In vivo cardiac imaging of calcium transients and action potentials in zebrafish larvae
Commonly used acronym: ZebrafishHeart
Scope of the method
The Method relates to
- Human health
The Method is situated in
- Basic Research
Type of method
- In vivo
Used species
Danio rerio
Targeted organ system or type of research
Heart
Description
Method keywords
- Genetically encoded voltage indicator
- genetically encoded calium indicator
- light sheet imaging
- in vivo imaging
Scientific area keywords
- cardiovascular disorders
- cardiac arrhythmia
- Heart
- Cardiogenetics
Method description
We developed a transgenic zebrafish line that expresses a genetically encoded calcium and voltage indicator in the heart, allowing us to assess cardiac action potentials and calcium transients in vivo at real time by analysing changes in fluorescent signal.
Lab equipment
- High speed light sheet microscope,
- zebrafish facility.
Method status
- Internally validated
Pros, cons & Future potential
Advantages
The method allows for in vivo assessment of cardiac action potentials and calcium transients in a whole organism.
Challenges
Not all human genes have a zebrafish orthologue and the zebrafish heart only has two chambers (compared to four of the human heart). As such, one needs to acknowlegde the differences between human and zebrafish.
Contact person
Dorien SchepersOrganisations
University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen)Center for Medical Genetics
Cardiogenetics research group
Belgium
Flemish Region
