Transcriptome sequencing of hepatocytes (with or without GFP) during liver development in zebrafish

Utilizing GFP-labeled hepatocytes from Tg(fabp10:GFP) zebrafish, cells were isolated via flow cytometry, followed by RNA sequencing to profile gene expression dynamics. High-quality sequencing data (Q30 > 90%) revealed distinct transcriptional patterns, with hepatocytes at 3 dpf exhibiting significant differences compared to 7 dpf and adult stages.

Differential expression analysis identified over 10,000 genes per comparison, highlighting key regulators of liver growth. Functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG) underscored the importance of ATP metabolism, DNA replication, and cell cycle pathways, particularly in early developmental stages. Notably, genes such as TFDP1, SKP2, and CCNB1 were consistently differentially expressed across stages, suggesting their pivotal roles in hepatocyte proliferation and liver maturation.