ZFIN Lab: Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab (ZNL)

ZFIN ID: ZDB-LAB-090326-1

Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab (ZNL)

PI/Director:	Germanà, Antonino
Co-PI / Senior Researcher:	Guerrera, Maria Cristina Montalbano, Giuseppe
Contact Person:	Germanà, Antonino
Email:	agermana@unime.it
URL:
Address:	Department of Veterinary Sciences Section of Morphology University of Messina Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata Messina, 98168, Italy
Country:	Italy
Phone:	390903503532
Fax:	390903503935
Line Designation:	None assigned

GENOMIC FEATURES ORIGINATING FROM THIS LAB No data available

STATEMENT OF RESEARCH INTERESTS

we are studying the involvement of growth factors in the development, maintenance and regeneration of zebrafish central and peripheral nervous system with a special focus on sensory systems.

LAB MEMBERS

Mhalhel, Kamel Post-Doc	Aragona, Maria Luisa Graduate Student	Briglia, Marilena Graduate Student
Cometa, Marzio Graduate Student	Porcino, Caterina Graduate Student

ZEBRAFISH PUBLICATIONS OF LAB MEMBERS

Aragona, M., Porcino, C., Briglia, M., Mhalhel, K., Abbate, F., Levanti, M., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Lauriano, E.R., Germanà, A., Guerrera, M.C. (2023) Vimentin Localization in the Zebrafish Oral Cavity: A Potential Role in Taste Buds Regeneration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(21):

Mhalhel, K., Sicari, M., Pansera, L., Chen, J., Levanti, M., Diotel, N., Rastegar, S., Germanà, A., Montalbano, G. (2023) Zebrafish: A Model Deciphering the Impact of Flavonoids on Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells. 12(2):

Porcino, C., Briglia, M., Aragona, M., Mhalhel, K., Laurà, R., Levanti, M., Abbate, F., Montalbano, G., Germanà, G., Lauriano, E.R., Meduri, A., Vega, J.A., Germanà, A., Guerrera, M.C. (2023) Potential Neuroprotective Role of Calretinin-N18 and Calbindin-D28k in the Retina of Adult Zebrafish Exposed to Different Wavelength Lights. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(2):

Alesci, A., Albano, M., Savoca, S., Mokhtar, D.M., Fumia, A., Aragona, M., Lo Cascio, P., Hussein, M.M., Capillo, G., Pergolizzi, S., Spanò, N., Lauriano, E.R. (2022) Confocal Identification of Immune Molecules in Skin Club Cells of Zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1882) and Their Possible Role in Immunity. Biology. 11(11):

Mhalhel, K., Montalbano, G., Giurdanella, G., Abbate, F., Laurà, R., Guerrera, M.C., Germanà, A., Levanti, M. (2022) Histological and immunohistochemical study of gilthead seabream tongue from the early stage of development: TRPV4 potential roles. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 244:151985

Aragona, M., Porcino, C., Guerrera, M.C., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Levanti, M., Abbate, F., Cobo, T., Capitelli, G., Calapai, F., Vega, J.A., Germanà, A. (2022) Localization of BDNF and Calretinin in Olfactory Epithelium and Taste Buds of Zebrafish (Danio rerio). International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23(9):

Montalbano, G., Levanti, M., Mhalhel, K., Abbate, F., Laurà, R., Guerrera, M.C., Aragona, M., Germanà, A. (2021) Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in Zebrafish. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI. 11(8):

Montalbano, G., Olivotto, I., Germanà, A., Randazzo, B. (2021) Evaluation of the hair cell regeneration and claudin b and phoenix gene expression during exposure to low concentrations of cadmium and zinc in early developing zebrafish larvae. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP. 248:109116

Montalbano, G., Mhalhel, K., Briglia, M., Levanti, M., Abbate, F., Guerrera, M.C., D'Alessandro, E., Laurà, R., Germanà, A. (2021) Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity. Molecules. 26(10):

Abbate, F., Maugeri, A., Laurà, R., Levanti, M., Navarra, M., Cirmi, S., Germanà, A. (2021) Zebrafish as a Useful Model to Study Oxidative Stress-Linked Disorders: Focus on Flavonoids. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). 10(5):

Montalbano, G., Maugeri, A., Guerrera, M.C., Miceli, N., Navarra, M., Barreca, D., Cirmi, S., Germanà, A. (2021) A White Grape Juice Extract Reduces Fat Accumulation through the Modulation of Ghrelin and Leptin Expression in an In Vivo Model of Overfed Zebrafish. Molecules. 26(4):

Mhalhel, K., Germanà, A., Abbate, F., Guerrera, M.C., Levanti, M., Laurà, R., Montalbano, G. (2020) The Effect of Orally Supplemented Melatonin on Larval Performance and Skeletal Deformities in Farmed Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata). International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21(24):

Germanà, A., Guerrera, M.C., Laurà, R., Levanti, M., Aragona, M., Mhalhel, K., Germanà, G., Montalbano, G., Abbate, F. (2020) Expression and Localization of BDNF/TrkB System in the Zebrafish Inner Ear. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 21(16):

Lucon-Xiccato, T., Montalbano, G., Dadda, M., Bertolucci, C. (2020) Lateralization correlates with individual differences in inhibitory control in zebrafish. Biology letters. 16:20200296

Lauriano, E.R., Guerrera, M.C., Laurà, R., Capillo, G., Pergolizzi, S., Aragona, M., Abbate, F., Germanà, A. (2020) Effect of light on the calretinin and calbindin expression in skin club cells of adult zebrafish. Histochemistry and cell biology. 154(5):495-505

Cirmi, S., Randazzo, B., Russo, C., Musumeci, L., Maugeri, A., Montalbano, G., Guerrera, M.C., Lombardo, G.E., Levanti, M. (2020) Anti-inflammatory effect of a flavonoid-rich extract of orange juice in adult zebrafish subjected to Vibrio anguillarum-induced enteritis. Natural Product Research. 35(23):5350-5353

Montalbano, G., Levanti, M., Abbate, F., Laurà, R., Cavallaro, M., Guerrera, M.C., Germanà, A. (2020) Expression of ghrelin and leptin in the chemosensory system of adult zebrafish. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 229:151460

Montalbano, G., Mania, M., Guerrera, M.C., Laurà, R., Abbate, F., Levanti, M., Maugeri, A., Germanà, A., Navarra, M. (2019) Effects of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Citrus sinensis Juice on a Diet-Induced Obese Zebrafish. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 20(20):

Garcia-Suarez, O., Cabo, R., Abbate, F., Randazzo, B., Laurà, R., Piccione, G., Germanà, A., Levanti, M. (2018) Presence and distribution of leptin and its receptor in the gut of adult zebrafish in response to feeding and fasting. Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia. 47(5):456-465

Montalbano, G., Mania, M., Abbate, F., Navarra, M., Guerrera, M.C., Laura, R., Vega, J.A., Levanti, M., Germanà, A. (2018) Melatonin treatment suppresses appetite genes and improves adipose tissue plasticity in diet-induced obese zebrafish. Endocrine. 62(2):381-393

Montalbano, G., Capillo, G., Laurà, R., Abbate, F., Levanti, M., Guerrera, M.C., Ciriaco, E., Germanà, A. (2018) Neuromast hair cells retain the capacity of regeneration during heavy metal exposure. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 218:183-189

Guerrera, M.C., Abbate, F., Di Caro, G., Germanà, G.P., Levanti, M., Micale, V., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Germanà, A., Muglia, U. (2018) Localization of cholecystokinin in the zebrafish retina from larval to adult stage. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 218:175-181

Laurà, R., Abbate, F., Germanà, G.P., Montalbano, G., Germanà, A., Levanti, M. (2018) Fine structure of the canal neuromasts of the lateral line system in the adult zebrafish. Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia. 47(4):322-329

Puzzolo, D., Pisani, A., Malta, C., Santoro, G., Meduri, A., Abbate, F., Montalbano, G., Wylegala, E., Rana, R.A., Bucchieri, F., Ieni, A., Aragona, P., Micali, A. (2017) Structural, ultrastructural, and morphometric study of the zebrafish ocular surface: a model for human corneal diseases?. Current Eye Research. 43(2):175-185

Mania, M., Maruccio, L., Russo, F., Abbate, F., Castaldo, L., D'Angelo, L., de Girolamo, P., Guerrera, M.C., Lucini, C., Madrigrano, M., Levanti, M., Germanà, A. (2017) Expression and distribution of leptin and its receptors in the digestive tract of DIO (diet-induced obese) zebrafish. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 212:37-47

Levanti, M., Randazzo, B., Viña, E., Montalbano, G., Garcia-Suarez, O., Germanà, A., Vega, J.A., Abbate, F. (2016) Corrigendum to "Acid-sensing ion channels and transient-receptor potential ion channels in zebrafish taste buds" [Ann. Anat. 207C (2016) 32-37]. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 208:241

