Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
11:30
High-fat Feeding Paradigm for Larval Zebrafish: Feeding, Live Imaging, and Quantification of Food Intake
Published on: October 27, 2016
10.7K
Feed Restriction Modulates Growth, Gut Morphology and Gene Expression in Zebrafish
Kathiresan Purushothaman1, Jerryl Kim Han Tan2, Doreen Lau1
1Reproductive Genomics Group, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 6, 2021
Summary
Short-term feed restriction (FR) in zebrafish minimally impacted growth but altered gut morphology and affected sex-specific weight. FR influenced numerous metabolic, reproductive, and immune pathways, offering insights into vertebrate health.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Caloric and nutrient reduction promote health benefits in vertebrates.
- Feed Restriction (FR) is explored for metabolic, immune, and productivity improvements.
- Molecular and physiological consequences of FR require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of short-term FR on growth, gut morphology, and gene expression in *Danio rerio*.
- Understand the molecular and physiological effects of FR in a vertebrate model.
Main Methods:
- A month-long feed restriction (FR) protocol was applied to *Danio rerio*.
- Growth parameters, gut morphology, and gene expression were analyzed.
- Bioinformatic analyses included Gene Ontology (GO), KOG, and KEGG.
Main Results:
- FR had minimal effects on average growth rates but influenced sex-dependent weight and size heterogeneity.
- Significant reductions in gut circumference and mucosal height were observed.
- FR affected numerous metabolic, reproductive, and immune response pathways.
Conclusions:
- Short-term FR induces specific physiological and molecular changes in *Danio rerio*.
- Findings contribute to understanding the broad effects of FR on vertebrate health.
- FR impacts gut morphology and gene expression, with sex-dependent growth effects.
