Detecting a Tumor Suppressor Protein (p16INK4a) in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been put forth as models for human disease since the 1960s. Zebrafish have also been identified as one of the most promising model organisms used to study aging. In this study, we are exploring a specific tumor suppressor protein p16INK4a which is encoded by the CDKN2A gene in humans. This tumor suppressor has been identified as a marker for cellular senescence in humans. Dysfunction of the protein has been associated with many cancers in humans, including leukemia, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, pancreatic, cervical, bladder, and even lung cancer. Studies locating this protein in adult zebrafish have not yet been accomplished in spite of the fact that the zebrafish version of the gene has been identified as cdkn2a/b. We hypothesize (1) that zebrafish synthesize the p16INK4a protein and (2) that the abundance of this protein correlates with aging. We used a rabbit monoclonal anti‐CDKN2A/p16INK4a antibody to label retinal sections taken from adult zebrafish eyes; Hoechst was used to label nuclei. Preliminary results suggest labeling of p16INK4a in the retina. Further experiments are underway to corroborate this initial finding. Localization of p16INK4a in zebrafish would support arguments for using zebrafish as a model organism in which to study phenomena associated with aging and cancer in humans.Support or Funding InformationCJR was funded by the US Department of Education HSI STEM program (84.031c), Award #P021C160036. CJR was also funded by Texas State University's undergraduate research fellowship fund (URF). Confocal images were obtained using Olympus FV‐1000 confocal microscope which is funded by NSF grant DBI‐0821252 to Dr. Joseph R. Koke and Dr. Dana M. García.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.