Abbate, F., Madrigrano, M., Scopitteri, T., Levanti, M., Cobo, J.L., Germanà, A., Vega, J.A., Laurà, R. (2016) Acid-sensing ion channel immunoreactivities in the cephalic neuromasts of adult zebrafish. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 207:27-31

Levanti, M., Randazzo, B., Viña, E., Montalbano, G., Garcia-Suarez, O., Germanà, A., Vega, J.A., Abbate, F. (2016) Acid-sensing ion channels and transient-receptor potential ion channels in zebrafish taste buds. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 207:32-7

Montalbano, G., Mania, M., Guerrera, M.C., Abbate, F., Laurà, R., Navarra, M., Vega, J.A., Ciriaco, E., Germanà, A. (2016) Morphological differences in adipose tissue and changes in BDNF/Trkb expression in brain and gut of a diet induced obese zebrafish model. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 204:36-44

Guerrera, M.C., De Pasquale, F., Muglia, U., Caruso, G. (2015) Digestive enzymatic activity during ontogenetic development in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution. 324(8):699-706

Viña, E., Parisi, V., Sánchez-Ramos, C., Cabo, R., Guerrera, M.C., Quirós, L.M., Germanà, A., Vega, J.A., García-Suárez, O. (2015) Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) 2 and 4.2 are expressed in the retina of the adult zebrafish. Cell and tissue research. 360(2):223-31

Viña, E., Parisi, V., Abbate, F., Cabo, R., Guerrera, M.C., Laurà, R., Quirós, L.M., Pérez-Varela, J.C., Cobo, T., Germanà, A., Vega, J.A., García-Suárez, O. (2015) Acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2) is selectively localized in the cilia of the non-sensory olfactory epithelium of adult zebrafish. Histochemistry and cell biology. 143(1):59-68

Montalbano, G., Abbate, F., Levanti, M.B., Germanà, G.P., Laurà, R., Ciriaco, E., Vega, J.A., Germanà, A. (2014) Topographical and drug specific sensitivity of hair cells of the zebrafish larvae to aminoglycoside-induced toxicity. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 196(4):236-40

Parisi, V., Guerrera, M.C., Abbate, F., Garcia-Suarez, O., Viña, E., Vega, J.A., Germanà, A. (2014) Immunohistochemical characterization of the crypt neurons in the olfactory epithelium of adult zebrafish. Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 196(4):178-82

De Felice, E., Porreca, I., Alleva, E., De Girolamo, P., Ambrosino, C., Ciriaco, E., Germanà, A., Sordino, P. (2014) Localization of BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish. Journal of anatomy. 224:564-74

Abbate, F., Guerrera, M.C., Montalbano, G., Levanti, M.B., Germanà, G.P., Navarra, M., Laurà, R., Vega, J.A., Ciriaco, E., and Germanà, A. (2014) Expression and anatomical distribution of TrkB in the encephalon of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neuroscience letters. 563:66-69

Cabo, R., Zichichi, R., Viña, E., Guerrera, M.C., Vázquez, G., García-Suárez, O., Vega, J.A., and Germanà, A. (2013) Calcium-activated potassium channel SK1 is widely expressed in the peripheral nervous system and sensory organs of adult zebrafish. Neuroscience letters. 555:62-67

Viña, E., Parisi, V., Cabo, R., Laurà, R., López-Velasco, S., López-Muñiz, A., García-Suárez, O., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2013) Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the taste buds of adult zebrafish. Neuroscience letters. 536:35-40

Sánchez-Ramos, C., Bonnin-Arias, C., Guerrera, M.C., Calavia, M.G., Chamorro, E., Montalbano, G., López-Velasco, S., López-Muñiz, A., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2013) Light regulates the expression of the BDNF/TrkB system in the adult Zebrafish retina. Microscopy research and technique. 76(1):42-49

Sánchez-Ramos, C., Guerrera, M.C., Bonnin-Arias, C., Calavia, M.G., Laurà, R., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2012) Expression of TRPV4 in the zebrafish retina during development. Microscopy research and technique. 75(6):743-748

Magnoli, D., Zichichi, R., Laurà, R., Guerrera, M.C., Campo, S., de Carlos, F., Suárez, A.A., Abbate, F., Ciriaco, E., Vega, J.A., and Germanà, A. (2012) Rhodopsin expression in the zebrafish pineal gland from larval to adult stage. Brain research. 1442:9-14

Laurà, R., Magnoli, D., Zichichi, R., Guerrera, M.C., De Carlos, F., Suárez, A.A., Abbate, F., Ciriaco, E., Vega, J.A., and Germanà, A. (2012) The photoreceptive cells of the pineal gland in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Microscopy research and technique. 75(3):359-366

