Methods: A bioinformatic protocol for rapid analysis of zebrafish embryo photo-motory responses (PMR) in neurotoxicity testing

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109833
• Publication Date: 2024-01-11T09:37:08Z
• Authors: Jason Henry; Yutao Bai; Florian Kreuder; David Mawdsley; Jan Kaslin; Donald Wlodkowic
• Keywords: Danio; Model Organism

Chemobehavioural phenotyping presents unique opportunities for analyzing neurotoxicants and discovering behavior-modifying neuroceuticals in small aquatic model organisms such as zebrafish (Danio rerio). A recently popularized approach this field involves the utilization of embryos a photo-motor response (PMR) bioassay. The PMR bioassay entails stimulating between 24 36 h post fertilization (hpf) with high-intensity light stimulus, inducing transient increase frequency photo-induced embryo body flexions. These flexions can be computationally analyzed to derive behavioral signatures, enabling categorization neuromodulating chemicals. Despite significant advantages bioassay, its widespread implementation is hindered by lack well described straightforward high-throughput bioinformatic analysis data. In methods article, we present an easily implementable bioinformatics protocol specifically designed rapid large cohorts specimens bioassays. We also address common pitfalls encountered during analysis, discuss limitations, propose future directions developing next-generation biometric techniques chemobehavioural assays utilizing embryos.