Nutritional regulation of glucose metabolism-related genes in the emerging teleost model Mexican tetra surface fish: a first exploration

Abstract

Astyanax mexicanus has gained importance as a laboratory model organism for evolutionary biology. However, little is known about its intermediary metabolism, and feeding regimes remain variable between laboratories holding this species. We thus aimed to evaluate the intermediary metabolism response to nutritional status and to low (NC) or high (HC) carbohydrate diets in various organs of the surface-dwelling form of the species. As expected, glycaemia increased after feeding. Fish fed the HC diet had higher glycaemia than fish fed the NC diet, but without displaying hyperglycaemia, suggesting that carbohydrates are efficiently used as an energy source. At molecular level, only fasn ( Fatty Acid Synthase ) transcripts increased in tissues after refeeding, suggesting an activation of lipogenesis. On the other hand, we monitored only moderate changes in glucose-related transcripts. Most changes observed were related to the nutritional status, but not to the NC versus HC diet. Such a metabolic pattern is suggestive of an omnivorous-related metabolism, and this species, at least at adult stage, may adapt to a fish meal-substituted diet with high carbohydrate content and low protein supply. Investigation to identify molecular actors explaining the efficient use of such a diet should be pursued to deepen our knowledge on this species.

Resilience in a Natural Model of Metabolic Dysfunction Through Changes in Longevity and Ageing-Related Metabolites

“…Astyanax may provide natural solutions to overcome the challenges associated with modern diseases, like diabetes (21), and are also an intriguing model for heart regeneration (22). However, the extent of metabolic adaptations associated with cave-life remains unknown, as neither the cavefish metabolome or their response to dietary challenges have been comprehensively described (23).…”

Evolution of olfactory sensitivity, preferences and behavioral responses in Mexican cavefish: fish personality matters

“…Therefore, odor preferences have evolved between cavefish and surface fish, as well as between zebrafish and Astyanax. In the same line, previously we had reported that chondroitin is a strong attractant for Astyanax (Blin et al, 2020), whereas it induces freezing and fear behavior in zebrafish (Mathuru et al, 2012). Such significant variations in odor preferences or value may be adaptive and relate to the differences in the environmental and ecological conditions in which these different animals live.…”

“…Finally, Pachón CF, SF and F2 hybrids possess markedly different sensory apparatuses and capacities, not only for chemo-but also for mechano-sensation (Lunsford et al, 2022;Yoshizawa et al, 2010). Therefore, to test behavioral responses specific to olfactory stimuli, we wanted to find a way to deliver odors that would be vibration-less.…”

Evolution of olfactory sensitivity, preferences and behavioral responses in Mexican cavefish: fish personality matters

“…Finally, Pachón CF, SF and F2 hybrids possess markedly different sensory apparatuses and capacities, not only for chemo-but also for mechano-sensation (Lunsford et al, 2022;Yoshizawa et al, 2010). Therefore, to test behavioral responses specific to olfactory stimuli, we wanted to find a way to deliver odors that would be vibration-less.…”