The expression of fgfr3 in the zebrafish head

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for many developmental processes and plays a pivotal role in skeletal homeostasis, regeneration and wound healing. FGF signals through one of five tyrosine kinase receptors: Fgfr1a, -1b, −2, −3, −4. To characterize the expression of zebrafish fgfr3 from the larval stage to adulthood, we used RNAscope in situ hybridization on paraffin sections of the zebrafish head. Our study revealed spatial and temporal distribution of fgfr3 transcript in chondrocytes of the head cartilages, osteoblasts involved in bone formation, ventricular zone of the brain, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of the skin, and lens epithelium of the eye. In general, the expression pattern of zebrafish fgfr3 is similar to the expression observed in higher vertebrates. •In zebrafish head fgfr3 is expressed in a spatio-temporal manner.•fgfr3 expression pattern in zebrafish is similar to those seen in higher vertebrates.•fgfr3 expression decreases with osteoblast maturation.•In the lens epithelium of the eye, fgfr3 expression is maintained at all tested stages.•In zebrafish skin, fgfr3 is expressed in the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.