Fluorescent Probes in Zebrafish Imaging: Shedding Light on Cellular Processes

Historical Background

The journey of fluorescence labeling in zebrafish analysis began in 1997 with the creation of the first transgenic zebrafish line that expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) in a cell-specific manner. Since then, there has been an exponential growth in the number of transgenic zebrafish lines, paving the way for their diverse applications in myriad biomedical research fields.

Techniques and Applications

Zebrafish research has harnessed a variety of fluorescence imaging techniques. Among these, confocal fluorescence microscopy, multiphoton excitation microscopy, and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy stand out. The utilization of fluorescent lipid analogs and probes has been instrumental in visualizing the intricate morphogenetic activities during the early stages of zebrafish development. Furthermore, multispectral cell labeling techniques, such as Zebrabow (an adaptation of Brainbow for zebrafish), have been employed for tracking individual cells within the zebrafish brain.

In-depth Analysis of Developmental Pathways

Fluorescence labeling has been a cornerstone in elucidating signal transduction pathways during zebrafish development. Synthetic fluorophores have been employed to label subcellular structures, including the nucleus, cell membranes, and endosomal membranes in zebrafish models. Moreover, fluorescence imaging has played a pivotal role in cancer research within zebrafish, enabling researchers to monitor tumor formation with high throughput.

Advancements in Lipid Imaging

Fluorescent lipid analogs and probes have notably advanced lipid studies in zebrafish. These probes enable intricate visualization of lipid dynamics, underpinned by innovative nonlinear optical techniques. A key milestone was achieving the first living organism’s lipid order image in 2010, a testament to the method’s precision and potential[1].

Cell Membrane Imaging with Dendrimer-Based Probes

Using fluorescent dendrimer-based probes for cell membrane imaging in zebrafish has expanded the application scope of fluorescent probes. Notably, these probes facilitate epidermal labeling-based toxicity evaluation, broadening the horizon of membrane studies and toxicological assessments[2].

Breakthrough with Fluorescent Polydopamine Nanoparticles (FPNPs)

FPNPs mark a significant breakthrough in zebrafish bioimaging. These particles are uniquely suited for labeling neuromast hair cells in the zebrafish’s lateral line, which is essential for studying cell viability and functionality. This innovation holds particular promise for auditory research, given the anatomical parallels between zebrafish and human hair cells[3].

Transgenic Fluorescent Zebrafish Lines Revolutionizing Research

Transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines, expressing fluorescent proteins in specific molecules, cells, or tissues, have revolutionized the study of biological systems. These lines have enabled unprecedented insights into signal transduction, craniofacial skeletal system development, and other vital biological processes. This technology exemplifies the power of fluorescent probes in live, in vivo tracking of dynamic biological events[4,5].

IDEA Bio: Pioneering High-Content Imaging and Analysis

At IDEA Bio, we are dedicated to harnessing the potential of fluorescent probes in zebrafish imaging. Our suite of products, including cutting-edge microscopes like WiScan® Hermes and specialized Athena Zebrafish Analysis software, is crafted to empower researchers in exploring complex biological phenomena. Our solutions span various fields, including cell biology, cancer research, and microbiology, reflecting our commitment to advancing high-content imaging and analysis.

Integrating fluorescent probes in zebrafish imaging marks a significant leap forward in biological research. These techniques deepen our understanding of cellular processes and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies. At IDEA Bio, we are committed to being at the forefront of this scientific revolution, offering innovative solutions to the research community. We invite researchers and institutions to explore our range of products and join us in this journey of discovery. For more information and to request a demo, please visit our zebrafish imaging page.

References and further reading:

1. Abu-Siniyeh A, Al-Zyoud W. Highlights on selected microscopy techniques to study zebrafish developmental biology. Lab Anim Res. 2020 Apr 22;36:12. doi: 10.1186/s42826-020-00044-2
2. Ke-Fei, et al. Fluorescent dendrimer-based probes for cell membrane imaging: Zebrafish epidermal labeling-based toxicity evaluation. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, vol. 213. 2022. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2022.114403
3. Gu, G.E., Park, C.S., Cho, HJ. et al. Fluorescent polydopamine nanoparticles as a probe for zebrafish sensory hair cells targeted in vivo imaging. Sci Rep 8, 4393 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22828-2
4. Choe, C.P., Choi, SY., Kee, Y. et al. Transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines that have revolutionized biomedical research. Lab Anim Res 37, 26 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-021-00103-2
5. Choe, C.P., Choi, SY., Kee, Y. et al. Transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines that have revolutionized biomedical research. Lab Anim Res 37, 26 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-021-00103-2