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Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Multi-Photon Time Lapse Imaging to Visualize Development in Real-time: Visualization of Migrating Neural Crest Cells in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: August 9, 2017
Conservation of Zebrafish MicroRNA-145 and Its Role during Neural Crest Cell Development
Tomás J Steeman1, Juan A Rubiolo2, Laura E Sánchez2
1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Argentina.
MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) influences zebrafish cranial neural crest development, impacting craniofacial formation and pigmentation. miR-145 regulates chondrocyte differentiation by controlling sox9b gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neural crest cells are crucial for vertebrate development, forming diverse tissues.
- MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) is implicated in cell cycle and differentiation, but its role in cranial neural crest development is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of miR-145 in zebrafish cranial neural crest development.
- To identify the molecular targets of miR-145 in this context.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were manipulated to alter miR-145 levels.
- Whole-mount in situ hybridization was used to examine gene expression.
- In silico and in vivo analyses identified miR-145 binding sites.
Main Results:
- Altering miR-145 levels caused abnormal craniofacial development and pigmentation.
- Expression of col2a1a and sox9 transcription factors was altered.
- miR-145 directly downregulates sox9b expression by binding to its 3'UTR.
Conclusions:
- miR-145 plays a role in zebrafish cranial neural crest development.
- miR-145 regulates chondrocyte differentiation through sox9b.
- This study identifies miR-145 as a key regulator in neural crest gene regulatory networks.
