Regulation of zebrafish hatching by tetraspanin cd63

Tetraspanins cause the clustering of membrane proteins into a level of organisation essential for cellular function. Given the importance and complicated nature of this mechanism, we attempted a novel approach to identify the function of a single component in a biologically relevant context. A morpholino knockdown strategy was used to investigate the role of cd63, a membrane protein associated with intracellular transport and a melanoma marker, in embryonic zebrafish. By using three separate morpholinos targeting cd63, we were able to identify a specific phenotype. Strikingly, morphant fish failed to hatch due to the lack of secreted proteolytic enzymes required for chorion-softening. The morphology of the hatching gland at both the cellular and intracellular levels was disorganised, suggesting a role for cd63 in the functioning of this organ. This work identifies a specific role for cd63 in the zebrafish embryo and provides evidence for the suitability of zebrafish as a model system for the investigation of tetraspanin enriched microdomains

Re:Voice

Re:Voice, a participatory theatre performance co-created with Tuesday Fun Night Club Choir from Penzance, forms part of a major European research project Re-voicing Cultural Landscapes led by Falmouth University in collaboration with Universities of Latvia, Tartu (Estonia) and Groningen (The Netherlands), exploring cultural traditions in Cornwall and other regions in Europe which asked how living heritage can be made vital and resilient. The project has been made possible by support from Arts Council England, Feast Cornwall and Falmouth University, and it is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Directed by Agnieszka Blonska with imPOSSIBLE producing, choir leader Victoria Abbott and the Tuesday Night Fun Club; with lighting and projection by Joshua Pharo and choreography by Jennifer Fletcher and Claud Tonietto. The show premiered during the Last Weekend at Tate St Ives on April 29th, 2023