HuC:Kaede, a useful tool to label neural morphologies in networks in vivo

Genesis. 2006 Mar;44(3):136-42. doi: 10.1002/gene.20196.

Abstract

A simple and efficient procedure for labeling neurons is a prerequisite for investigating the development of neural networks in zebrafish. To label neurons we used Kaede, a fluorescent protein with a photoconversion property allowing conversion from green to red fluorescence following irradiation with UV or violet light. We established a zebrafish stable transgenic line, Tg(HuC:Kaede), expressing Kaede in neurons under the control of the HuC promoter. This transgenic line was used to label a small number of neurons in the trigeminal ganglion. Also, using embryos injected with the transgene, we labeled peripheral axon arbors of a Rohon-Beard neuron at 4 days postfertilization and observed the dendrite development of a tectal neuron for 3 days. These data indicate that Kaede is a useful tool to selectively label neural networks in zebrafish.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dendrites / physiology
  • ELAV Proteins / genetics*
  • ELAV-Like Protein 3
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Microinjections
  • Nerve Net / cytology
  • Nerve Net / embryology*
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Transgenes
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / cytology
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / embryology*
  • Zebrafish / embryology
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • ELAV Proteins
  • ELAV-Like Protein 3
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • elavl3 protein, zebrafish