Telomere length decreases during ontogeny in peled

Abstract

The different type of the age-related dynamics of telomeric DNA in different species indicates the complex mechanisms for regulating telomere length. In fish, telomere length can decrease, be maintained or increase during ontogeny. The cause of this is still unclear, but we assume that the regulation of telomeric DNA length may depend on the activity of protective systems and distribution of energy resources between tissues. We studied age-related dynamics of telomeric DNA in muscles and fins of peled, Coregonus peled, a valuable commercial fish that is widespread in the Russian North and used for successful acclimatization. Using quantitative PCR, we revealed a shortening of telomeric DNA in both tissues during the first two years of life of peled. Perhaps, a pattern of telomeric DNA dynamics is associated with the species-specific features of growth and development since some other salmonids maintain telomere length in the first years of life.