Insights into early ontogenesis: characterization of stress and development key genes of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in vivo and in vitro

Abstract

There are still numerous difficulties in the successful farming of pikeperch in the anthropogenic environment of various aquaculture systems, especially during early developmental steps in the hatchery. To investigate the physiological processes involved on the molecular level, we determined the basal expression patterns of 21 genes involved in stress and immune responses and early ontogenesis of pikeperch between 0 and 175 days post hatch (dph). Their transcription patterns most likely reflect the challenges of growth and feed conversion. The gene coding for apolipoprotein A (APOE) was strongly expressed at 0 dph, indicating its importance for yolk sac utilization. Genes encoding bone morphogenetic proteins 4 and 7 (BMP4, BMP7), creatine kinase M (CKM), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) were highly abundant during the peak phases of morphological changes and acclimatization processes at 4–18 dph. The high expression of genes coding for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and delta (PPARA, PPARD) at 121 and 175 dph, respectively, suggests their importance during this strong growth phase of juvenile stages. As an alternative experimental model to replace further in vivo investigations of ontogenetically important processes, we initiated the first approach towards a long-lasting primary cell culture from whole pikeperch embryos. The present study provides a set of possible biomarkers to support the monitoring of pikeperch farming and provides a first basis for the establishment of a suitable cell model of this emerging aquaculture species.

The pattern of gene expression (IGF family, muscle growth regulatory factors and osteogenesis related genes) involved in growth of skeletal muscle in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) during ontogenesis

“…Although a signi cant increase was observed at 14 DPH, the higher gene expression in the egg suggests that igfII gene played an essential regulatory role in embryo and larvae development. Schäfer et al (2021) suggested that the transcript level of igfII and ghr in pikeperch increased from early after hatching to 4 and 7 DPH and the highest levels at the juvenile stage, re ecting the strong phase of growth in ngerlings. Previous report documented increased igfII transcript levels in maraena white sh (Coregonus maraena) at the onset of oral feeding and during development into the ngerlings (Nipkow et al 2018).…”

“…Thus, the pikeperch aquaculture in arti cial conditions has noticeable development, which is due to the increasing demand of this species for human consumption (Javid Rahmdel and Falahatkar 2021). However, there are different problems that affect the increased production and trade in aquaculture, and in pikeperch, it is hampered by di culties especially during early ontogenesis, which includes the organogenesis, including myo-, skeleto-, and neurogenesis, as well as the phase of growth and the development of the immune system (Schäfer et al 2021). Therefore, understanding of the regulatory systems related to growth, muscle and bone is essential for aquaculture production.…”

Effects of Chronic Hypoxia on the Immune Status of Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca Linnaeus, 1758)

“…The genes, elongation factor 1 alpha (EEF1A1), ribosomal protein L32 (RPL32) and ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5) were applied as reference according to Swirplies et al (2019) [29]. For the candidate genes interleukin 8 (CXCL8), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), heat shock transcription factor 2 (HSF2), heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group c member 1 (NR3C1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pikeperch-specific oligonucleotide sequences were already available from our former studies [29,30]. Using our recently published pikeperch genome (RefSeq NCBI: GCA_008315115.1) [31], we identified the remaining orthologs for S. lucioperca.…”