高温静水胁迫培养对坛紫菜品质的影响

以坛紫菜耐高温型品系Z-61 F4代叶状体为实验材料,野生型坛紫菜（WT）叶状体为对照,研究了常温（21℃）静水和高温（30℃）静水培养不同天数（0、2、4、6、8、10 d）后,坛紫菜藻体中光合色素含量、粗蛋白含量、总氨基酸含量和4种主要呈味游离氨基酸含量等品质指标的变化情况。结果表明,常温静水培养对坛紫菜耐高温型品系的品质没有显著影响,甚至短时间的常温静水培养还有利于提高野生型品系藻体的品质;但高温静水培养会显著降低耐高温型品系和野生型品系的品质,只是耐高温型品系的品质下降速度要慢于野生型。此外,本研究还发现,耐高温型坛紫菜品系还可以通过调节藻体细胞内别藻蓝蛋白（APC）和游离氨基酸的含量来增强自身对高温胁迫的抵抗能力。本研究结果为全面认识坛紫菜的抗逆性机理提供了基础资料,同时也为后续坛紫菜抗逆新品种的选育提供了理论指导。     

坛紫菜泛素连接酶PhCUL1基因克隆与功能验证

高温影响坛紫菜(Pyropia haitanensis)的产量和品质,是制约紫菜产业发展的主要因素。前期研究发现,高温胁迫下,坛紫菜泛素蛋白酶体系统相关基因显著上调表达,但其响应高温胁迫的分子功能还未知。本研究通过分子生物学、遗传学等技术手段对坛紫菜cullin E3连接酶基因(PhCUL1)的功能进行研究。利用PCR方法克隆了PhCUL1基因的全长,PhCUL1全长为2500 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)长度为2481 bp,该基因存在1个Cullin (407~618 aa)结构域和1个Cullin Nedd8 (754~821 aa)结构域,其中,Cullin Nedd8结构域为蛋白融合位点。进化树分析显示,PhCUL1在进化上与脐形紫菜(Porphyra umbilicalis)有较近的亲缘关系。qRT-PCR结果显示,PhCUL1基因被高温显著诱导。为进一步阐明PhCUL1的分子功能,将其转入莱茵衣藻(Chlamydomonas reinhardtii)进行功能验证,过表达PhCUL1株系比野生型更能耐受高温胁迫。同时,在高温33℃下处理3 h和6 h内,转基因植株的PhCUL1基因呈上调表达。这初步说明PhCUL1基因在坛紫菜响应高温胁迫过程中发挥着重要作用,其具体调控机制有待进一步研究。本研究有助于阐明坛紫菜泛素蛋白酶体系统响应高温胁迫的分子机制,为指导耐高温新品种选育提供理论依据。     

坛紫菜丝氨酸羟甲基转移酶基因的克隆及表达特征

丝氨酸羟甲基转移酶(SHMT)在植物应答逆境胁迫中发挥着重要作用。本研究以坛紫菜(Pyropia haitanensis)为研究材料,采用普通PCR技术克隆得到2条坛紫菜的SHMT全长基因序列,分别命名为PhSHMT-1(GenBank收录号:MF687405)和PhSHMT-2(GenBank收录号:MF687406)。其中,PhSHMT-1序列全长1710 bp,包含一个1491 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含497个氨基酸,分子量为121.443 kDa,等电点为4.93;PhSHMT-2序列全长1957 bp,包含一个1395 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含465个氨基酸,分子量为113.969 k Da,等电点为4.95。多序列比对和系统进化树分析结果确认PhSHMT-1和PhSHMT-2基因属于SHMT基因家族。qRT-PCR定量分析结果表明,高温胁迫条件下,2条PhSHMT基因的表达模式基本一致,均表现为先上调后下调再上调的趋势,这说明SHMT基因可能在坛紫菜应答高温胁迫过程中发挥作用。     

