Search Results (154)

(1) Background: The BMP/GDF (Bone Morphogenetic Protein/Growth Differentiation Factor) subfamily (Decapentaplegic-Vg1-related, DVR) within the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily plays critical roles in governing biological developmental processes and physiological functions. (2) Methods: In this study, we systematically investigated the DVR gene family in hexaploid Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe) through comprehensive genomic identification, phylogenetic analysis, chromosome mapping, and cis-regulatory element prediction. The experimental design for gene expression analysis involved collecting samples from multiple tissues (brain, muscle, liver, kidney, etc.) and different developmental stages (20, 45, and 60 days post hatching, dph) to examine the expression patterns of four GDF8 genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). (3) Results: We identified 50 DVR members in Qihe gibel carp. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 50 DVR family members into 20 distinct protein types, with 29 BMPs (Bone Morphogenetic Proteins) and 21 GDFs (Growth Differentiation Factors) identified. All 50 DVR proteins of Qihe gibel carp have similar TGF-β domains except for four BMP1 proteins. Chromosomal localization revealed widespread distribution of DVR members across 36 chromosomes, a pattern potentially linked to the hexaploid genome of Qihe gibel carp. Genes within the same subgroup exhibited conserved intron–exon architectures and similar intron numbers; syntenic conservation within subgroups may reflect functional constraints after polyploidization, implying evolutionary pressure to maintain functional domains. Through spatiotemporal expression profiling, we uncovered functional divergence among four GDF8 (myostatin) paralogs: GDF8-1 and GDF8-2 were predominantly expressed in brain and muscle tissues (dorsal and caudal), while GDF8-3 and GDF8-4 showed hepatic, cerebral, and renal specificity. Intriguingly, all paralogs exhibited a gradual upregulation during late development (20–60 days post hatching, dph), with peak expression staggered between 45 dph (GDF8-1/2) and 60 dph (GDF8-3/4). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that GDF8 plays a critical regulatory role in the growth and development of Qihe gibel carp. Collectively, these results provide a foundation for further investigations into the functional roles of the DVR gene family during the ontogenetic development of this species. Full article

Early life nutrition is a critical factor influencing subsequent performance and quality, including skeletal development, in farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). This study investigated the effects of a novel start-feed protocol utilizing barnacle nauplii and plankton eggs and two experimental microdiets on larval survival, growth, skeletal anomalies, and organ ontogeny. Atlantic cod larvae were reared using three feeding protocols (COM, D1, and D2): COM used enriched rotifers and a commercial microdiet, while D1 and D2 protocols incorporated blue mussel eggs (Cryo-µ) and barnacle nauplii (Cryo-S, Cryo-L), followed by inert microdiets that differed in their phospholipid (PL) source (D1 richer in vegetable PL; D2 richer in marine PL). Larvae were sampled up to 66 days post hatching (dph) for morphometric, skeletal anomaly, and histological analyses. Survival averaged 21.3% and was unaffected by the diets. The control group had slightly higher standard length and dry weight at 66 dph compared to the experimental groups. However, larvae fed the D1 protocol exhibited a significantly lower overall prevalence of skeletal anomalies (52%) compared to the control group (91%). Moreover, D1 showed a lower occurrence of severe anomalies and a significantly reduced prevalence of scoliosis compared to both D2 and COM groups. Histology showed that group D1 achieved an overall accelerated organ ontogeny, with greater villi length and goblet cell abundance in the anterior intestine at 66 dph. In conclusion, the novel D1 feeding protocol, incorporating barnacle nauplii and a microdiet richer in vegetable phospholipids, enhanced larval quality by effectively reducing skeletal anomalies and accelerating internal organ development. Full article

