Establishment of glass catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis) fin-derived cells

Genetically manipulated transparent animals were already explored in many species for in vivo study of gene expression, transplantation analysis and cancer biology. However, there are no reports about transparent animals as in vitro genetic resources. In the present study, fin-derived cells from glass catfish (Krytopterus bicirrhis), naturally transparent fish with a visible skeleton and internal organs, were isolated after culturing fin explants and characterized using cryopreservation and cell cycle analysis. The cells grew well in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) containing 1% (v/v) P/S (penicillin–streptomycin) and 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum at 26°C and showed increased cryopreservation efficiency with the slow-freezing method in the presence of 15% dimethyl sulfoxide. In addition, cell cycle analysis was evaluated based on flow cytometric analysis, and culturing to confluence (>85%) was more effective for synchronizing cells at the G(0)/G(1) stages than roscovitine treatment (<75%). This is the first report about cell isolation from transparent animals. The results from testing the cell's viability following cryopreservation and subjecting the cells to cycle analysis can be useful tools for genetic resource management.