Genetic analysis of fin formation in the zebrafish, Danio rerio

Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.J. van Eeden ◽  
M. Granato ◽  
U. Schach ◽  
M. Brand ◽  
M. Furutani-Seiki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Sonic Hedgehog ◽  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Normal Complement ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Embryonic Skin ◽  
Skin Formation ◽  
Fin Development

In the zebrafish, Danio rerio, a caudal and pectoral fin fold develop during embryogenesis. At larval stages the caudal fin fold is replaced by four different fins, the unpaired anal, dorsal and tail fins. In addition the paired pelvic fins are formed. We have identified a total of 118 mutations affecting larval fin formation. Mutations in 11 genes lead to abnormal morphology or degeneration of both caudal and pectoral fin folds. Most mutants survive to adulthood and form a surprisingly normal complement of adult fins. Mutations in nine genes result in an increased or reduced size of the pectoral fins. Interestingly, in mutants of one of these genes, dackel (dak), pectoral fin buds form initially, but later the fin epithelium fails to expand. Expression of sonic hedgehog mRNA in the posterior mesenchyme of the pectoral fin bud is initiated in dak embryos, but not maintained. Mutations in five other genes affect adult fin but not larval fin development. Two mutants, longfin (lof) and another longfin (alf) have generally longer fins. Stein und bein (sub) has reduced dorsal and pelvic fins, whereas finless (fls) and wanda (wan) mutants affect all adult fins. Finally, mutations in four genes causing defects in embryonic skin formation will be briefly reported.

scholarly journals Distinct tissue-specific requirements for the zebrafish tbx5 genes during heart, retina and pectoral fin development

Open Biology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 140014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aina Pi-Roig ◽  
Enrique Martin-Blanco ◽  
Carolina Minguillon
Keyword(s):  
Heart Development ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Developing Heart ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
Limb Malformations ◽  
Fin Development

The transcription factor Tbx5 is expressed in the developing heart, eyes and anterior appendages. Mutations in human TBX5 cause Holt–Oram syndrome, a condition characterized by heart and upper limb malformations. Tbx5 -knockout mouse embryos have severely impaired forelimb and heart morphogenesis from the earliest stages of their development. However, zebrafish embryos with compromised tbx5 function show a complete absence of pectoral fins, while heart development is disturbed at significantly later developmental stages and eye development remains to be thoroughly analysed. We identified a novel tbx5 gene in zebrafish— tbx5b— that is co-expressed with its paralogue, tbx5a , in the developing eye and heart and hypothesized that functional redundancy could be occurring in these organs in embryos with impaired tbx5a function. We have now investigated the consequences of tbx5a and/or tbx5b downregulation in zebrafish to reveal that tbx5 genes have essential roles in the establishment of cardiac laterality, dorsoventral retina axis organization and pectoral fin development. Our data show that distinct relationships between tbx5 paralogues are required in a tissue-specific manner to ensure the proper morphogenesis of the three organs in which they are expressed. Furthermore, we uncover a novel role for tbx5 genes in the establishment of correct heart asymmetry in zebrafish embryos.

scholarly journals Pectoral Fin Anomalies in tbx5a Knockdown Zebrafish Embryos Related to the Cascade Effect of N-Cadherin and Extracellular Matrix Formation

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenn-Kan Lu ◽  
Tzu-Chun Tsai ◽  
Hsinyu Lee ◽  
Kai Hsia ◽  
Chih-Hsun Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Morpholino Knockdown ◽  
Cascade Effect ◽  
Related Proteins ◽  
Functional Knockdown ◽  
Fin Development

Functional knockdown of zebrafish tbx5a causes hypoplasia or aplasia of pectoral fins. This study aimed to assess developmental pectoral fin anomalies in tbx5a morpholino knockdown zebrafish embryos. The expression of cartilage-related genes in the tbx5a morphant was analyzed by DNA microarray, immunostaining, and thin-section histology to examine the detailed distribution of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during different pectoral fin developmental stages. Chondrogenic condensation (CC) in the tbx5a morpholino knockdown group was barely recognizable at 37 h postfertilization (hpf); the process from CC to endoskeleton formation was disrupted at 48 hpf, and the endoskeleton was only loosely formed at 72 hpf. Microarrays identified 18 downregulated genes in tbx5a-deficient embryos, including 2 fin morphogenesis-related (cx43, bbs7), 4 fin development-related (hoxc8a, hhip, axin1, msxb), and 12 cartilage development-related (mmp14a, sec23b, tfap2a, slc35b2, dlx5a, dlx1a, tfap2b, fmr1, runx3, cdh2, lect1, acvr2a, mmp14b) genes, at 24 and 30 hpf. The increase in apoptosis-related proteins (BAD and BCL2) in the tbx5a morphant influenced the cellular component of pectoral fins and resulted in chondrocyte reduction throughout the different CC phases. Furthermore, tbx5a knockdown interfered with ECM formation in pectoral fins, affecting glycosaminoglycans, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and N-cadherin. Our results provide evidence that the pectoral fin phenotypic anomaly induced by tbx5a knockdown is related to disruption of the mesoderm and ECM, consequently interfering with mesoderm migration, CC, and subsequent endoskeleton formation.