坛紫菜核糖体蛋白S15a基因的克隆及表达分析

坛紫菜栽培中经常遭遇高温胁迫危害而产生烂菜现象,为研究坛紫菜在高温胁迫条件下的分子应答机制,分离并克隆高温胁迫应答的相关基因,应用引物退火控制(ACP)技术对耐高温型纯系Z-61叶状体在高温胁迫条件下的差异表达基因进行筛选时,获得一条在高温胁迫条件下表达水平显著降低的基因片段,通过5'-RACE技术获得了它的全长,命名为Phrps 15a(GenBank登录号:JN991055.1).该基因序列全长676 bp,包含一个390 bp的开放阅读框编码130个氨基酸的核糖体S15a蛋白(PhRPS 15a),蛋白分子式为C664H1066N188O180S7,由3条螺旋、7个片层及8个环状连接组成,与多个物种的RPS15a蛋白具有较高的序列一致性(78％～80％).系统进化分析表明,动物、高等植物、绿藻和坛紫菜PhRPS15a蛋白均享有独立的进化分支,但坛紫菜PhRPS 15a蛋白与团藻和莱茵衣藻的亲缘关系更近.实时荧光定量PCR分析结果表明,Phrps 15α基因的表达水平与高温胁迫密切相关,在高温胁迫条件下,Phrps15a基因的表达水平极显著下调.     

坛紫菜两种Hsp90基因的克隆及表达特征分析

以坛紫菜转录组测序获得的unigene序列为基础,采用RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends)技术克隆获得了坛紫菜的两条Hsp90基因序列:PhHsp90-1和PhHsp90-2。序列分析结果表明,PhHsp90-1序列全长2 572 bp,包含一个2 427 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含809个氨基酸,分子量为90.2 ku,等电点为4.79,属于Hsp90内质网亚家族(登录号:KF732651);PhHsp90-2序列全长2 510 bp,包含一个2 280 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含760个氨基酸,分子量为86.2 ku,等电点为4.81,属于Hsp90细胞质亚家族(登录号:KF732652)。基因表达水平的定量分析结果表明,高温和失水胁迫对两条PhHsp90基因的表达水平均有显著影响,但在表达模式上存在明显差异。高温胁迫不同时间水平下,两条PhHsp90基因的表达均表现为先上调后下调的趋势;而在失水胁迫下,当失水率小于60%时,两条基因的表达水平均没有发生显著变化,但当失水率大于60%时,两条基因的表达水平均显著上调,说明两条PhHsp90基因均在应答高温胁迫和高度失水胁迫中发挥着重要作用。     

坛紫菜两种小分子热激蛋白(sHSP)基因的克隆及表达特征分析

小分子热激蛋白(sHSP)不仅在应激条件下高效表达,而且在正常状态的细胞中也广泛存在,参与一些重要细胞生理活动的调节。为研究坛紫菜应答高温和失水等逆境胁迫的分子机制,本研究以坛紫菜(Pyropia haitanensis)转录组测序获得的unigene序列为基础,采用RACE或直接PCR扩增,克隆获得了坛紫菜两种sHsp的全长基因：PhHsp22和PhDnaJ。序列分析结果表明,PhHsp22序列全长857 bp,包含一个519 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含172个氨基酸,分子量为19.1 kDa,等电点为5.24(收录号：KM102540);PhDnaJ序列全长1616 bp,包含一个1290 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含429个氨基酸,分子量为46.1 kDa,等电点为6.43,属于Hsp40亚家族(收录号：KM102541)。基因表达水平的定量分析结果表明两个基因在高温胁迫不同时间水平和不同失水胁迫程度下的表达均呈现出一致的表达模式,即在胁迫初期表达水平显著上调,但随着胁迫的持续,这两个基因的表达水平开始逐渐下调。说明这两个基因在逆境胁迫下的表达可能存在一个反馈调节机制。     

坛紫菜过氧化氢酶基因的克隆及表达特征

过氧化氢酶(CAT)是植物细胞抗氧化酶的主要成员,在逆境胁迫下的活性氧(ROS)清除中发挥着重要的作用。本研究采用RACE扩增技术克隆获得了坛紫菜CAT基因的全长,被命名为PhCAT(Genbank收录号:KM655303)。该基因全长1983 bp,可编码包含542个氨基酸的多肽,与条斑紫菜CAT基因的序列相似性为83.08%。多序列比对和系统进化树分析结果确认PhCAT属于CAT基因家族。PhCAT基因定量分析结果显示,失水胁迫条件下,PhCAT的基因表达水平只在失水率≥60%时才显著上调;不同时间水平的高温胁迫条件均可诱发PhCAT基因的上调表达。而CAT酶活测定结果却显示,各种水平的失水胁迫条件下,坛紫菜细胞内的CAT酶活水平均显著低于正常条件下的酶活水平;高温胁迫24 h时,CAT酶活水平显著增强,而其余时间点的酶活水平则显著降低。研究表明CAT酶在坛紫菜高温胁迫应答中发挥着重要作用,但在失水胁迫应答中却没有发挥明显作用。     

