Gene expression profiling in the skin of zebrafish infected with Citrobacter freundii

Skin is considered the largest immunologically active organ, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear in fish. Here, Affymetrix Zebrafish GeneChip was used to assess gene expression in the skin of zebrafish (Danio rerio) infected with the bacterium Citrobacter freundii. The results showed that 229 genes were differentially expressed, of which 196 genes were upregulated and 33 genes were downregulated. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated 88 genes significantly associated with skin immunity involved in complement activation and acute phase response, defense and immune response, response to stress and stimulus, antigen processing and presentation, cell adhesion and migration, platelet activation and coagulation factors, regulation of autophagy and apoptosis. When compared with transcriptional profiles of previously reported carp (Cyprinus carpio) skin, a similar innate immunity (e.g., interferon, lectin, heat shock proteins, complements), and several different acute phase proteins (transferrin, ceruloplasmin, vitellogenin and alpha-1-microglobulin, etc.) were detected in zebrafish skin. The validity of the microarray results was verified by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of nine representative genes. This is first report that skin play important roles in innate immune responses to bacterial infection, which contribute to understanding the defense mechanisms of the skin in fish.

► Zebrafish skin play important roles in immune responses to C. freundii infection.
► Several different acute phase proteins are found in the skin of zebrafish.
► MAPK, TGF-beta and WNT pathways are involved in the skin immune response.
► A new possible immune response strategy is adopted by fish skin.