Daniel Castranova

Specialized gas-exchange endothelium of the zebrafish gill

This study identifies and characterizes specialized endothelial cells in zebrafish gills that resemble mammalian lung aerocytes, using single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced imaging techniques.

Live longitudinal imaging of meningeal cerebrovascular injury and its sequelae in adult zebrafish

This study develops a zebrafish model to longitudinally image meningeal cerebrovascular injury and immune responses, revealing vascular regrowth and immune cell interactions.

Comprehensive 3D imaging of whole zebrafish using a water-based clearing reagent for hard tissues

This paper introduces a new clearing reagent, LUCID, enabling high-resolution 3D imaging of whole zebrafish, including dense tissues like bone and cartilage, without significant distortion or signal loss.

A novel transgenic reporter to study vertebrate epigenetics

The paper introduces an EpiTag zebrafish transgenic reporter to visualize epigenetic silencing/activation and identifies tissue-specific epigenetic regulatory genes through mutagenesis screening.

Early epigenetic priming of regeneration studied with a novel transgenic epigenetic reporter

The paper uses a novel transgenic reporter to study epigenetic reprogramming during zebrafish fin regeneration, identifying early chromatin remodeling events and key factors required for regeneration.

Anatomical and Molecular Characterization of the Zebrafish Meninges

This paper characterizes the zebrafish meninges using single-cell transcriptomics, identifying a novel cell type essential for brain development.

The axillary lymphoid organ - an external, experimentally accessible immune organ in the zebrafish

The paper identifies a new external immune organ in zebrafish, the axillary lymphoid organ, suitable for live imaging of immune cell dynamics.

Regulation of angiogenesis by endocytic trafficking mediated by cytoplasmic dynein 1 light intermediate chain 1

This study shows that LIC1 and RILPL1/2 restrict angiogenesis by promoting VEGFR2 degradation, and their disruption increases angiogenesis through enhanced Rab11-mediated recycling.

Long-Term Imaging of Living Adult Zebrafish

This paper introduces a method for long-term imaging of live adult zebrafish using a 3D printed chamber, enabling nearly day-long observation of neutrophil recruitment in transgenic fish.

Anatomy and Development of the Pectoral Fin Vascular Network in the Zebrafish

The paper documents the stepwise development of the zebrafish pectoral fin vascular network using high-resolution imaging, revealing a stereotyped process involving initial vascular loops and three distinct plexuses.

Rapid generation of pigment free, immobile zebrafish embryos and larvae in any genetic background using CRISPR-Cas9 dgRNPs

This paper demonstrates the use of CRISPR-Cas9 dgRNPs to generate pigment-free, immobile zebrafish embryos and larvae across genetic backgrounds, enhancing live imaging capabilities.

In vivo dissection of Rhoa function in vascular development using zebrafish

This study investigates the in vivo roles of RHOA in vascular development and integrity using zebrafish models, finding that both gain- and loss-of-function lead to vascular dysfunction.

Live Imaging of Intracranial Lymphatics in the Zebrafish

The paper identifies a meningeal lymphatic network in zebrafish, comparable to mammals, and demonstrates its function in draining brain interstitial fluid and immune cell trafficking.

A Hypomorphic Cystathionine β-Synthase Gene Contributes to Cavefish Eye Loss by Disrupting Optic Vasculature

This study identifies a mutation in the cbsa gene as a contributor to eye loss in cavefish by disrupting optic vasculature and causing hypoxia.

Evolutionary Changes in Left-Right Visceral Asymmetry in Astyanax Cavefish

This study examines evolutionary changes in left-right visceral asymmetry in Astyanax cavefish, identifying maternal genetic effects and regulatory changes in the lft2 gene.

MicroRNA-mediated control of developmental lymphangiogenesis

This study identifies miR-204 as a key regulator of lymphangiogenesis, showing its role in lymphatic vessel formation and its interaction with NFATC1.