan (TCS) is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in many consumer goods at millimolar concentrations. As a result of exposure, TCS has been detected widely in humans. We have recently discovered that TCS is a proton ionophore mitochondrial uncoupler in multiple types of living cells.

Monitoring polymer properties using shear horizontal surface acoustic waves.

Real-time, nondestructive methods for monitoring polymer film properties are increasingly important in the development and fabrication of modern polymer-containing products. Online testing of industrial polymer films during preparation and conditioning is required to minimize material and energy consumption, improve the product quality, increase the production rate, and reduce the number of product rejects. It is well-known that shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) propagation is sensitive to mass changes as well as to the mechanical properties of attached materials.

The gene history of zebrafish tlr4a and tlr4b is predictive of their divergent functions.

Mammalian immune responses to LPS exposure are typified by the robust induction of NF-kappaB and IFN-beta responses largely mediated by TLR4 signal transduction pathways. In contrast to mammals, Tlr4 signal transduction pathways in nontetrapods are not well understood. Comprehensive syntenic and phylogenetic analyses support our hypothesis that zebrafish tlr4a and tlr4b genes are paralogous rather than orthologous to human TLR4.

Evidence for evolving Toll-IL-1 receptor-containing adaptor molecule function in vertebrates.

In mammals, Toll-IL-1R-containing adaptor molecule 1 (TICAM1)-dependent TLR pathways induce NF-kappaB and IFN-beta responses. TICAM1 activates NF-kappaB through two different pathways involving its interactions with TNFR-associated factor 6 and receptor-interacting protein 1. It also activates IFN regulatory factor 3/7 through its interaction with TANK-binding kinase-1, leading to the robust up-regulation of IFN-beta.

Detection and identification of IHN and ISA viruses by isothermal DNA amplification in microcapillary tubes.

Unique base sequences derived from RNA of both infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) were detected and identified using a combination of surface-associated molecular padlock DNA probes (MPPs) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) in microcapillary tubes. DNA oligonucleotides with base sequences identical to RNA obtained from IHNV or ISAV were recognized by MPPs. Circularized MPPs were then captured on the inner surfaces of glass microcapillary tubes by immobilized DNA oligonucleotide primers.

Nucleic acid sensing by regenerable surface-associated isothermal rolling circle amplification.

A novel method for regenerating biosensors has been developed in which the highly specific detection of nucleic acid sequences is carried out using molecular padlock probe (MPP) technology and surface-associated rolling circle amplification (RCA). This technique has a low occurrence of false positive results when compared to polymerase chain reaction, and is an isothermal reaction, which is advantageous in systems requiring low power consumption such as remote field sensing applications. Gold-sputtered 96-well polystyrene microplates and a fluorescent label were used to explore the detection limits of the surface-associated RCA technique, specificity for different MPP, conditions for regeneration of the biomolecular sensing surface, and reproducibility of measurements on regenerated surfaces.

Development of a respiratory burst assay using zebrafish kidneys and embryos.

The innate immune response constitutes the first line of defense against invading pathogens and consists of a variety of immune defense mechanisms including the respiratory burst of phagocytes. Respiratory burst can be used as a reliable measure of the immune response of a host, and numerous assays have been developed to measure this response in a variety of mammal and fish species. Phagocytes, like granulocytes and macrophages, that are derived from different tissues, or grown in cell culture, have been employed in a range of assay formats employing a variety of detection methods.