PUBLICATION

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in the developing zebrafish

Authors
Hashimoto, M. and Heinrich, G.
ID
ZDB-PUB-980618-5
Date
1997
Source
International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience   15: 983-997 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Hashimoto, Miyuki, Heinrich, Gerhard
Keywords
development; neurotrophin; gene expression; hair cell
MeSH Terms
  • Aging/metabolism
  • Aging/physiology*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary/genetics
  • Gene Expression/physiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Messenger/genetics
  • RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Zebrafish/genetics*
  • Zebrafish/growth & development*
PubMed
9641529 Full text @ Int. J. Dev. Neurosci.
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of polypeptides that includes NGF, NT-3, NT-4/5 and NT-6. Although neurotrophins are known to be expressed in teleost fishes little is known about their functions in the development of these vertebrates. We are therefore studying BDNF in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The structure of zebrafish BDNF mRNA was established using PCR and cDNA cloning. The encoded BDNF was 91% identical to mammalian BDNF. Southern blot analysis revealed a unique BDNF gene. Northern blot analysis detected two heterogeneous populations of BDNF transcripts centered at 1.6 and 2 kb. BDNF transcripts were first measurable 24 h post-fertilization (pf). Their abundance relative to total transcripts increased 6-fold between 1 day and 3 days pf and again 2-fold by 7 days pf. In situ hybridization analyses of 4-day-old larvae revealed BDNF transcripts in the retina, brain, otic vesicle, pectoral fin and the hair cells of the neuromast. The early onset and cellular sites of expression suggest that BDNF functions in nervous system and fin development in the zebrafish.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Show all Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping