The role of ambra1 in Pb-induced developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish

Lead is a highly toxic metal that displays developmental neurotoxicity. Ambra1 plays a crucial role in embryonic neural development. At present, the role of Ambra1 in lead-induced developmental neurotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Ambra1 concerning its role in lead-induced neurotoxicity. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to 0.1, 1, or 10 μM Pb until 5 days post-fertilization, and their locomotor activity was significantly impaired by the 10 μM treatment. Meanwhile, Pb reduced the expression of ambra1a and ambra1b in the brain at 48 and 72 h post-fertilization. Overexpression of ambra1a or ambra1b reversed Pb-induced alterations in locomotor activity, and decreased the apoptotic cell numbers in the brains of Pb-treated zebrafish. Our data reveal a novel protective role of Ambra1 against Pb-induced neural damage in the developing zebrafish.