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are important plasticizers that have led to the heavy pollution of farmland, which has aroused significant and widespread concern for soil health and food safety. Microbial degradation has been recognized as an efficient pathway for removing PAEs from the environment. In this study, the PAE-degrading strain FR1 was isolated from sewage and determined to belong to Glutamicibacter. This strain degraded PAEs efficiently under a wide range of conditions—10–50 °C, pH of 6.0–11.0, and 0–8% salinity—demonstrating its great potential in PAE bioremediation. Genome sequencing provided complete genomic information, showing that the strain comprises one chromosome (3,404,214 bp) and three plasmids (112,089 bp, 80,486 bp, and 40,002 bp). The chromosome harbors 3238 protein genes, of which the PAE hydrolase genes dphGB1 and mphGB2 have been cloned. The hydrolase DphGB1 from hydrolase family I contained the catalytic triad Ser75-Asp194-His221. After heterogeneous expression and purification, the recombinant protein DphGB1, of about 30 kDa, was obtained. This hydrolase showed strong hydrolytic ability toward DEHP. The protein MphGB2 could also hydrolyze MBP. The molecular docking revealed interaction between DphGB1 and DBP. The main hydrolases of strain FR1-degrading PAEs were functionally identified. These results will promote the elucidation of the catalytic mechanisms of PAE hydrolases and the application of strain FR1 in farmland soil remediation. Full article

To understand the changes in gonadal sex differentiation, digestive enzyme activity, and growth-related hormone levels in the larval and juvenile black scraper, Thamnaconus modestus, continuous sampling was conducted from 0 to 91 days post-hatching (dph). 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, six digestive enzymes, as well as T3, T4, GH, and IGF-I were detected. The results showed that oogonia or spermatogonia was observed at 60 dph. During the sex differentiation to female or male, both E2 and T levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting that E2 and T may induce the sex differentiation to female or male in T. modestus, respectively. The amylase activity from 0 to 35 dph showed a slow upward trend, which may be due to the transition from endogenous to exogenous nutrition at this time. From 12 to 25 dph, alkaline protease activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while acid protease levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting that as organs in the digestive system continue to develop, acid protease plays an important role. T3 and T4 could already be detected at 0 dph, and the T4 content was always much higher than T3 throughout the stages, indicating that T4 may play more important roles than T3. Additionally, the changes in IGF-I and GH content followed a trend of an initial increase, a subsequent decrease, and then an increase, ultimately showing an overall upward trend. These results indicate that T4, IGF-I, and GH play crucial roles in growth and development in the juvenile fish. In conclusion, the results of this study provide useful information for growth, artificial reproduction, and sex regulation in T. modestus. Full article

Backcrossing serves as an effective tool for interspecific gene introgression, facilitating germplasm improvement. To develop superior grouper aquaculture varieties, in this study, a backcrossed breed was constructed by crossing a male hybrid grouper, KGGG (Epinephelus moara ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂), with a female parent kelp grouper (KG; E. moara). Here, we observed embryonic, larval development, and morphological changes in KG × KGGG. Additionally, the total length and body weight of the backcrossed breed and maternal parent were compared at 160 d post hatching (dph). The results showed that fertilization and the hatching rate were 73.23 ± 4.23% and 51.74 ± 3.67%, respectively, and the egg size was 0.89 ± 0.03 mm. Hatching occurred 23:19 h after fertilization at 25 ± 1 °C, and the newly hatched larvae were 1.94 ± 0.13 mm in length. Furthermore, at 160 dph, the total length and body weight of the backcrossed breed were 1.2-fold and 1.9-fold greater, respectively, when compared with those of the maternal parent. Importantly, it is possible that backcrossed KG × KGGG could become a dominant strain in grouper aquaculture practices. Full article

Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) are a staple commodity in the marine aquarium trade and an emerging model organism for research. Bottlenecks during larviculture affect the survival of juvenile fish and continued reliance on live feeds, such as rotifers (Brachionus spp.) and Artemia spp. nauplii, increasing the complexity and cost of raising this species. This study utilized known digestive physiology of clownfish larvae to experimentally reduce the use of live feeds. First, larvae were weaned from rotifers to Artemia at three time points (3, 5, and 7 days post-hatch [DPH]), demonstrating that larvae can be transitioned to Artemia as early as 5 DPH without negative impacts on survival, total length (TL), or whole-body cortisol. A second weaning trial tested the introduction of a commercial microdiet (MD) at 5, 8, and 11 DPH. Survival was greatest when the MD was introduced at 5 DPH (mean ± SD; 64.47 ± 0.10%), and no differences in TL nor whole-body cortisol were detected, suggesting that Artemia may not be required prior to MD weaning. Next, three commercially available MDs were tested for their effects on survival, growth, and coloration of clownfish larvae. Survival and growth did not differ among diets, but fish fed TDO Chroma Boost™ exhibited significantly red-shifted hues, higher saturation, and greater brightness scores in some body regions compared to fish fed Golden Pearl or GEMMA Micro 300. A partial budget analysis indicated a net profit increase of ~$1.60 per fish, highlighting the potential for cost savings and streamlined clownfish production. Full article

The captive breeding of marine ornamental fish with specialized larval requirements—such as Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus—remains a major bottleneck in aquaculture, largely due to the lack of techniques tailored to their unique morphological and nutritional needs. The global marine ornamental aquaculture market is valued at approximately USD 2.15 billion annually; however, only around 10% of marine ornamental species are currently supplied through captive breeding, highlighting a substantial technological gap. The artificial propagation of C. mesoleucus is particularly challenging due to the species’ small mouth gape and high nutritional demands during early development. To address this issue, we evaluated the effects of three live-prey types—Euplotes sp., Brachionus sp., and Bestiolina coreana—as well as a mixed diet containing all three, on larval performance. From 3 days post-hatch, larvae were fed each prey type at equal densities (15–20 individuals/mL), and water quality was carefully maintained to minimize external influences. Survival and total length were assessed at 14 dph. At the end of the trial, the mixed-diet group showed the highest survival rate (36.2 ± 5.6%), whereas larvae fed only B. coreana exhibited the greatest total length (7.4 ± 1.2 mm) and a high metamorphosis rate (97.8%). These findings demonstrate that prey selection significantly influences the early survival and growth in C. mesoleucus larvae and highlight the critical role of copepods in promoting growth performance. However, as larval biomass was not quantified, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and future studies incorporating biomass assessments are needed to draw more conclusive inferences. The successful mass rearing of this species supports the feasibility of captive production to reduce wild harvesting, protect coral-reef biodiversity, and promote sustainable ornamental aquaculture. Full article

The European seabass is a key Mediterranean aquaculture species, vital for sustainably meeting rising global protein demands amid declining wild fish stocks. Genetic analyses have identified the six6 gene as a candidate target of domestication and selective breeding, with two SNPs showing significant genotypic differences between wild and farmed European seabass populations. Further analyses revealed differential six6 expression between larval and juvenile stages, suggesting a potential developmental role. This study explores associations between these SNPs and important aquaculture traits across early developmental stages. Seabass samples were examined at 34 days post-hatching (dph, larval stage) and 71 dph (juvenile stage). We examined associations between specific six6 SNPs and morphological traits using traditional morphometrics, analyzing 20 and 26 characteristics in the larval and juvenile stages, respectively. Shape and size differences were examined with allometric correction. The six6 gene was primarily associated with body length, height, and caudal fin morphology. Notably, homozygous six6 genotype combinations at the studied SNPs were associated with increased body length in a developmental stage-specific manner. Variation in this gene also appeared to influence eye development in juveniles. These findings offer phenotypic evidence supporting previous genetic and expression studies in European seabass, highlighting their potential applications in fisheries and aquaculture. Full article

Gonadal development and spermatogenesis critically influence fish reproductive performance. Neomales (genetically female but functionally male) are indispensable for generating all-female populations, yet their spermatogenesis remains understudied. In the present study, we systematically investigated gonadal maturation in neomales of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), an economically important marine species exhibiting sexually dimorphic growth. We examined the growth performance and gonadal development throughout the maturation process in neomales and control males. Results showed comparable growth performance but a temporal divergence in gonadal development: the gonadosomatic index (GSI) of neomales was significantly higher than control males at 400 and 430 days post-hatching (dph), but not at 460 dph during the reproductive period. Histological, ultrastructural (TEM), and immunofluorescence analyses collectively demonstrated that neomale testes contained all major spermatogenic cell types. Their morphological characteristics and expression patterns of key markers—germ cells (vasa), Sertoli cells (sox9a), and meiotic recombination (dmc1)—were similar to control males. These findings enhance understanding of gonadal development and spermatogenesis in neomales, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for large-scale production of all-female large yellow croaker. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate stage-specific dynamics, assembly mechanisms, and functional roles of bacterial communities during Macrobrachium rosenbergii larval development through high-resolution microbiota profiling. A high-frequency sampling strategy (126 samples across 11 zoeal stages and 1 post-larval stage within 21 days) and 16S rRNA absolute quantification sequencing were employed. Bacterial succession, persistent taxa, and ecological processes were analyzed using abundance-occupancy modeling, neutral community modeling, and PICRUSt2-based functional prediction. Absolute bacterial abundance exhibited a triphasic abundance trajectory. Initial accumulation: Linear increase (Dph 1–5, peak Δlog10 = +1.7). Mid-stage expansion: Peak abundance (log10 = 7.5 copies/g, Dph 7–8). Late-stage remodeling: Secondary peak (log10 = 7.1 copies/g, Dph 19). Eighty dominant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) (dominant taxa: Herminiimonas, Maritalea, and Enterobacteriaceae) comprised > 95% of the total abundance and coexisted via niche partitioning. Community construction was dominated by ecological drift/dispersal limitation (neutral model R² = 0.16, p < 0.01). Metabolic pathways (e.g., nutrient metabolism) shifted with dietary transition. “Phylogenetic replacement” underpinned microbiota resilience against environmental perturbations. Optimizing aquaculture environments offers a viable antibiotic-free strategy for microbial management, advancing our understanding of host microbe interactions and ecological niche differentiation in aquatic animals. Full article

This study presents an advanced analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA), a biomarker of oxidative stress, and diphenyl phosphate (DPhP), a metabolite of the organophosphate flame retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), in human urine. The method integrates hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), a type of liquid chromatography suitable for polar compounds, for MDA separation, and an online restricted access material (RAM), a preconcentration column, for DPhP isolation, achieving high specificity and sensitivity. Validation with certified urine samples confirmed its robustness across diverse analyte concentrations and complex biological matrices. The optimized clean-up steps effectively minimized carryover, allowing for high-throughput analysis. Application to 72 urine samples revealed a significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.702, p-value = 1.9 × 10⁻⁷) between MDA and DPhP levels, supporting a potential link between oxidative stress and TPhP exposure. The subset analysis demonstrated a statistically significant moderate positive correlation in women (ρ = 0.622, p-value = 0.020), although this result should be interpreted with caution because of the limited sample size (N = 14). This method provides a powerful tool for biomonitoring oxidative stress and environmental contaminants, offering valuable insights into exposure-related health risks. Full article

This study investigated the effects of feeding striped beakfish (Oplegnathus fasciatus) newly hatched larvae on the survival and growth of kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) larvae and juveniles, as well as their relative growth patterns. Fertilized eggs of kawakawa were reared in 1 m³ experimental tanks until 13 days post-hatch (dph). From 3 to 8 dph, larvae were fed enriched rotifers, and from 9 to 12 dph, they were assigned to two experimental groups: one receiving only a formulated diet and the other receiving a combination of the formulated diet and 10,000 striped beakfish newly hatched larvae every day in each tank. The group fed newly hatched larvae exhibited approximately 36% greater growth than the group fed only the formulated diet. However, survival at 13 dph was approximately 34% lower, suggesting that further investigation is needed to determine the optimal feeding quantity of newly hatched larvae. The relative growth patterns of larvae and juveniles reared in a commercial 30 m³ tank showed morphological traits characteristic of scombrid fish, such as a longer preanal length and upper jaw length. Growth patterns varied at three key body lengths (notochord length or standard length; 3, 8–10, and 30 mm), as well as at their corresponding standard lengths. In kawakawa, the upper jaw exhibited early accelerated growth compared to other scombrid species. This characteristic is believed to facilitate the early onset of piscivory under captive conditions. Full article

This study aimed to design self-adhesive cutaneous films with an antiallergic effect using a Design of Experiments approach. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH). A full factorial experimental design with three factors and two levels was created. The factors were the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ratio, the polyacrylic acid (PAA) ratio, and the type of plasticizer. The responses evaluated were hardness, deformation at hardness, adhesive force, and in vitro DPH release profile. Eleven formulations were generated, prepared in two steps via solvent casting, and characterized in terms of mechanical and adhesive properties, as well as the in vitro DPH release profile. The PVA ratio had the most significant impact on the responses, followed by PEG 400 and PEG 4000. Four film formulations were investigated using Raman spectroscopy, which revealed that the API was distributed in both the base and adhesive layers. Consequently, an optimal formulation was prepared and characterized. Good mechanical properties (a hardness of 463.7 g and a deformation at hardness of 16.56 mm) and an increased adhesive force (76 g) were observed, while the DPH was released up to 68% over 12 h. In conclusion, a novel self-adhesive film was developed, which may enhance patients’ adherence to local antiallergic treatment. Full article

Current feeding protocols used in commercial hatcheries of Mediterranean fish species are, for a species-dependent period after hatching, based on live feeds which have often raised issues of biosecurity, stability, availability, price and nutrients content. Instead, dry feeds can offer stability in nutritional value, price and supply. The aim of the present study was to evaluate an alternative feeding protocol by co-feeding live and dry feed at first feeding red seabream larvae (on 3 days post-hatching—3 dph, DF3) and to compare it to a standard feeding protocol (i.e., dry feed introduced on 22 dph, DF22). Larvae productivity and functional development of the digestive system were evaluated under actual production conditions in a commercial hatchery. Additionally, post-larvae efficiency during pre-growing was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The results obtained showed that the experimental protocol (DF3) promoted larval growth without affecting larval survival and the efficiency of the digestion processes. After pre-growing, DF3-produced juveniles showed a decreased incidence of spinal cord malformations, while the initially gained growth advantage was maintained. The present study shows the feasibility of an alternative feeding protocol for red seabream intensive larviculture and points out the critical role that larval rearing may have for later production stages. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a clinically diverse group of conditions that affect brain development, often leading to varying degrees of functional impairment. Many NDDs, particularly syndromic forms, are caused by genetic mutations affecting critical cellular pathways. Ribosomopathies, a subgroup of NDDs, are linked to defects in ribosomal function, including those involving the synthesis of diphthamide, a post-translational modification of translation elongation factor 2 (eEF2). Loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in genes involved in diphthamide biosynthesis, such as DPH1, DPH2, and DPH5, result in developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), and multisystemic abnormalities. DPH5-related diphthamide deficiency syndrome has recently been reported as an ultrarare disorder linked to LoF mutations in DPH5, encoding a methyltransferase required for diphthamide synthesis. Methods: Clinical, neurological, and dysmorphological evaluations were performed by a multidisciplinary team. Brain MRI was acquired on a 3T scanner. Craniofacial abnormalities were assessed using the GestaltMatcher phenotyping tool. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on leukocyte-derived DNA with a trio-based approach. Bioinformatic analyses included variant annotation, filtering, and pathogenicity prediction using established databases and tools. Results: The affected subject carried a previously reported missense change, p.His260Arg, suggesting the occurrence of genotype–phenotype correlations and a hypomorphic behavior of the variant, likely explaining the overall milder phenotype compared to the previously reported patients with DPH5-related diphthamide deficiency syndrome. Conclusions: Overall, the co-occurrence of short stature, relative macrocephaly, congenital heart defects, variable DD/ID, minor skeletal and ectodermal features, and consistent craniofacial features suggests a differential diagnosis with Noonan syndrome and related phenotypes. Full article