Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Advances in Fish Skin 3.0

Dear Colleagues,

The study of fish skin is increasingly important, offering ideas for research and application in various environmental and economic sectors.

Several studies in the medical sector have highlighted that teleost skin can be used in pharmacology as a matrix for the treatment of burns in both humans and animals, thanks in particular to its high collagen content. Similarly, cod skin has been used to regenerate human skin, offering an effective option for the treatment of serious diseases.

The skin of many teleost species is also recognized for its high nutritional value. It is in fact rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 into the diet can in fact provide significant health benefits.

Finally, the use of fish skin contributes to environmental sustainability. Every year, millions of tons of waste from the seafood processing industry are generated globally; transforming this waste into useful products reduces waste by promoting the circular economy. This not only valorizes previously unused resources, but also helps to preserve the marine ecosystem by reducing pollution caused by improper waste disposal.

The study of fish skin has evolved significantly, offering valuable insights into their biology and broader applications. Recent advancements in imaging techniques, molecular tools, and an understanding of immune and structural properties have highlighted the multifaceted role of fish skin in various fields such as aquaculture, conservation, and environmental monitoring.

Key Areas of Progress

1. Aquaculture:
   Research on fish skin has important implications for improving fish health in aquaculture. Understanding the skin’s immune system and structural properties can help develop better strategies for disease prevention and improving farmed fish welfare.
2. Conservation:
   In the context of endangered species, studying the adaptability and health of fish skin can inform conservation strategies. Insights into skin's role in environmental adaptation can help tailor effective preservation efforts for threatened species.
3. Environmental Monitoring:
   Fish skin serves as a sensitive biomarker for detecting environmental stressors, including pollution and pathogens. Advances in molecular techniques allow for improved monitoring of these threats to aquatic ecosystems, offering a proactive approach to conservation.

Conclusions

The 3.0 phase of fish skin research marks a convergence of cutting-edge technologies and a deeper understanding of fish biology. These advancements are broadening our knowledge and enhancing practical applications in aquaculture, conservation, and environmental monitoring. As research progresses, we expect more refined methodologies and deeper insights into the complexities of fish skin biology.

With reference to the aim of the special issue, it is suggested to send articles that focus on the study of teleost skin as a means of investigation for monitoring animal health but also for the environment using morphology and molecular biology techniques. Furthermore, it would be desirable to receive articles that delve into topics related to the structures of skin appendages that are little studied and little known (dermal glands, light organs, adaptations of the epidermis, etc.)

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but
not limited to) the following:

• Morphology;
• Molecular biology;
• Structure and Ultrastructure.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mauro Cavallaro
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• skin
• teleosts
• skin appendages
• glands
• light organs
• morphology
• ultrastructure
• molecular advances