Genetic context of transgene insertion can influence neurodevelopment in zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: The Gal4/UAS system is used across model organisms to overexpress target genes in precise cell types and relies on generating transgenic Gal4 driver lines. In zebrafish, the Tg(elavl3:KalTA4) (HuC) Gal4 line drives robust expression in neurons. We observed an increased prevalence of swim bladder defects in Tg(elavl3:KalTA4) zebrafish larvae compared to wildtype siblings, which prompted us to investigate whether transgenic larvae display additional neurobehavioral phenotypes. Tg(elavl3:KalTA4) larvae showed alterations in brain activity, brain morphology, and behavior, including increased hindbrain size and reduced activity of the cerebellum. Bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed dysregulation of the transcriptome and suggested an increased ratio of neuronal progenitor cells compared to differenti

SUBMITTER: Moyer AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606425 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature