Phenothiourea Sensitizes Zebrafish Cranial Neural Crest and Extraocular Muscle Development to Changes in Retinoic Acid and IGF Signaling
2011

Effects of PTU on Zebrafish Development

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bohnsack Brenda L., Gallina Donika, Kahana Alon

Primary Institution: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America

Hypothesis

PTU alters zebrafish cranial neural crest and extraocular muscle development by affecting retinoic acid and IGF signaling.

Conclusion

PTU should be used with caution in zebrafish studies as it can significantly alter developmental outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • PTU at 0.003% alters retinoic acid and IGF signaling pathways in zebrafish.
  • Higher concentrations of PTU lead to severe malformations and death.
  • PTU affects thyroid hormone signaling, which is critical for normal development.

Takeaway

PTU is a chemical that can change how zebrafish develop, especially in their faces and muscles, so scientists need to be careful when using it.

Methodology

Zebrafish embryos were treated with PTU and various pharmacological agents at specific developmental stages, and their development was analyzed using imaging techniques.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on the effects of PTU at specific concentrations and developmental stages, which may not encompass all potential effects.

Participant Demographics

Zebrafish embryos of the roy strain were used in the experiments.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022991

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication