Laboratory Course Using Zebrafish to Uncover Changing Roles of Wnt Signaling in Early Vertebrate Development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Zebrafish Embryogenesis

Background:

• Early vertebrate body plan formation relies on coordinated signaling pathways.
• Aberrant signal molecule expression affects embryo morphology and organogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a laboratory course for studying Wnt signaling in early embryonic axis specification using zebrafish.
• To provide students with hands-on experience in molecular and developmental biology techniques.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryo manipulation and observation.
• Fluorescence microscopy, image processing, and data analysis.
• Student-designed experiments to investigate Wnt signaling.

Main Results:

• Students gained practical skills in embryo manipulation and microscopy.
• Observation of morphological changes reinforced embryogenesis principles.
• Student-designed experiments fostered independent inquiry and research skills.

Conclusions:

• The course effectively teaches Wnt signaling's role in vertebrate development.
• It enhances students' scientific and research capabilities through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
• This approach provides a graduate-level research experience in developmental biology.