Characterization of a cell line derived from zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) embryos

During the last decade, zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) have emerged as a novel and attractive system to study embryogenesis and organogenesis in vertebrates. The main reason is that both extensive genetic studies and detailed embryologic analysis are possible using this small tropical fresh water teleost. However, in vitro analysis using cell culture or molecular genetics are still far less advanced than in other vertebrate systems. Here we report the generation and characterization of a fibroblast like cell line, ZF4, derived from 1-day-old zebrafish embryos. The hyperploid cell line has been stable in multiple passages for more than 2 yr now and is the first zebrafish cell line that can be maintained in conventional medium containing mammalian serum. Using a series of plasmids for expression of a marker gene, we evaluate in ZF4 cells the relative strength of expression from several different viral, fish, and mammalian promoters. Stable integration can be obtained by using G418 selection. We hope that our cell line will be a useful tool for the analysis of gene regulation in zebrafish.