Browsing by Author "Lavonen, Eekka"

The zebrafish genes gpr37a, gpr37b, gpr37L1a and gpr37L1b are orthologous to the human GPR37 and GPR37L1 genes. GPR37 and GPR37L1 are orphan G-protein coupled receptors that are abundantly expressed in the human central nervous system in both neurons and glial cells along with some limited peripheral expression. These receptors have been associated with the development and regulation of neurons and glial cells. Additionally, they have been connected to multiple different pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease where they are involved in the formation of neurodegenerative plaques. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a commonly used and popular experimental model. The zebrafish central nervous system and its development is comparable to that of mammals. The benefits of zebrafish are their fast development of translucent embryos, easy handling and cost-effectiveness. In this study, the expression of these receptors during early zebrafish development is mapped with in situ hybridization -staining. Whole 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-days post fertilization old fish along with 6-days post fertilization old fish with the brain unveiled are used in the experiment. The staining results are examined with a microscope and the results are portrayed in figures comparing the antisense stains and sense stains which function as control. The anatomical significance of the stains is indicated in the pictures. A literature review on GPR37 and GPR37 is also provided. The results are compared with prior research. Stains emerged widely in the central nervous system in the different developmental stages and mostly in the same anatomical structures. Distinct staining patterns emerged especially in the proliferation centers of the front-, mid- and hindbrain. Stains could be also observed in other organ systems. The results suggest that these receptors are expressed in neuronal and glial cells in the zebrafish central nervous system. They could be broadly involved in the development of central nervous system by regulating cell differentiation, division and maturation along with regulating the development of neural networks. The significance of these receptors in peripheral organ systems remains unclear. The results of this study resonate well with prior research and open a door to further research of these receptors with zebrafish. (347 words)