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Global Gene Expression Analysis Using a Zebrafish Oligonucleotide Microarray Platform
Published on: August 10, 2009
Hepatic gene expression profiling using Genechips in zebrafish exposed to 17alpha-ethynylestradiol
J L Hoffmann1, S P Torontali, R G Thomason
1Miami Valley Innovation Center, The Procter and Gamble Company, P.O. Box 538707, Cincinnati, OH 45253-8707, USA.
Aquatic Toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|July 29, 2006
Summary
Zebrafish exposed to 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) showed significant changes in gene expression and hormone levels. These findings identify potential biomarkers for detecting estrogenic contaminant exposure in aquatic organisms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic technologies offer advanced tools for environmental toxicology.
- These technologies aid in understanding contaminant modes of action and assessing risks to aquatic life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate compound-induced changes in gene transcript profiles in zebrafish (Danio rerio).
- To assess the effects of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) on gene expression and biological markers in zebrafish.
Main Methods:
- Adult female zebrafish were exposed to varying concentrations of EE2 (0, 15, 40, 100 ng/L).
- Hepatic gene expression was analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip Zebrafish Genome Microarrays at 24 and 168 hours.
- Body and ovary weights, plasma steroid hormones (17beta-estradiol, testosterone), and vitellogenin (VTG) were measured.
Main Results:
- EE2 exposure significantly altered gene expression, affecting 1622 genes (p<0.001) in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Gene ontology analysis indicated EE2 affected genes involved in hormone metabolism, steroid binding, and cell growth.
- Plasma VTG levels increased, while 17beta-estradiol and testosterone levels decreased; Gonadosomatic index (GSI) decreased.
Conclusions:
- Identified genes affected by EE2 exposure can serve as potential biomarkers for estrogenic substance exposure.
- Further research will validate these genes as indicators of exposure to estrogens with varying potencies in zebrafish.
