PUBLICATION

Loss of cftr function leads to pancreatic destruction in larval zebrafish

Authors
Navis, A., Bagnat, M.
ID
ZDB-PUB-150117-5
Date
2015
Source
Developmental Biology   399(2): 237-48 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Bagnat, Michel
Keywords
Cftr, Cystic fibrosis, Pancreas
MeSH Terms
  • Acinar Cells/pathology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Body Weights and Measures
  • Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial
  • Cystic Fibrosis/genetics*
  • Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/metabolism*
  • DNA Primers/genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Larva/growth & development
  • Pancreas/growth & development
  • Pancreas/pathology*
  • Pancreatic Ducts/cytology
  • Zebrafish/genetics*
  • Zebrafish/growth & development*
PubMed
25592226 Full text @ Dev. Biol.
Abstract
The development and function of many internal organs requires precisely regulated fluid secretion. A key regulator of vertebrate fluid secretion is an anion channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Loss of CFTR function leads to defects in fluid transport and cystic fibrosis (CF), a complex disease characterized by a loss of fluid secretion and mucus buildup in many organs including the lungs, liver, and pancreas. Several animal models including mouse, ferret and pig have been generated to investigate the pathophysiology of CF. However, these models have limited accessibility to early processes in the development of CF and are not amenable for forward genetic or chemical screens. Here, we show that Cftr is expressed and localized to the apical membrane of the zebrafish pancreatic duct and that loss of cftr function leads to destruction of the exocrine pancreas and a cystic fibrosis phenotype that mirrors human disease. Our analyses reveal that the cftr mutant pancreas initially develops normally, then rapidly loses pancreatic tissue during larval life, reflecting pancreatic disease in CF. Altogether, we demonstrate that the cftr mutant zebrafish is a powerful new model for pancreatitis and pancreatic destruction in CF. This accessible model will allow more detailed investigation into the mechanisms that drive CF of the pancreas and facilitate development of new therapies to treat the disease.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping