Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Muscle Plasticity in Fish.

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture
• Molecular Biology
• Fish Physiology

Background:

• Fish growth is influenced by genetics and variable environmental factors, leading to dynamic muscle plasticity.
• Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) are key regulators of muscle cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for improving fish growth and adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in molecular mechanisms regulating MRF expression and activity in fish.
• To highlight the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation in fish muscle plasticity.
• To explore the potential of these mechanisms for aquaculture and breeding strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on molecular mechanisms controlling fish muscle growth.
• Analysis of studies investigating the impact of environmental factors (temperature, nutrition) on muscle plasticity.
• Examination of genetic variations in miRNA and DNA methylation patterns related to fish growth.

Main Results:

• MicroRNAs and DNA methylation are significant regulators of fish muscle plasticity, especially under environmental stress.
• Environmental factors like temperature and nutrition modulate MRF activity via these molecular pathways.
• Genetic variations in miRNA expression and DNA methylation correlate with body weight and growth rates.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are vital for fish muscle plasticity.
• These mechanisms offer potential targets for genomic selection to enhance fish growth and stress resilience.
• Further research can inform breeding programs for improved aquaculture outcomes.