ARS | Publication request: CHARACTERIZATION OF GENES INVOLVED WITH GROWTH AND IMMUNITY IN THE YELLOW PERCH (PERCA FLAVESCENS)

Submitted to: Electronic Publication
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2008
Publication Date: July 28, 2008
Repository URL: http://www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/congress/2008/Abstracts.pdf
Citation: Shepherd, B.S., Rees, C.B., Binkowski, F.P., Goetz, F.R. 2008. Characterization of genes involved with growth and immunity in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Abstract Book of Eighth International Congress on the Biology of Fish. p. 89.

Technical Abstract: In most vertebrates, growth hormone (GH) stimulates growth, metabolism and immunity. In yellow perch, GH does not appear to stimulate growth which suggests a condition of GH insensitivity. Furthermore, females grow faster and larger than males and estrogen preferentially stimulates this growth. The connection between estrogen-dependent growth and GH insensitivity is of particular interest given current efforts to improve growth in this species via selective breeding. A primary concern here is that animals which have been selectively bred for improved growth can experience decreased immunity. We hypothesize that the estrogen-dependent growth seen in yellow perch may be a causal factor underlying GH insensitivity in this species and that any genetic gain in growth may be offset by decreases in immunity. Data will be presented that describe the regulation of genes which encode for a family of proteins that regulate the signaling of hormones that affect growth and immunity in yellow perch.