The Aquaculture Research Group advances in its scientific research programmes
Last Wednesday, 13th November, the ‘1st Course on Microinjection in Zebrafish’, organised by the Aquaculture Research Group (GIA) of the ECOAQUA institute of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, took place at its facilities in the Marine Science and Technology Park of Taliarte.
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) shares a remarkable genetic similarity with several fish species of commercial interest, such as tilapia, salmon and trout. Approximately 70% of zebrafish genes have homologous characteristics in humans, and a similar proportion is found in other fish. This genetic similarity allows studies conducted in zebrafish to be highly relevant and applicable to other species, facilitating research in areas such as genetics, developmental biology and disease response.
In addition, zebrafish are an excellent model due to their rapid life cycle and the ease with which their embryos can be genetically manipulated. Their small size (3 to 4 centimetres) and the fact that they are relatively easy to care for, are some of the characteristics that have made them an essential part of high-level research centres.
The ‘1st Course on Microinjection in Zebrafish’, which took place this week at the ECOAQUA Institute, was directed by Félix Acosta Arbelo, PhD in Veterinary Medicine and director of the International Master in Marine Cultures of the ULPGC, and counted with the participation of Dr. Jorge Galindo-Villegas, researcher at the Nord University, located in Bodø, Norway, and president of the ISFSI (International Society for Fish and Shellfish Immunology), who gave the practical and theoretical sessions.
This event brought together at the Analysis Service for Aquaculture and Highly Specialised Biotechnology (SABE) numerous researchers and students interested in advanced microinjection techniques in this model. Participants had the opportunity to learn and practice their development under the guidance of experts in the field.
Application at ECOAQUA
Microinjection in zebrafish is a valuable technique in aquaculture studies due to its ability to introduce genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, directly into embryos. This technique allows the creation of transgenic models that can be used to investigate the function of specific genes and their impact on fish development and physiology. In addition, microinjection facilitates the study of diseases and the evaluation of potential treatments, contributing to improve health and productivity in aquaculture.
‘It is a technique that will be integrated into different ECOAQUA projects in the future to carry out metabolic modifications, which could later be applied in diets and breeding programmes in species of commercial interest. Its use will also make it possible to reduce and complement the use of other experimental animals,’ explains Félix Acosta.
It is part of the animal health studies programme for the aquaculture sector of the Aquaculture Research Group of the ECOAQUA institute and the implementation of research strategies for the breeding of species that are farmed in the archipelago, such as sea bream, sea bass and amberjack.