Cell/tissue ablation models in animals

Cell/tissue ablation models in animals are one of the best tools we have nowadays in Regeneration studies. Zebrafish is a great Candidate for regeneration research. Their tissue clarity specially in embryonic/larval stages help tracking different developmental events and along with their capacity for easy genetic manipulation are part of what turns them into fantastic tools for developmental/regeneration studies.

What you see above is a zebrafish model used for exocrine pancreas development and regeneration study:

The mature exocrine cells which are characterized by their ability to produce and secrete enzymes such as elastase are marked with mScarlet fluorescent marker, in their genetic construct we inserted a caspase8 gene under elastase promoter which then by interacting with a Dimerizer compound will cause apoptosis in these specific cells (elastase secreting cells or mature exocrine cells) and you can easily observe it under the microscope to confirm the ablation. This model is also useful for Pancreatic cancer studies as it shows similar phenotypes.

pictures are showing 9-11 dpf (days post fertilization) before and after exocrine pancreas ablation. Mature acinar cells are marked in crimson red (image credit: Nargess Shahbazi)

by Nargess SHAHBAZI