中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1(Ers-MIH1)-GST融合蛋白在大肠杆菌中的表达

蜕皮抑制激素(molt—inhibiting hormone，MIH)属甲壳动物高血糖激素(crustacean hyperglycemic hormone，CHH)家族。MIH抑制Y-器官蜕皮激素的合成。以中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir japonica sinensis)眼柄总RNA为模板，根据中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1(Eriocheir japonica sinensis molt—inhibiting hormone-1，Ers—MIH1)基因序列设计引物，用RT—PCR的方法获得了Ers—MIH1基因成熟肽的cDNA片段。序列分析表明，Ers—MIH1基因成熟肽编码区含有228bp，编码75个氨基酸残基，与已发表的序列一致。将该cDNA片段插入到中间载体pMD18-T中，酶切后再将该片段插入到pGEX-4T-1表达载体中，构建成表达质粒pGEX-4T—MIH1。在BL21细胞中经IPTG诱导表达，得到GST—MIH1的融合蛋白。SDS—PAGE分析表明，经0．1mmol／L IPTG诱导4h，发现大量GST—MIH1融合蛋白表达，在分子量(Mr)为34kD处有1条特异的蛋白质条带。中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1融合蛋白的成功表达为进一步深入研究MIH在中华绒螯蟹蜕皮过程中的作用机制奠定了基础。     

中华绒螯蟹蜕皮激素受体基因（Ers-EcR）的克隆和组织表达分析

蜕皮激素受体(ecdysteroid receptor,EcR)介导调控甲壳动物蜕皮生长、附肢再生等重要生命活动。为了解EcR在人工控制甲壳动物的繁殖和生长中的作用,采用RACE方法结合同源克隆技术,首次从中华绒螯蟹Y-器官中克隆得到蜕皮激素受体基因全长cDNA序列(Ers-EcR,登录号:KF736985),并进行了结构解析和组织表达分析。结果发现,Ers-EcR编码基因全长2 176 bp,开放阅读框为1 638 bp,编码545个氨基酸,具有DNA结合域(DBD)和配体结合域(LBD)等典型的核受体超家族结构域,但不具有信号肽结构。其中,DBD含有8个保守的Cys残基,可以形成2个锌指结构(C156-C159-C173-C176、C192-C198-C208-C211),是典型的DBD特征。多重序列比对分析表明,Ers-EcR氨基酸序列与拳手招潮蟹同源性最高,达到91%。荧光定量PCR结果显示成体中华绒螯蟹ErsEcR基因在Y-器官和肌肉组织中表达量最高,在血液、肠道、卵巢、眼柄、心脏和肝胰腺中有一定表达,在鳃、胸神经节和精巢表达量较低。这表明Ers-EcR基因在中华绒螯蟹各组织器官中的表达不具有典型的特异性,提示Ers-EcR基因可能参与体内多种生命活动的调控。     

中华绒螯蟹类浮舰蛋白基因Esflol的克隆和组织表达分析

甲壳动物高血糖激素家族目前仅被发现存在于节肢动物中,在血糖水平调节、蜕皮、应激反应等多种生理代谢活动中发挥着重要的作用。为了解这个家族中的重要一员--甲壳动物高血糖激素(crustacean hyperglycemic hormone, CHH)如何调节河蟹体内的血糖水平,我们前期进行了转录组和表达谱分析,最终选取Esflol(Eriocheir sinensis flotillin-1 like,Esflol)作为我们的研究对象。根据转录组数据提示,结合RACE方法首次从中华绒螯蟹肝胰腺组织中克隆得到Esflol基因并进行了序列及组织表达分析。结果显示Esflol基因开放阅读框(ORF)1281bp,编码426个氨基酸,具有典型的SPFH超家族和PHB结构域,不含信号肽序列。多重序列比对分析表明,Esflol氨基酸序列与中华绒螯蟹flotillin-1相似度最高,达到57%。荧光定量PCR结果显示成熟中华绒螯蟹Esflol基因在肝胰腺组织中的表达量最高,其次为肌肉,另外在心,鳃,肠,胸神经节和胃中均有一定量表达,在脑中表达量较低。上述实验结果为下一步继续研究中华绒螯蟹糖代谢的生理机制奠定了基础,也为其他养殖类甲壳动物糖类代谢的研究提供了重要参考。     

青虾高血糖激素基因全长cDNA序列的克隆及表达分析

本研究首次克隆了青虾(Macrobrachium nipponense)高血糖激素(crustacean hyperglycemic homone,CHH)基因全长cDNA序列,并使用荧光定量PCR技术首次检测了CHH基因在青虾不同组织中的表达。青虾CHH基因cDNA全长1 017 bp,包括241 bp的5′UTR,408 bp的开放阅读框(ORF),355 bp的3′UTR,开放阅读框编码135个氨基酸。成熟肽包含6个CHH家族中位置保守的Cys残基。青虾CHH成熟肽C端为GK,确定为ES型CHH基因。蛋白相似度比对显示,所分离的青虾CHH被归为CHH家族I型肽。系统进化树分析表明,青虾CHH多肽与罗氏沼虾聚在一起,具有最近的亲缘关系。荧光定量PCR检测显示,CHH基因在青虾不同组织中均有表达,其表达量由高到依次为眼柄、精巢、腹神经节、脑、肠、肝、心脏、卵巢。以卵巢为参照其表达量设为1时,眼柄与精巢CHH基因表达量分别为卵巢的500倍和250倍,由此推测CHH基因可能与雄性生殖过程相关。     

锯缘青蟹蜕皮抑制激素cDNA的分子克隆及其表达分析

根据近缘种类同源序列设计简并引物,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT—PCR)技术,首次扩增获得锯缘青蟹(Scylla serrata)眼柄组织中编码蜕皮抑制激素(MIH)成熟肽全长cDNA序列及部分信号肽序列。将该序列克隆到pUCm—T载体上进行序列测定。结果表明,编码锯缘青蟹MIH成熟肽的cDNA由234个碱基组成,由此推测MIH成熟肽含78个氨基酸残基。该序列不仅与其它短尾类甲壳动物的MIH氨基酸序列具有高度的同源性(79％～9l％),还与该激素同一家族的性腺抑制激素、大颚器抑制激素的氨基酸序列具有较高的相似性。RNA斑点杂交结果显示,MIH基因在眼柄神经节及脑组织中均有表达,而在肌肉、中肠腺中不表达。     

中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1（MIH1）基因的cDNA片段克隆和Northern印迹分析

根据其他蟹类蜕皮抑制激素的氨基酸序列设计了简并引物,运用RT—PCR和RACE技术,从中华绒螯蟹(Erio-cheir japonica sinensis)成体的蜕皮间期眼柄中,克隆了1条长1145bp的cDNA。该cDNA编码60个氨基酸,包括942bp的3′端非翻译区。同源性分析结果表明,该cDNA编码的氨基酸序列和其他蟹类蜕皮抑制激素有较高的一致性,最高的一致性为64％,将获得的序列命名为中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1基因(GenBank检索号：AY309062)。用Northern印迹分析的方法对处于各个发育阶段的胚胎及涵状幼体期该基因的表达进行了研究,结果表明,处于胚胎发育早期的卵裂期几乎没有检测到杂交信号,而胚胎发育的其他时期和淹状幼体期都检测到蜕皮抑制激素1基因的mRNA。中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1基因部分cDNA序列的获得为进一步获得该基因的全长cDNA、研究其功能及阐明中华螯蟹蜕皮的分子机制奠定了基础。     

重叠延伸拼接法从基因组DNA中获得Ers-MIH1基因的编码区

蜕皮抑制激素(molt-inhibiting hormone,MIH)产生于端髓X-器官(MTXO),储存在甲壳动物眼柄的窦腺中,抑制Y-器官蜕皮素的分泌,参与调控甲壳动物的生长和发育等重要的生理活动。提取中华绒螯蟹肌肉组织中的基因组DNA,以此为模板,采用重叠延伸拼接法(gene splicing by overlap extension,SOE)将中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素1Eriocheir sinensismolt-inhibiting hormone-1(Ers-MIH1)成熟肽基因的编码区连接起来,克隆到pMD18-T载体中,随机挑取3个阳性克隆测序,测序结果与已知的Ers-MIH1基因编码区的序列相一致。从基因组DNA中克隆该基因的方法有效地解决了取材不便给研究中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素基因所带来的限制等问题。     

