Zebrafish beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA expression and control of pigmentation

Beta adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily and mediate various physiological processes in many species. The expression patterns and functions of beta-ARs in zebrafish are, however, largely unknown. We have identified zebrafish beta-AR orthologs, which we have designated adrb1, adrb2a, adrb2b, adrb3a and adrb3b. adrb1 was found to be expressed in the heart and brain. Expression of adrb2a predominated in the brain and skin, whereas adrb2b was found to be highly expressed in muscle, pancreas and liver. Both adrb3a and adrb3b were exclusively expressed in blood. Knock-down of these beta-ARs by morpholino oligonucleotides revealed a functional importance of adrb2a in pigmentation. Expression of atp5a1 and atp5b, genes that encode subunits of F1F0-ATPase, which is known to be involved in pigmentation, was significantly increased by knock-down of adrb2a. Our data suggest that adrb2a may regulate pigmentation, partly by modulating F1F0-ATPase.