PUBLICATION
Development of an Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory to Assess Pigmentation and Cell Size in a Zebrafish Model of Uveal Melanoma
- Authors
- Henle, A.M.
- ID
- ZDB-PUB-240416-16
- Date
- 2024
- Source
- Zebrafish 21: 137143137-143 (Journal)
- Registered Authors
- Henle, Andrea
- Keywords
- caudal fin, cell biology, cell size, melanoma, pigmentation, undergraduate education, uveal melanoma, zebrafish
- MeSH Terms
-
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Cell Size
- Humans
- Melanoma*
- Pigmentation*
- Students
- Uveal Neoplasms*
- Zebrafish*/genetics
- PubMed
- 38621208 Full text @ Zebrafish
Citation
Henle, A.M. (2024) Development of an Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory to Assess Pigmentation and Cell Size in a Zebrafish Model of Uveal Melanoma. Zebrafish. 21:137143137-143.
Abstract
This study outlines a 2-week laboratory module for an authentic cell biology undergraduate research experience that uses zebrafish (Danio rerio), a popular model organism for research. Previous research has indicated that course-based undergraduate research experiences such as this one increase student confidence, active learning, and retention. During this research experience, students investigate variations in pigmentation in the caudal fins of wild type (WT) and transgenic fish [Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L)]. The transgenic fish express a hyperactive Gα protein, GNAQQ209L, under the melanocyte-specific mitfa promoter, offering insights into uveal melanoma, a common eye cancer. Students specifically analyze the black pigmented cells, melanophores, within the caudal fin. We determined that the transgenic zebrafish have increased pigmentation in their caudal fins, but smaller melanophores. These results suggest there are more melanophores in the Tg(mitfa:GNAQQ209L) fish compared to the WT. Future undergraduate research could investigate these cellular differences. This research experience imparts microscopy and image analysis skills and instills the ability to grapple with large datasets, statistical tests, and data interpretation in alignment with biology education principles. Post-laboratory surveys reveal students attain confidence in the above skills and in handling animals, along with a deeper appreciation for model organism research and its relevance to cancer cell biology.
Genes / Markers
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping