Author:
Xiao Gongyi,Li Xiangwei,Yang Huiping,Zhang Ruobin,Huang Junlan,Tian Yu,Nie Mao,Sun Xianding
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The larval zebrafish tail fin can completely regenerate in 3 days post amputation. mTOR, the main regulator of cell growth and metabolism, plays an essential role in regeneration. Lots of studies have documented the role of mTOR in regeneration. However, the mechanisms involved are still not fully elucidated.
Materials and results
This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of mTOR in the regeneration of larval zebrafish tail fins. Initially, the spatial and temporal expression of mTOR signaling in the larval fin was examined, revealing its activation following tail fin amputation. Subsequently, a mTOR knockout (mTOR-KO) zebrafish line was created using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The investigation demonstrated that mTOR depletion diminished the proliferative capacity of epithelial and mesenchymal cells during fin regeneration, with no discernible impact on cell apoptosis. Insight from SMART-seq analysis uncovered alterations in the cell cycle, mitochondrial functions and metabolic pathways when mTOR signaling was suppressed during fin regeneration. Furthermore, mTOR was confirmed to enhance mitochondrial functions and Ca2 + activation following fin amputation. These findings suggest a potential role for mTOR in promoting mitochondrial fission to facilitate tail fin regeneration.
Conclusion
In summary, our results demonstrated that mTOR played a key role in larval zebrafish tail fin regeneration, via promoting mitochondrial fission and proliferation of blastema cells.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation Project of Chongqing, Chongqing Science and Technology Commission
Chongqing Talent Project
Chongqing Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC