Area
PhysiologySystem
In vivoModel references
Terni B, Pacciolla P, Perelló M, Llobet A. Functional Evaluation of Olfactory Pathways in Living Xenopus Tadpoles. J Vis Exp. 2018 Dec 11;(142). doi: 10.3791/58028.
Drug screening using Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles
Expertise
Evaluation of the action of molecules on sensory and motor functions. The primary experience of the lab is in the neuroscience field but tests can be applied in a broader physiological context, as for example, evaluation of cardiac activity.Applications
- In vivo evaluation of candidate molecules on sensory functions (vision, olfaction)
- In vivo evaluation of candidate molecules on complex motor functions. Mobility assays can be carried out in early developmental stages (tail movements) or late developmental stages (limb movements).
- Identification of toxic effects of drugs on behavior, as for example by identifying the presence of convulsions
- Assessment of cardiac activity
- The strong sensitivity of tadpoles to pollutants makes them an ideal platform in ecotoxicology assays.
Principal investigators
Artur Llobet, Beatrice Terni.Model relevance
Xenopus is an essential vertebrate model system for biomedical research and has a close evolutionary relationship to mammals (presence of limbs and lungs). X. tropicalis shows some advantages to X. laevis, the classical embryology model, because its diploid genome makes it particularly well suited to genetic modifications and to establish genetic models of disease. The small size of X. tropicalis adults as well as the large number of tadpoles obtained after a single mating (500-2000), makes it a cost-effective experimental platform. Drug tests can be carried out by diluting molecules in rearing water and multiple physiological parameters can be evaluated. We can assess sensory and motor performance, as well as cardiac activity. Other aspects relevant to physiology can also be evaluated by taking advantage of published protocols. Many of the tests available are complementary, thus being possible to evaluate multiple parameters in a single tadpole, which aligns this experimental platform with the 3Rs principle. In summary, it is possible to perform medium/high throughput drug screening assays and obtain information relevant to human conditions.
