PUBLICATION

angptl4 gene expression as a marker of adaptive homeostatic response to social isolation across the lifespan in zebrafish

Authors
Alnassar, N., Hillman, C., Fontana, B.D., Robson, S.C., Norton, W.H.J., Parker, M.O.
ID
ZDB-PUB-230911-50
Date
2023
Source
Neurobiology of aging   131: 209221209-221 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Norton, Will, Parker, Matt
Keywords
Aging, Anxiety, Social isolation, Zebrafish, angptl4
MeSH Terms
  • Aged
  • Aging/genetics
  • Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4*/genetics
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Longevity*/genetics
  • Social Isolation
  • Zebrafish*
  • Zebrafish Proteins*/genetics
PubMed
37690345 Full text @ Neurobiol. Aging
Abstract
Social isolation has detrimental health effects, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of 2 weeks of isolation on behavior and gene expression in the central nervous system at different life stages of zebrafish. Results showed that socially deprived young adult zebrafish experienced increased anxiety, accompanied by changes in gene expression. Most gene expression patterns returned to normal within 24 hours of reintroduction to a social environment, except angptl4, which was upregulated after reintroduction, suggesting an adaptive mechanism. Similarly, aging zebrafish displayed heightened anxiety and increased central nervous system expression of angptl4 during isolation, but effects were reversed upon reintroduction to a social group. The findings imply that angptl4 plays a homeostatic role in response to social isolation, which varies across the lifespan. The study emphasizes the importance of social interactions for psychological well-being and highlights the negative consequences of isolation, especially in older individuals. Further research may unravel how social isolation affects angptl4 expression and its developmental and aging effects.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping