Knowledge Base

Future Directions

The integration of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for generating zebrafish models of epilepsy in F0, combined with the advanced behavioral analysis capabilities of the EthoVision XT system and a deep multiparametric analysis represents a powerful approach for phenotyping different genetic epilepsy genes, define a behavioral fingerprint, and for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions. Future research will benefit from the continuous refinement of behavioral assays and the development of more sophisticated zebrafish models, opening new avenues for the treatment and management of epilepsy.

About Noldus

Noldus Information Technology is a global leader in the development of software and hardware solutions for behavioral research. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Noldus provides researchers with the tools they need to advance our understanding of behavior and its underlying mechanisms. This extended white paper provides a detailed overview of the application and impact of multiparametric behavioral analysis in zebrafish models for epilepsy research, highlighting the capabilities of the Noldus EthoVision XT system in advancing the field.

Besides EthoVision XT, Noldus offers a wide variety of tools to enhance zebrafish research. DanioVision is the ideal system for observing zebrafish larvae. The Observation chamber provides a controlled testing environment that can facilitate a multi-well plate or other small containers that hold larvae. With its high-speed digital camera minute changes in movement can be tracked and analyzed using EthoVision XT.

If even more detail is needed for your research, DanioScope is a non-invasive software tool that can measure morphological parameters like heartbeat, eye size, body length, blood flow and gut activity. Furthermore, DanioScope is also able to automatically detect behaviors such as tail coiling and convulsions.

Lastly, besides tools, Noldus offers various services to their customers. Our expert trainers and consultants can help you transform data into meaningful insights and provide around-the-clock support. We also offer on-demand training courses and webinars to help you further develop your knowledge and skills on zebrafish behavioral studies.

References

1. Turrini, L.; Sorelli, M.; De Vito, G.; Credi, C.; Tiso, N.; Vanzi, F.; Pavone, F.S. Multimodal Characterization of Seizures in Zebrafish Larvae. Biomedicines 2022, 10, 951, doi:10.3390/biomedicines10050951.
2. Thijs, R.D.; Surges, R.; O'Brien, T.J.; Sander, J.W. Epilepsy in Adults. The Lancet 2019, 689–701, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32596-0.
3. Fisher, R.S.; Acharya, J.N.; Baumer, F.M.; French, J.A.; Parisi, P.; Solodar, J.H.; Szaflarski, J.P.; Thio, L.L.; Tolchin, B.; Wilkins, A.J.; et al. Visually Sensitive Seizures: An Updated Review by the Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsia, 739–768, doi:10.1111/epi.17175.
4. Miguel Sanz, C.; Martinez Navarro, M.; Caballero Diaz, D.; Sanchez-Elexpuru, G.; Di Donato, V. Toward the Use of Novel Alternative Methods in Epilepsy Modeling and Drug Discovery. Front. Neurol. 2023, 14, 1213969, doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1213969.
5. Locubiche, S.; Ordóñez, V.; Abad, E.; Scotto Di Mase, M.; Di Donato, V.; De Santis, F. A Zebrafish-Based Platform for High-Throughput Epilepsy Modeling and Drug Screening in F0. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 2991, doi:10.3390/ijms25052991.
6. Patton, E.E.; Zon, L.I.; Langenau, D.M. Zebrafish Disease Models in Drug Discovery: From Preclinical Modelling to Clinical Trials. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2021, 611–628, doi:10.1038/s41573-021-00210-8.
7. Cully, M. Zebrafish Earn Their Drug Discovery Stripes. Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2019, 811–813, doi:10.1038/d41573-019-00165-x.
8. Rubbini, D.; Cornet, C.; Terriente, J.; Di Donato, V. CRISPR Meets Zebrafish: Accelerating the Discovery of New Therapeutic Targets. SLAS Discov., 552–567, doi:10.1177/2472555220926920.
9. Baraban, S.C.; Dinday, M.T.; Hortopan, G.A. Drug Screening in Scn1a Zebrafish Mutant Identifies Clemizole as a Potential Dravet Syndrome Treatment. Nat. Commun. 2013, 2410, doi:10.1038/ncomms3410.
10. Kawahara, G.; Karpf, J.A.; Myers, J.A.; Alexander, M.S.; Guyon, J.R.; Kunkel, L.M. Drug Screening in a Zebrafish Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2011, 5331–5336, doi:10.1073/pnas.1102116108.
11. Burger, A.; Lindsay, H.; Felker, A.; Hess, C.; Anders, C.; Chiavacci, E.; Zaugg, J.; Weber, L.M.; Catena, R.; Jinek, M.; et al. Maximizing Mutagenesis with Solubilized CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes. Development, dev.134809, doi:10.1242/dev.134809.
12. Cornet, C.; Di Donato, V.; Terriente, J. Combining Zebrafish and CRISPR/Cas9: Toward a More Efficient Drug Discovery Pipeline. Front. Pharmacol., 703, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00703.
13. Devinsky, O.; Vezzani, A.; O'Brien, T.J.; Jette, N.; Scheffer, I.E.; De Curtis, M.; Perucca, P. Epilepsy. Nat. Rev. Dis. Primer 2018, 18024, doi:10.1038/nrdp.2018.24.
14. Fisher, R.S.; Cross, H.; D'Souza, C.; French, J.A.; Haut, S.; Higurashi, N.; Hirsch, E.; Jansen, F.E.; Peltola, J.; Moshé, S.L.; et al. 2017 International League Against Epilepsy Classifications of Seizures and Epilepsy Are Steps in the Right Direction. Epilepsia 2019, 1040–1044, doi:10.1111/epi.15052.
15. Charu C. Aggarwal. Outlier Analysis, 2nd ed.; Springer Cham, 2017; ISBN 978-3-319-47577-6.

Source: EthoVision XT 18 - THC - Trial and Hardware Control, Noldus Information Technology