Microstructural and metabolic alterations in the zebrafish brain induced by toll-like receptor 2 deficiency: insights from ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Singer, R. (2025)

Doctoral Thesis

Advanced UHF MRI techniques provide powerful tools for studying the zebrafish brain, an emerging model in neurological research. In this work, various MRI and localized MRS methods are optimized and employed for UHF strength for studying the zebrafish brain. Specifically, these techniques are utilized to study the effect of TLR2-deficiency. Toll-like receptors, especially TLR2, are vital for recognizing pathogens and initiating immune responses. There is strong evidence that TLR2 is involved in the pathology of several neurological disorders. While essential for fighting infections, its dysregulation can lead to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The full extent of TLR2’s role in normal brain function remains poorly understood, requiring further research. The current work shows advanced imaging techniques allow to monitor microstructural and metabolic changes in the brain of a TLR2 deficient zebrafish model. This approach provides unprecedented detail and accuracy in studying the effects of TLR2 deficiency on zebrafish brain structure and function.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Zebrafish Brain
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Toll-like receptor 2
• Diffusion-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• White matter tractography

• All authors: Singer, R.
• Supervisor: Groot, H.J.M. de
• Co-supervisor: Alia, A.
• Committee: Ubbink, M.; Spaink, H.P.; Prompers, J.J.; Baldus, M.; Pandit, A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2025-03-25