Generating transparent zebrafish: a refined method to improve detection of gene expression during embryonic development.

摘要: In zebrafish (Danio rerio) pigmentation is initiated during embryogenesis and begins in the retinal epithelium melanophores. The pigment cells develop rapidly, within hours they constitute a prominent feature of embryo. order to improve signal detection by whole mount situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, or expression GFP, embryos may be treated with 1-phenyl 2-thiourea (PTU) embryogenesis. PTU inhibits melanogenesis blocking all tyrosinase-dependent steps melanin pathway but can toxic at high concentrations. remain transparent as long treatment continued. However, must before initial because it does not remove already formed pigment. Here we provide protocol for generating while avoiding teratogenic effects treatment.