Multicolor Cell Barcoding Technology for Long-Term Surveillance of Epithelial Regeneration in Zebrafish

The study developed a multicolor cell barcoding system, called skinbow, to track superficial epithelial cells (SECs) in zebrafish skin, allowing researchers to observe cell behaviors such as emergence, growth, repositioning, and loss under normal conditions and during skin regeneration after injury. It revealed that SEC regeneration maintained equilibrium through mechanisms like new neighbor creation without cell addition, quid pro quo cell birth, and remote cell birth. After minor injuries, SECs showed biphasic regeneration, achieving 80% surface coverage within 60 hours. In fin amputation, SECs mobilized rapidly, with distinct behaviors in ray and interray regions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) played a significant role, with increased ROS levels promoting regeneration. Antioxidants reduced regeneration by 74%, while hydrogen peroxide increased it by 90%. The study highlighted the potential of live imaging systems to provide insights into stem cell behaviors and epithelial regeneration.