Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
12:02
Using Tg(Vtg1:mcherry) Zebrafish Embryos to Test the Estrogenic Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
Published on: August 8, 2020
Sensitive and robust gene expression changes in fish exposed to estrogen--a microarray approach.
Lina Gunnarsson1, Erik Kristiansson, Lars Förlin
1Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. lina.gunnarsson@fysiologi.gu.se <lina.gunnarsson@fysiologi.gu.se>
BMC Genomics
|June 9, 2007
Summary
New biomarkers, including zona pellucida genes and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (nm23), show promise for detecting low-level estrogenic compound exposure in fish, even when vitellogenin levels are not elevated.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Molecular biology
- Fish ecotoxicology
Background:
- Vitellogenin is a standard biomarker for estrogenic exposure in fish.
- Subtle gonadal effects can occur at estrogen concentrations below vitellogenin induction thresholds.
- More sensitive biomarkers are needed to detect low-level estrogenic exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sensitive and robust candidate biomarkers for estrogenic exposure in fish.
- To evaluate gene induction as a potential biomarker.
- To find biomarkers effective at concentrations not inducing vitellogenin.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using salmonid cDNA microarrays in rainbow trout exposed to ethinylestradiol.
- Meta-analysis of microarray data from multiple fish species and platforms.
- Validation of candidate biomarkers using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR).
Main Results:
- Hepatic mRNA expression profiles revealed responses to estrogenic exposure.
- Two genes, zona pellucida protein 3 and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (nm23), were identified as sensitive and robust biomarkers.
- Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the induction of these two genes.
Conclusions:
- Cross-species, cross-platform meta-analysis validated robust estrogenic responses.
- Zona pellucida genes and nm23 are proposed as sensitive biomarkers for detecting low-level estrogenic compounds in fish.
- These biomarkers enhance the ability to monitor environmental estrogenic pollution.
