Fishy Editing

This isn’t a horror from the deep, but a developing zebrafish. Its eyes glow red after a trick of genetic engineering. A revolutionary technique called CRISPR/Cas9 allows scientists to edit the fish’s genome – adding or removing genes – providing a useful testing ground for gene editing in other species, including human cells. Here CRISPR inserts an artificial red fluorescent gene that switches on with a natural gene in the lens of the fish’s eye. The new gene produces a red protein in the iris, and also in the fish’s sensory neuromasts – cells dotted around the developing ears that detect vibration in the water, useful when there are predators around. Combined here with a turquoise stain to highlight the developing nervous system, gene-edited zebrafish also have huge potential in exploring genetic disorders and diseases involving similar human genes.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image by Ingrid Lekk and Steve Wilson, University College London, UK
• University College London, UK
• Image copyright held by the photographers
• Finalist from this year's Wellcome Image Awards