Aging compromises Zebrafish caudal fin regeneration by disrupting Regenerative gene networks and Cellular metabolism

Abstract Zebrafish are widely recognized as a powerful vertebrate model for studying epimorphic regeneration due to their remarkable ability to restore complex tissues. However, regenerative efficiency declines with age, potentially due to alterations in gene regulatory networks and cellular metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the molecular and bioenergetic basis of age-associated regenerative decline by comparing young adult (<1 year) and old adult (>3 years) zebrafish during caudal fin regeneration. To further examine the contribution of mitochondrial function, mitochondrial dysfunction was experimentally induced using rotenone (20 nM), a mitochondrial Complex I inhibitor. Regenerative progression was assessed morphologically at 12hpa, 1dpa, 2dpa, 3dpa, and 7dpa, revealing a pronounced delay in fin regrowth in aged and rotenone-treated fish compared with young controls. Behavioral analysis indicated subtle but non-significant changes across experimental groups. Gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR revealed age- and mitochondria-associated dysregulation of key regenerative gene families involved in developmental patterning, extracellular matrix organization, cellular signaling, and mitochondrial metabolism. Proteomic profiling further identified differential expression of proteins associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics, extracellular matrix remodeling, and signaling pathways required for blastema formation and tissue outgrowth. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy revealed pronounced mitochondrial abnormalities, including enlarged mitochondria with fragmented or disrupted cristae, in aged and rotenone-treated regenerating tissues. Collectively, our integrative analysis establishes a mechanistic link between aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised regenerative capacity in zebrafish. The findings provide broader insights into metabolic constraints underlying age-related decline in regenerative potential in vertebrates.