Amato, V., Viña, E., Calavia, M.G., Guerrera, M.C., Laurà, R., Navarro, M., De Carlos, F., Cobo, J., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2012) TRPV4 in the sensory organs of adult zebrafish. Microscopy research and technique. 75(1):89-96

Levanti, M.B., Guerrera, M.C., Calavia, M.G., Ciriaco, E., Montalbano, G., Cobo, J., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2011) Acid-sensing ion channel 2 (ASIC2) in the intestine of adult zebrafish. Neuroscience letters. 494(1):24-8

Zichichi, R., Magnoli, D., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Vega, J.A., Ciriaco, E., and Germanà, A. (2011) Aquaporin 4 in the sensory organs of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Brain research. 1384:23-8

Germanà, A., Montalbano, G., Guerrera, M.C., Amato, V., Laurà, R., Magnoli, D., Campo, S., Suarez-Fernandez, E., Ciriaco, E., and Vega, J.A. (2011) Developmental changes in the expression of sox2 in the zebrafish brain. Microscopy research and technique. 74(4):347-54

Germanà, A., Sánchez-Ramos, C., Guerrera, M.C., Calavia, M.G., Navarro, M., Zichichi, R., García-Suárez, O., Pérez-Piñera, P., and Vega, J.A. (2010) Expression and cell localization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB during zebrafish retinal development. Journal of anatomy. 217(3):214-222

Germanà, A., Laurà, R., Montalbano, G., Guerrera, M.C., Amato, V., Zichichi, R., Campo, S., Ciriaco, E., and Vega, J.A. (2010) Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and TrkB in the Lateral Line System of Zebrafish During Development. Cellular and molecular neurobiology. 30(5):787-793

Germanà, A., Montalbano, G., Guerrera, M.C., Laura, R., Levanti, M., Abbate, F., de Carlos, F., Vega, J.A., and Ciriaco, E. (2009) Sox-2 in taste bud and lateral line system of zebrafish during development. Neuroscience letters. 467(1):36-39

Germanà, A., Marino, F., Guerrera, M.C., Campo, S., de Girolamo, P., Montalbano, G., Germanà, G.P., Ochoa-Erena, F.J., Ciriaco, E., and Vega, J.A. (2008) Expression and distribution of S100 protein in the nervous system of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Microscopy research and technique. 71(3):248-255

Levanti, M.B., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Ciriaco, E., Cobo, T., García-Suarez, O., Germanà, A., and Vega, J.A. (2008) Calretinin in the peripheral nervous system of the adult zebrafish. Journal of anatomy. 212(1):67-71

Germanà, A., Paruta, S., Germanà, G.P., Ochoa-Erena, F.J., Montalbano, G., Cobo, J., and Vega, J.A. (2007) Differential distribution of S100 protein and calretinin in mechanosensory and chemosensory cells of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Brain research. 1162(1):48-55

Abbate, F., Germanà, G.P., De Carlos, F., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Levanti, M.B., and Germanà, A. (2006) The Oral Cavity of the Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia. 35(5):299-304

Germanà, A., Montalbano, G., de Carlos, F., Levanti, M.B., Abbate, F., Vega, J.A., and Ciriaco, E. (2006) Epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in lateral line system and in taste buds of adult zebrafish (Brachidanio rerio). Neuroscience letters. 397(3):210-213

Germanà, A., Montalbano, G., Laurà, R., Ciriaco, E., Del Valle, M.E., and Vega, J.A. (2004) S100 protein-like immunoreactivity in the crypt olfactory neurons of the adult zebrafish. Neuroscience letters. 371(2-3):196-198

Germanà, A., Abbate, F., González-Martínez, T., Del Valle, M.E., De Carlos, F., Germaná, G. and Vega, J.A. (2004) S100 protein is a useful and specific marker for hair cells of the lateral line system in postembryonic zebrafish. Neuroscience letters. 365(3):186-189

Germanà, A., Gonzalez-Martinez, T., Catania, S., Laura, R., Cobo, J., Ciriaco, E., and Vega, J.A. (2004) Neurotrophin receptors in taste buds of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neuroscience letters. 354(3):189-192

Catania, S., Germanà, A., Laura, R., Gonzalez-Martinez, T., Ciriaco, E., and Vega, J.A. (2003) The crypt neurons in the olfactory epithelium of the adult zebrafish express TrkA-like immunoreactivity. Neuroscience letters. 350(1):5-8