Investigating the RAS can be a fishy business: interdisciplinary opportunities using Zebrafish.

Area of Science:

• Comparative physiology
• Renal biology
• Vertebrate developmental biology

Background:

• The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial in vertebrates, with ongoing discoveries expanding its known functions.
• The zebrafish is a valuable model organism for kidney research due to its genetic accessibility and suitability for in vivo imaging.
• The zebrafish pronephros, a simple yet functional kidney, allows for detailed study of filtration processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current physiological and genetic tools for studying the zebrafish kidney's renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
• To highlight the utility of zebrafish as a model for understanding RAS functionality and regulation.
• To showcase advanced imaging techniques for RAS research in zebrafish.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing zebrafish as a model organism for kidney and RAS research.
• Employing advanced imaging techniques, including SPIM microscopy.
• Implementing targeted single-cell ablation and synthesis of vasoactive RAS peptides.

Main Results:

• Zebrafish pronephros and mesonephros possess renin-expressing cells responsive to RAS inhibition.
• Existing tools enable detailed investigation of RAS functionality in the zebrafish kidney.
• Novel imaging and genetic techniques facilitate in-depth analysis of RAS components and their effects.

Conclusions:

• Zebrafish provide a robust platform for dissecting the complexities of the renin-angiotensin system in a vertebrate kidney.
• The combination of genetic tractability and advanced imaging significantly enhances the study of RAS physiology.
• This review underscores the potential of zebrafish models for future discoveries in renal RAS research.