Research
Research
Zebrafish Sensory Lateral Line
Our research program aims to dissect complex developmental and regenerative processes in vivo and at high resolution. We are studying these processes both at the cellular and molecular/genomics level.
We have identified the sensory lateral line of the zebrafish as a relatively simple system to shed light onto the molecular and cellular basis of complex vertebrate development and regeneration. The lateral line is an ideal organ to mechanistically dissect embryonic and post-embryonic processes because of 1) the accessibility of the sensory organs to direct observation and manipulation; 2) the relative simplicity of the lateral line system; 3) the similarity between lateral line hair cells and inner ear hair cells; 4) their ability to regenerate; and 5) the genetic tools available in zebrafish to molecularly dissect lateral line development (Lush et al. 2014 Dev Dyn; Kniss, Piotrowski 2016; Denans et al., 2019).
The lateral line is a sensory system for the detection of water movements to capture prey, avoid predators and schooling. The mechanosensory organs (neuromasts) are distributed in lines on the head and along the flanks of the animal. Neuromasts contain hair cells that are very similar to the hair cells in mammalian ears. Despite the unusual location of the hair cells in the skin, lateral line and ear hair cells develop by similar mechanisms and are derived from cephalic placodes. However, in contrast to the otic placode, the lateral line placode (also called primordium) undergoes a remarkable posterior migration towards the tail tip. This migration is a dynamic event that involves the primordium periodically depositing neuromasts until it reaches the tail tip, patterning the future lateral line.
Reptiles and Aquatics Facility (REAQ)
The Reptile & Aquatics Facility provides the Institute’s research staff with the highest quality laboratory animal care and support services for non-mammalian species. Specialized husbandry is provided for a wide variety of animal species.
Species currently housed include:
- Whiptail lizards (Aspidoscelis spp.)
- African House Snakes (Lamprophis fuliginosus)
- Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
- Starlet Sea Anemone (Nematostella vectensis)
- Planaria (Schmidtea, Dugesia, Phacocata, Procotyla, Stylochus)
A knowledgeable, specially trained staff of dedicated technicians caters to the needs of the researchers. The Facility is fully AAALAC accredited and all housing, husbandry practices and veterinary care for the animals are in compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, as well as all other institutional, state, and local regulations.
Staff offer a variety of technical services based on researcher needs including breeding, embryo harvest, tissue sampling, genotyping, histology preparation and identification services.
Technology
The Reptile & Aquatics Facility uses the following equipment in its work:
- Aquatic Habitats Zebra Fish Multi-rack System Housing with YSI 5200 and TGP Monitoring
- Animal Plastics Rack Housing
Research Images