坛紫菜6-磷酸海藻糖合成酶(TPS)家族基因的克隆及表达特征分析

6-磷酸海藻糖合成酶(TPS)是植物海藻糖合成的关键酶,在植物逆境胁迫应答中发挥着重要的作用.实验以坛紫菜转录组测序获得的unigene序列为基础,采用RACE技术克隆获得坛紫菜的3条TPS基因序列:PhTPS1,PhTPS2-1和PhTPS2-2.序列分析结果表明,PhTPS1(收录号:KM580358)序列全长3 557 bp,包含一个3 462 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含1 153个氨基酸,分子量为124.2 ku,等电点为6.73,属于TPS Ⅰ亚家族;PhTPS2-1(收录号:KM519457)序列全长4 264 bp,包含一个4 044 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含1 374个氨基酸,分子量为145.2 ku,等电点为5.96;PhTPS2-2(收录号:KM519458)序列全长3 733 bp,包含一个3 324 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含1 107个氨基酸,分子量为120.2 ku,等电点为5.42.PhTPS2-1和PhTPS2-2属于TPSⅡ亚家族.基因表达水平的定量分析结果表明高温胁迫条件下,3条PhTPS基因的表达模式基本一致,均表现为先上调后下调,再上调的趋势;而PhTPS1和PhTPS2-1基因在中低水平的失水条件下,基因表达水平均没有发生显著变化,只在高水平失水胁迫下显著上调,PhTPS2-2基因在中高水平失水条件下,表达水平显著上调.说明PhTPS基因可能只在高度失水胁迫下发挥应激调节作用.     

坛紫菜谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶基因的克隆及表达特征

谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GPX)是植物活性氧(ROS)清除酶促系统的重要成员之一,在植物逆境胁迫应答中发挥着重要作用。本研究以坛紫菜(Pyropia haitanensis)为研究材料采用RACE技术克隆获得了一条坛紫菜的GPX全长基因序列,命名为PhGPX(Gen Bank收录号:JX673908)。该基因序列全长1027 bp,包含555 bp的开放阅读框,所编码的多肽包含184个氨基酸,分子量为19.9 k D,等电点为8.76。多序列比对和系统进化树分析结果表明Ph GPX属于植物GPX基因家族成员。基因表达水平的q PCR分析结果表明Ph GPX基因在坛紫菜叶状体和丝状体世代中的表达水平没有显著差异;高温胁迫不同时间水平下,Ph GPX基因的表达水平呈现为先上调后下调的趋势;不同失水胁迫条件下,Ph GPX基因的表达不受低水平的失水胁迫影响,但可被高水平(40%)的失水胁迫所抑制,且在复水30 min后仍然无法恢复失水胁迫前的水平。由此推测坛紫菜体内的GPX也可能存在多种家族成员,不同的逆境胁迫条件、甚至不同的逆境胁迫水平可能需要不同家族成员的GPX参与ROS的清除和防御。     

高温胁迫下坛紫菜叶状体的生理响应

以坛紫菜耐高温品系Z-61 F₄代叶状体为试验材料、野生型坛紫菜叶状体为对照,研究了高温胁迫(30 ℃、26 ℃)与正常培养温度(21 ℃)下,处理不同天数(0、2、4、6、8、10 d)后坛紫菜叶状体中自由基含量、过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、过氧化物酶(POD)活性、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和游离脯氨酸(Pro)含量的动态变化过程。结果发现耐高温型坛紫菜对高温胁迫的生理响应过程:高温胁迫→活性氧含量上升→细胞膜氧化受损,产生过量膜脂过氧化物→细胞感受到过量的活性氧信号→抗氧化系统和渗透压调节系统共同响应,清除活性氧→自由基含量下降。同时比较两种紫菜对高温胁迫的生理响应过程,发现耐高温型坛紫菜在高温胁迫下能同时启动抗氧化系统和渗透压调节系统,而野生型坛紫菜则只能启动渗透压调节系统,并且两种紫菜抗氧化系统的本底含量也存在着显著差别。由此说明不同品系坛紫菜耐高温性状差异的可能原因是细胞内抗氧化系统的应激性和本底含量存在差异。     

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.