Transcriptome analysis of vitamin supplementation in germ-free zebrafish larvae

This study investigates the transcriptional profiles of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae reared under three distinct conditions to understand the role of vitamin supplementation in host gene expression. Twelve whole-body larval samples at 6 days post fertilization were collected on July 11, 2025, representing three experimental groups (n=4 per group): conventionally-reared larvae (CONR), germ-free larvae (GF), and germ-free larvae supplemented with a custom-developed vitamin complex (V). RNA sequencing was conducted on MGI DNBSEQ-T7 or Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platforms following PCR-based library construction. By comparing gene expression patterns across these groups, this study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin-mediated host responses in the absence of microbial colonization, and to explore potential interactions between nutritional supplementation and microbiota in early zebrafish development.