Identification of novel circadian transcripts in the zebrafish retina.

Abstract

High fecundity, transparent embryos for monitoring the rapid development of organs and the availability of a well-annotated genome has made zebrafish a model organism of choice for developmental biology and neurobiology. This vertebrate model, which is also a favourite in chronobiology studies, shows striking circadian rhythmicity in behaviour. Here, we identify novel genes in the zebrafish genome that are expressed in the zebrafish retina. We further resolve the expression pattern over time and tentatively assign specific novel transcripts to retinal bipolar cells of the inner nuclear layer. Using chemical ablation and free run experiments, we segregate the transcripts that are rhythmic when entrained by light from those that show sustained oscillations in the absence of external cues. The transcripts reported here with rigorous annotation and specific functions in circadian biology provide the groundwork for functional characterization of novel players in the zebrafish retinal clock.