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Silencing the Spark: CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Weakly Electric Fish
Published on: October 27, 2019
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Genetic manipulation of betta fish.
Alec Palmiotti1,2, Madison R Lichak1,2,3, Pei-Yin Shih1,2
1Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, NY, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|February 24, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed genetic tools for Siamese fighting fish (betta). They used CRISPR and Tol2 transgenesis to modify genes, enabling new functional studies in this popular aquarium fish.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Aquatic Animal Models
Background:
- Betta fish (Betta splendens) exhibit significant morphological diversity and aggression.
- Limited genomic manipulation tools have hindered functional studies in betta.
Approach:
- Optimized CRISPR/Cas9 for gene knockout (alkal2l, bco1l, mitfa) and knockin (mitfa locus).
- Implemented Tol2-mediated transgenesis for gene expression (GFP, heart-specific RFP).
Key Points:
- Successful knockout of alkal2l, bco1l, and mitfa, with analysis of viability and pigmentation.
- Demonstrated CRISPR/Cas9 knockin of a fluorescent protein into the mitfa locus.
- Established Tol2 transgenesis for ubiquitous and tissue-specific gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Developed and validated key genetic tools for Betta splendens.
- These tools facilitate future functional genomics and mechanistic studies in betta.
- Provides valuable resources for advancing betta fish as a model organism.
