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Techniques for optimizing the creation of mutations in zebrafish using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea

Abstract

A safe and successful mutagenesis of zebrafish (Danio rerio) with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) involves balancing several factors. In addition to keeping the fish alive and the humans safe, labor, tank numbers and the process of finding and isolating new mutants should be considered. The author details useful techniques for optimizing zebrafish mutagenesis using ENU.

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Figure 1
Figure 2: Genetic information in mutagenic crosses.
Figure 3: Stages of ENU mutagenesis.
Figure 4: Muta-chamber set-up.
Figure 5: Mutagenesis and mosaicism.
Figure 6: Fixation of a point mutation.

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Acknowledgements

I thank the many people with whom I have discussed mutagenic procedures over the years, particularly Bruce Draper, Steve Johnson, Julie Kuhlman, Jen Matthews, Monte Matthews, Mary Mullins, Lila Solnica-Krezel, Charline Walker and John Willoughby, as well as the University of Oregon Environmental Health and Safety personnel.

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Correspondence to Bill Trevarrow.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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Trevarrow, B. Techniques for optimizing the creation of mutations in zebrafish using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea. Lab Anim 40, 353–361 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1111-353

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