scholarly journals Molecular mechanisms underlying the exceptional adaptations of batoid fins

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (52) ◽  
pp. 15940-15945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Nakamura ◽  
Jeff Klomp ◽  
Joyce Pieretti ◽  
Igor Schneider ◽  
Andrew R. Gehrke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
The Body ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Bony Fishes ◽  
Genetic Module ◽  
Fin Development ◽  
Pelvic Fin

Extreme novelties in the shape and size of paired fins are exemplified by extinct and extant cartilaginous and bony fishes. Pectoral fins of skates and rays, such as the little skate (Batoid, Leucoraja erinacea), show a strikingly unique morphology where the pectoral fin extends anteriorly to ultimately fuse with the head. This results in a morphology that essentially surrounds the body and is associated with the evolution of novel swimming mechanisms in the group. In an approach that extends from RNA sequencing to in situ hybridization to functional assays, we show that anterior and posterior portions of the pectoral fin have different genetic underpinnings: canonical genes of appendage development control posterior fin development via an apical ectodermal ridge (AER), whereas an alternative Homeobox (Hox)–Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)–Wingless type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) genetic module in the anterior region creates an AER-like structure that drives anterior fin expansion. Finally, we show that GLI family zinc finger 3 (Gli3), which is an anterior repressor of tetrapod digits, is expressed in the posterior half of the pectoral fin of skate, shark, and zebrafish but in the anterior side of the pelvic fin. Taken together, these data point to both highly derived and deeply ancestral patterns of gene expression in skate pectoral fins, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution of novel fin morphologies.

scholarly journals A shift in anterior–posterior positional information underlies the fin-to-limb evolution

eLife ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koh Onimaru ◽  
Shigehiro Kuraku ◽  
Wataru Takagi ◽  
Susumu Hyodo ◽  
James Sharpe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positional Information ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Limb Buds ◽  
Genetic Event ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Scyliorhinus Canicula ◽  
Mouse Limb ◽  
Fin Development ◽  
Anterior Posterior

The pectoral fins of ancestral fishes had multiple proximal elements connected to their pectoral girdles. During the fin-to-limb transition, anterior proximal elements were lost and only the most posterior one remained as the humerus. Thus, we hypothesised that an evolutionary alteration occurred in the anterior–posterior (AP) patterning system of limb buds. In this study, we examined the pectoral fin development of catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and revealed that the AP positional values in fin buds are shifted more posteriorly than mouse limb buds. Furthermore, examination of Gli3 function and regulation shows that catshark fins lack a specific AP patterning mechanism, which restricts its expression to an anterior domain in tetrapods. Finally, experimental perturbation of AP patterning in catshark fin buds results in an expansion of posterior values and loss of anterior skeletal elements. Together, these results suggest that a key genetic event of the fin-to-limb transformation was alteration of the AP patterning network.

Design and Dynamic Modeling of a Flexible Feathering Joint for Robotic Fish Pectoral Fins

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanaz Bazaz Behbahani ◽  
Xiaobo Tan
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Model ◽  
Robotic Fish ◽  
Power Stroke ◽  
Hydrodynamic Drag ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Flexible Joint ◽  
Blade Element Theory ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Flexible Part ◽  
Recovery Stroke

In this paper, we propose a novel design for a pectoral fin joint of a robotic fish. This joint uses a flexible part to enable the rowing pectoral fin to feather passively and thus reduce the hydrodynamic drag in the recovery stroke. On the other hand, a mechanical stopper allows the fin to maintain its motion prescribed by the servomotor in the power stroke. The design results in net thrust even when the fin is actuated symmetrically for the power and recovery strokes. A dynamic model for this joint and for a pectoral fin-actuated robotic fish involving such joints is presented. The pectoral fin is modeled as a rigid plate connected to the servo arm through a pair of torsional spring and damper that describes the flexible joint. The hydrodynamic force on the fin is evaluated with blade element theory, where all three components of the force are considered due to the feathering degree of freedom of the fin. Experimental results on robotic fish prototype are provided to support the effectiveness of the design and the presented dynamic model. We utilize three different joints (with different sizes and different flexible materials), produced with a multi-material 3D printer, and measure the feathering angles of the joints and the forward swimming velocities of the robotic fish. Good match between the model predictions and experimental data is achieved, and the advantage of the proposed flexible joint over a rigid joint, where the power and recovery strokes have to be actuated at different speeds to produce thrust, is demonstrated.

