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Bacteria evoke alarm behaviour in zebrafish
Joanne Shu Ming Chia1, Elena S Wall2, Caroline Lei Wee3
1Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
Nature Communications
|August 25, 2019
Summary
Fish release an alarm substance (Schreckstoff) when injured, causing fear in others. This study reveals Schreckstoff is a dual-component signal, involving both fish-derived compounds and bacteria, to trigger alarm behavior.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fish release an alarm substance (Schreckstoff) upon injury, inducing fear in conspecifics.
- Club cells in fish skin were hypothesized to produce Schreckstoff, but evidence suggests an immune function.
- Previous research indicated Schreckstoff can be isolated from mucus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and composition of the fish alarm substance, Schreckstoff.
- To determine the role of club cells and potential microbial involvement in Schreckstoff production.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which Schreckstoff alters the emotional state of fish shoals.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic observation of mucus and bacteria transport into fish skin club cells.
- Isolation and analysis of substances from fish mucus and bacterial cultures.
- Behavioral assays using zebrafish (Danio rerio) to assess alarm responses to isolated substances.
Main Results:
- Mucus and bacteria were observed entering club cells via cytoplasmic transfer and cellular invasion.
- Lysate from a zebrafish Staphylococcus isolate, combined with a fish-derived substance, was sufficient to elicit alarm behavior.
- The alarm substance appears to be a composite signal derived from both the host fish and bacteria.
Conclusions:
- The fish alarm substance (Schreckstoff) is not solely produced by club cells but involves a dual-component system.
- Bacterial presence within club cells suggests a microbial contribution to the alarm signal.
- Schreckstoff represents an inter-kingdom communication mechanism linked to host defense against bacterial threats.
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