A groundbreaking "transgenic zebrafish" capable of visually detecting environmental estrogen contamination has been successfully developed at Fudan University in Shanghai and has received recognition from experts. The research was conducted by a key project team led by Professors Song Houyan and Zhong Tao at the Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Fudan University. This innovative model offers a new approach to monitoring water pollution, with significant implications for environmental science and public health.
Environmental estrogens are prevalent in water, soil, and food sources. Through bioaccumulation, these compounds can become up to tens of times more concentrated in living organisms than in their surrounding environment. Exposure to even low levels of these substances can disrupt reproductive development in wildlife, leading to infertility, population decline, and increased rates of congenital abnormalities. In humans, even minimal exposure to environmental estrogens may negatively impact male fertility. Over the past 50 years, global sperm quality has declined significantly, contributing to rising infertility rates and an increase in testicular and prostate cancer cases—factors that may be linked to estrogenic pollution.
Three years ago, the research team established a large-scale, automated zebrafish breeding platform and imported a genetically pure zebrafish strain from the United States. Following extensive and meticulous work, they successfully cloned and identified the vtg promoter, which is highly sensitive to estrogens. Using this promoter, they constructed a eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. This plasmid was then microinjected into zebrafish fertilized eggs. After numerous screenings, the first generation of transgenic zebrafish, which reacts specifically to estrogen, was finally obtained.
The modified zebrafish provides a rapid, visual, and accurate method for detecting estrogenic pollutants in water. Even at extremely low concentrations, the fish's liver emits a bright green fluorescence, making it easy to identify contamination. This technology offers a powerful tool for environmental monitoring and could revolutionize how we assess water quality.
Experts highlight the potential of this genetically modified zebrafish as a practical and efficient tool for detecting estrogen in aquatic environments. Its applications extend beyond environmental protection, offering valuable insights into reproductive physiology and pathology. This innovation represents a major step forward in both scientific research and environmental management.
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