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Automated, high-throughput, in vivo analysis of visual function using the zebrafish
C Anthony Scott1, Autumn N Marsden2, Diane C Slusarski1
1Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Summary
Automated zebrafish vision assays using VIZN software enable rapid, high-throughput screening of genetic variants linked to blinding disorders, accelerating disease research.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Genomic studies identify rare variants linked to blinding eye diseases.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of these variants is challenging.
- Zebrafish are a valuable model for inherited eye diseases, exhibiting visual responses by 5 days post-fertilization (dpf).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-throughput method for assessing zebrafish visual behavior.
- To automate data analysis for vision assays.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Viewpoint Zebrabox to automate visual startle response assays in zebrafish larvae.
- Developed Visual Interrogation of Zebrafish Manipulations (VIZN) software for automated data analysis.
- Tested 96 zebrafish larvae simultaneously, with results analyzed in under 35 minutes.
Main Results:
- The automated system successfully increased assay throughput.
- Disrupting a photoreceptor differentiation gene led to a decreased visual response, validating the system.
- The VIZN software enabled rapid data analysis.
Conclusions:
- This automated, high-throughput method with VIZN facilitates rapid in vivo testing of zebrafish light/dark stimulus responses.
- Enables swift analysis of novel genes in visual function through screens like morpholino, CRISPR, or small-molecule drug screens.
