Malpigmentation of Common Sole (Solea solea) during Metamorphosis Is Associated with Differential Synaptic-Related Gene Expression

Abstract

In farmed flatfish, such as common sole, color disturbances are common. Dyschromia is a general term that includes the color defects on the blind and ocular sides of the fish. The purpose was to examine the difference in gene expression between normal pigmented and juveniles who present ambicoloration. The analysis was carried out with next-generation sequencing techniques and de novo assembly of the transcriptome. Transcripts that showed significant differences (FDR < 0.05) in the expression between the two groups, were related to those of zebrafish (Danio rerio), functionally identified, and classified into categories of the gene ontology. The results revealed that ambicolorated juveniles exhibit a divergent function, mainly of the central nervous system at the synaptic level, as well as the ionic channels. The close association of chromophore cells with the growth of nerve cells and the nervous system was recorded. The pathway, glutamate binding–activation of AMPA and NMDA receptors–long-term stimulation of postsynaptic potential–LTP (long term potentiation)–plasticity of synapses, appears to be affected. In addition, the development of synapses also seems to be affected by the interaction of the LGI (leucine-rich glioma inactivated) protein family with the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) ones.

A Novel Perspective on Neuronal Control of Anatomical Patterning, Remodeling, and Maintenance

“…To assure that the oculomotor and vestibular systems remain functioning after this drastic shift, the central nervous system undergoes unique restructuring where the secondary vestibular neurons terminate on vertical extraoculomotor and trochlear nuclei, which is a process not seen in other vertebrate systems [166]. Furthermore, the pigment of these fish is regulated by the central nervous system via synaptic regulation with disrupted functioning causing dyschromia during metamorphosis [167]. Danio rerio show similar neuronal control of pigment patterning as their melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores travel along different peripheral nerves to create their multicolored striated appearance [168][169][170].…”