Nicotine response genetics in the zebrafish

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0908247106
• Publication Date: 2009-10-27T01:47:49Z
• Authors: Andrew M. Petzold; Darius Balciunas; Sridhar Sivasubbu; Karl J. Clark; Victoria M. Bedell; Stephanie E. Westcot; Shelly R. Myers; Gary L. Moulder; Mark J. Thomas; Stephen C. Ekker
• Keywords: Danio; Forward genetics; Genetic screen; Insertional mutagenesis; Model Organism

Tobacco use is predicted to result in over 1 billion deaths worldwide by the end of 21 st century. How genetic variation contributes observed differential predisposition human population drug dependence unknown. The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) an emerging vertebrate model system for understanding genetics behavior. We developed a nicotine behavioral assay and applied it forward screen using gene-breaking transposon mutagenesis. used this method molecularly characterize bdav /cct8 hbog /gabbr1.2 as mutations with altered response. Each have single ortholog, identifying two points potential scientific, diagnostic, development biology cessation therapeutics. show insertional generates mutant alleles that are reversible through Cre-mediated recombination, representing conditional mutation zebrafish. combination reporter-tagged mutagen approach provides powerful platform rich array questions amenable genetic-based scientific inquiry, including basis behavior, epigenetics, plasticity, stress, memory, learning.