中华绒螯蟹RXR基因全长cDNA克隆及表达分析

维甲类X受体(retinoid X receptor,RXR),属于核受体超家族(nuclear receptor super family)成员,是一种重要的调控因子,对甲壳动物生长发育和繁殖具有十分重要的作用。本研究根据陆地蟹 RXR基因保守区序列设计上下游引物,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)以及cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)技术克隆中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)RXR基因并进行各组织间的表达分析。序列分析表明中华绒螯蟹RXR cDNA全长1517bp,编码433个氨基酸。经BLASTn和BLASTx分析表明,中华绒螯蟹RXR氨基酸序列与陆地蟹RXR基因的氨基酸序列相似性最高,为96%。系统进化树分析显示,中华绒螯蟹RXR的氨基酸序列与陆地蟹RXR聚为一支。荧光定量PCR结果显示,RXR在所有检测的组织中均有表达,且在中华绒螯蟹Y器官中表达量最高,肝胰腺、鳃和肌肉中有少量表达,心脏、胃、肠、胸神经节和脑神经节中微量表达。在中华绒螯蟹不同蜕皮时期中,Y器官中RXR表达量在D期最高,与AB期、C期呈显著性差异（P＜0.05）;肌肉中RXR在AB期表达量最高,与其他蜕皮时期呈显著性差异（P＜0.05）;肝胰腺和鳃中RXR在AB期表达量最高,E期表达量最低,但各蜕皮时期表达量之间差异不显著。     

中华绒螯蟹延伸因子EF-1δ基因全长cDNA克隆及表达

根据非洲爪蟾延伸因子-1δ(elongation factor-1δ,EF-1δ)基因的保守序列设计引物,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)以及cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)技术克隆出中华绒螯蟹EF-1δ基因并进行各组织间的表达分析.序列分析表明,中华绒螯蟹EF- 1δ cDNA全长933 bp,编码263个氨基酸,经BLASTN和BLASTX软件分析表明,此EF-1δ cDNA核苷酸序列与非洲爪蟾EF-1δ核苷酸序列的同源性最高,其相似性为70％;所编码的氨基酸序列与大红斑蝶EF-1δ的氨基酸序列相似性为54％.聚类分析表明,中华绒螯蟹EF-1δ的氨基酸序列与鱼虱EF-1δ聚为一支.荧光定量PCR结果显示,EF-1δ在正常成熟中华绒螯蟹肌肉中表达量最高,精巢、肝胰腺中有少量表达,心脏、卵巢、胃、肠、鳃中有微量表达.不同发育状态的中华绒螯蟹EF-1δ在肌肉组织中表达量均显著高于肝胰腺和鳃组织中表达量(P＜0.05);3个不同发育状态蟹EF-1δ在肌肉中的表达量也呈显著性差异(P＜0.05),在早熟蟹肌肉中表达量最高,正常成熟蟹肌肉中次之,幼蟹肌肉中最低;不同发育状态蟹EF-1δ在肝胰腺和鳃组织中的表达没有显著差异(P＞0.05).     

中华绒螯蟹蜕皮抑制激素基因单核苷酸多态与性早熟的关联性分析

该研究以中华绒螯蟹MIH基因编码区序列的10个单核苷酸多态位点(SNPs)为研究目标,采用性状-基因型分析方法研究了MIH基因变异与河蟹性早熟性状之间的相关性。结果表明,位于MIH基因内含子(Intron2)上一个SNP位点(SNP g.2466 CT)与中华绒螯蟹性早熟之间存在着较具统计学意义的相关性(OR=0.459,95%CI 0.223-0.944,P=0.034)。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.