Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
05:38
Author Spotlight: Establishing Germ-Free Zebrafish for Microbiota-Host Relationship Studies
Published on: April 12, 2024
2.1K
Alternative proteins support somatic and muscular development while remodeling the microbiome in zebrafish
Christina A Nykyforuk1, Laurel A Ford1, Emilie C Torwalt1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada. cnykyfor@ualberta.ca.
Food & Function
|October 1, 2025
Summary
Switching to plant-based proteins can support healthy growth, but high whey and milk protein diets negatively impact zebrafish development and muscle fiber size. Diet composition is crucial for health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Animal-based proteins are a dietary staple but pose environmental concerns.
- Growing global populations necessitate sustainable and alternative protein sources.
- Understanding the health impacts of shifting protein sources is vital for public health and environmental sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the health implications of replacing animal-based proteins with alternative sources during vertebrate development.
- To assess the effects of different protein sources (fishmeal, pea, milk, whey) on zebrafish growth, physiology, and microbiome composition.
- To identify specific protein sources that support healthy development and well-being.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish (model vertebrate) were fed diets supplemented with various protein sources.
- Growth parameters, including body length and muscle fiber size, were monitored.
- Gene expression related to insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism was analyzed.
- Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- Most alternative protein diets supported zebrafish growth, except for high whey and milk protein diets, which led to reduced body length and muscle fiber size.
- Upregulation of genes associated with insulin sensitivity (lepr) and fat storage (fasn) was observed in certain dietary groups.
- Significant shifts in gut microbiome composition occurred, with a transition from Fusobacteriota to Proteobacteria dominance.
- Specific bacterial genera, such as Cetobacterium (beneficial) and Aeromonas (detrimental), showed differential abundance and correlation with health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Environmentally friendly alternative protein diets can promote healthy outcomes in developing vertebrates.
- The specific source of protein is critical, with milk and whey proteins showing adverse effects on growth and muscle development in zebrafish.
- Dietary protein profoundly influences the gut microbiome, impacting host health.
- Further research into optimizing alternative protein formulations is warranted for sustainable and healthy diets.
