Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases

Juanmei Gao; Wanhua Shen

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809

Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases

Environ Pollut. 2021 Jan 1;268(Pt B):115809. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809. Epub 2020 Oct 13.

Authors

Juanmei Gao¹, Wanhua Shen²

Affiliations

¹ Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; College of Life and Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
² Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China. Electronic address: shen@hznu.edu.cn.

PMID: 33096388
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809

Abstract

The Xenopus model offers many advantages for investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms underlying embryo development. Moreover, Xenopus oocytes and embryos have been extensively used to study developmental toxicity and human diseases in response to various environmental chemicals. This review first summarizes recent advances in using Xenopus as a vertebrate model to study distinct types of tissue/organ development following exposure to environmental toxicants, chemical reagents, and pharmaceutical drugs. Then, the successful use of Xenopus as a model for diseases, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, autism, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, is reviewed. The potential application of Xenopus in genetic and chemical screening to protect against embryo deficits induced by chemical toxicants and related diseases is also discussed.

Keywords: Disease model; Embryo development; Oocyte; Toxicant; Toxicity; Xenopus.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Embryo, Nonmammalian*
Embryonic Development*
Humans
Xenopus laevis