scholarly journals How (and why) fins turn into limbs: insights from anglerfish

2018 ◽  
Vol 109 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 87-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake V. DICKSON ◽  
Stephanie E. PIERCE
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Functional Significance ◽  
Vertebrate Evolution ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Anatomical Features ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Musculoskeletal Anatomy

ABSTRACTThe fin-to-limb transition is heralded as one of the most important events in vertebrate evolution. Over the last few decades our understanding of how limbs evolved has significantly increased; but, hypotheses for why limbs evolved are still rather open. Fishes that engage their fins to ‘walk' along substrate may provide some perspective. The charismatic frogfishes are often considered to have the most limb-like fins, yet we still know little about their underlying structure. Here we reconstruct the pectoral fin musculoskeletal anatomy of the scarlet frogfish to identify adaptations that support fin-assisted walking behaviours. The data are compared to three additional anglerfish species: the oval batfish, which represents an independent acquisition of fin-assisted walking; and two pelagic deep-sea swimmers, the triplewart seadevil and ghostly seadevil. Our results clearly show broad musculoskeletal differences between the pectoral fins of swimming and walking anglerfish species. The frogfish and batfish have longer and more robust fins; larger, differentiated muscles; and better developed joints, including a reverse ball-and-socket glenoid joint and mobile ‘wrist'. Further, the frogfish and batfish show finer-scale musculoskeletal differences that align with their specific locomotor ecologies. Within, we discuss the functional significance of these anatomical features in relation to walking, the recurring evolution of similar adaptations in other substrate locomoting fishes, as well as the selective pressures that may underlie the evolution of limbs.

Developmental toxicity of the triazole fungicide cyproconazole in embryo-larval stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 4913-4923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangjie Cao ◽  
Christopher L. Souders ◽  
Pengfei Li ◽  
Sen Pang ◽  
Lihong Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Danio Rerio ◽  
Developmental Toxicity ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Triazole Fungicide

Thrust Production in Highly Flexible Pectoral Fins: A Computational Dissection

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Ramakrishnan ◽  
Meliha Bozkurttas ◽  
Rajat Mittal ◽  
George V. Lauder
Keyword(s):  
Computational Analysis ◽  
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles ◽  
Underwater Vehicles ◽  
Bluegill Sunfish ◽  
Robust Performance ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Thrust Production ◽  
Computational Dissection

AbstractBluegill sunfish pectoral fins represent a remarkable success in evolutionary terms as a means of propulsion in challenging environments. Attempts to mimic their design in the context of autonomous underwater vehicles have overwhelmingly relied on the analysis of steady swimming. Experimental observations of maneuvers reveal that the kinematics of fin and wake dynamics exhibit characteristics that are distinctly different from steady swimming. We present a computational analysis that compares, qualitatively and quantitatively, the wake hydrodynamics and performance of the bluegill sunfish pectoral fin for two modes of swimming: steady swimming and a yaw turn maneuver. It is in this context that we comment on the role that flexibility plays in the success of the pectoral fin as a versatile propulsor. Specifically, we assess the performance of the fin by conducting a “virtual dissection” where only a portion of fin is retained. Approximately 90% of peak thrust for steady swimming is recovered using only the dorsal half. This figure drops to 70% for the yaw turn maneuver. Our findings suggest that designs based on fin analysis that account for various locomotion modes can lead to more robust performance than those based solely on steady swimming.

VIII.—On the Pectoral Fin of Cœlacanthus

1901 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar D. Wellburn
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Geological Survey ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Anterior Border ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Anterior Half ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Fin Rays ◽  
Distal Border

Among the fossil fishes of the Talbragar Beds (Jurassic?) described by Dr. A. Smith Woodward in a memoir of the Geological Survey of New South Wales (1895), there is the ventral portion of the abdominal region of a Cœlacanth fish, having one of the pectoral fins well shown. The fin is shown in counterpart, and is thus described:— “It exhibits, as usual, the characteristic obtuse lobation and the large fringe of articulated attenuated dermal rays, and is unique in displaying some of the eudoskeletal supporting bones. These elements seem to have been well ossified, though with persistent cartilage internally. At the base of the fin there occurs a broken fragment of bone1 incapable of determination; but in the lobe of the fin itself there is a series of four well-defined, hourglass-shaped supports. Of these bones the anterior three are much elongated, and nearly equally slender, while the fourth is much more robust and expanded at its distal end. The four elements radiate from the anterior half of the base of the fin; and it seems very probable that some smaller cartilage behind and near the distal border of the lobe have disappeared from lack of ossification. The fin-rays gradually increase in length from the anterior border to the middle of the lobe, whence they decrease again backwards, and finally become extremely delicate.”

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