Study of the Extracellular Self-DNA Inhibitory Effect in Model Fish Danio rerio (Zebrafish)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of extracellular self-DNA (esDNA) on the survival and reproductive activity of Danio rerio (zebrafish), a model organism extensively used due to its genetic similarity to humans and quick life cycle. Specifically, the impact of an esDNA infused spirulina diet on zebrafish lifespan, egg deposition, larval development and reproductive cell count is assessed. Zebrafish were divided into two treatment groups with varying concentrations of esDNA infused spirulina (5% and 25%) and compared against several control groups. Survival rates were monitored over a 12-month period, and reproductive metrics were assessed during a period of 6-7 months through microscopic counting of eggs and larvae, and histological analysis of tissue to count reproductive cells. The primary outcomes reveal that although esDNA exposure did not have a statistically significant effect on egg deposition and larvae development, differences in mean reproduction and especially in mean larvae development are observed. This study utilizes Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and one-factor ANOVA to evaluate differences across groups. Findings from this research contribute to understanding the role of esDNA in aquatic environments, which previous studies have not addressed, In addition, this study helps understand whether administering esDNA via a diet may have the expected inhibitory effect as observed in other model organisms. Several avenues for further research are suggested, centered around understanding the potential of species-specific growth control; the key use case of esDNA in a wide variety of biological settings.