April 18, 2012

expert reaction to genetically modified zebrafish that glow in response to environmental pollutants

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives described how zebrafish had been genetically modified to glow when exposed to particular pollutants.

Dr Marta Soffker, Researcher in Environment & Evolution, University of Exeter, said:

“Okhyun Lee and the team at Exeter did some excellent and thorough work creating a fish with an unprecedented sensitivity for screening environmental oestrogens. What makes this fish so exciting is that it glows at very low concentrations similar to those that can be found in our lakes and rivers, and that it glows with different patterns depending on the pollutants.

“This work is a great screening tool and has potential to help develop our understanding of how humans, too, may be affected by exposure to these pollutants.

“This work is particularly relevant in light of the recent listing of some oestrogens as amongst the 15 Priority Hazardous Substances under the EU Water Framework Directive 2008/105/EC (see COD 2011/0429), suggesting that they should be phased out in the next 20 years. The timing of this paper couldn’t be better as the relevant European legislation is awaiting its 1st reading in Parliament.”

Dr Andrew Johnson, Water Quality Scientist, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said:

“This research is intriguing from an effects and toxicology point of view. I could imagine it might have applications as a live biosensor for the chemical. However, it does not tell us a lot about the environment (concentrations in receiving waters will be lower than in sewage effluent) and effects on fish populations.”

‘Biosensor Zebrafish Provide New Insights into Potential Health Effects of Environmental Estrogens’ by Lee, O. et al., published in Environmental Health Perspectives on Wednesday 18th April.