A cost-effective method to assess light/dark preference and activity in zebrafish larvae
The light-dark test is a widely used behavioral assay for studying light/dark preferences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and rodents. Currently, options for conducting this experiment in larval zebrafish are limited and expensive, restricting its accessibility. Here, we present a simple, cost-effective strategy that can be implemented in any laboratory environment. This approach uses infrared video-tracking technology to monitor zebrafish larvae during alternating light and dark phases, allowing for continuous monitoring of larval behavior without the need for sophisticated or expensive equipment. We evaluated two different protocols (40-min habituation in dark followed by 20-min habituation in light; and 30-min habituation in the light) at two developmental stages, specifically 7-days post-fertilization (dpf) and 14 dpf. After the habituation period, larvae were exposed to multiple cycles of light and darkness, enabling the assessment of locomotor activity and light/dark preferences. Behavioral parameters such as distance traveled and movement activity during light versus dark phases were measured using freely available open-source software, and data were analyzed using custom-written Python codes. The results demonstrated erratic movements of the larvae during the first protocol, while typical larval behaviors in the light and dark were observed during the protocol using 30-min habituation, highlighting the importance of an appropriate habituation phase when conducting the LDT. This method can be used to investigate behavioral activity in larval zebrafish, retaining high experimental rigor while significantly reducing costs, making it accessible to a broader range of zebrafish research laboratories.
Lipofuscin accumulation in aging and neurodegeneration: a potential “timebomb” overlooked in Alzheimer’s disease
Lipofuscin, a marker of aging, is the accumulation of autofluorescent granules within microglia and postmitotic cells such as neurons. Lipofuscin has traditionally been regarded as an inert byproduct of cellular degradation. However, recent findings su... (Link)
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New Paper in Translational Psychiatry!!! We love the good job!!!
Angelman syndrome and Fragile X syndrome are neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) caused by mutations in the UBE3A and FMR1 genes, respectively. However, they share common features such as cognitive and motor deficits, anxiety, and impaired social behav... (Link)
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Press Release
Japanese version University HP https://www.bri.niigata-u.ac.jp/research/result/002346.html X https://x.com/niigata_nouken/status/1963837182575259870 English version University HP https://www.bri.niigata-u.ac.jp/en/research/result/002347.html X ... (Link)
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New paper in Molecular Psychiatry was accepted!!!
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a greater prevalence of deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviours, which are influenced by hereditary and environmental factors. How environmental factors influence genetically predi... (Link)
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New Paper in Aging Brain
Manuscript was accepted for publication. (Link)
48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Neuroscience Society
I was co-chair (oral presentation on Neurodegenerative disorders) at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Neuroscience Society and delivered a Poster presentation about the mechanisms of zebrafish ube3a in social behavior in autism. (Link)
New paper in Frontiers in Psychiatry
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are two increasingly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), often accompanied by significant daily-life challenges. Animal models play a crucial role in studyin... (Link)
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New grant for the ube3a mutants
My work on ube3a zebrafish mutants has been awarded the Niigata University Tsukada Medical Scholarship Fund.
Interview at BRI (Young scientists)
I did an interview for the BRI