The aim of this thesis was to investigate the expression, and function of genes associated with remodelling and regeneration in the zebrafish model species. Here, we studied the role of cell... Show moreThe aim of this thesis was to investigate the expression, and function of genes associated with remodelling and regeneration in the zebrafish model species. Here, we studied the role of cell populations, defined by their expression of markers, in bone regeneration and remodelling in zebrafish embryos and adult zebrafish scales. We used mesoporous silica nanoparticles to carry cytokines, known to activate hematopoietic cells into osteoclasts, into tissues of the living embryo. We further investigated the role of genes such as matrix metalloproteinases in regeneration of adult zebrafish scales. These genes are known to be involved in matrix degradation and have been found to be expressed in mammalian osteoclasts. We studied both by in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry the presence of mononucleated and multinucleated mmp-9 positive cells on the episquamal side of adult zebrafish scales. Finally we studied the regeneration of the caudal fin of zebrafish embryos with a special emphasis on the effect of glucocorticoids on regeneration and wound healing. Glucocorticoids in this case mimic stress conditions in the embryos, thus helping understand the effect of early exposure to stress on wound healing and tissue Remodelling. Show less
Vertebrates, especially mammals, have long been used as research models in the study of human diseases. During this research we have demonstrated the usefulness of a relatively new animal model,... Show moreVertebrates, especially mammals, have long been used as research models in the study of human diseases. During this research we have demonstrated the usefulness of a relatively new animal model, the zebrafish, in understanding human disease formation, progression and even treatment. We first analysed the impact that exposure to constant chronic hypoxia has in the zebrafish heart, both at the morphological and genetic levels. On chapters three and four we demonstrated the worth of the zebrafish larvae in understanding metastasis formation and progression. Whereas in chapter three we focused on the use of the zebrafish as a model to rapidly test the metastatic behaviour of human pancreatic cancer cell lines and primary human tumours; on chapter four we researched the role of retinoic acid receptor antagonist, and mir10-a, as a potential new anti-cancer therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Show less
