Molecular mechanisms regulating muscle plasticity in fish

Authors: KOGANTI, PRASANTHI - Cornell University; YAO, JIANBO - West Virginia University; Cleveland, Beth

Submitted to: Animals
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/25/2020
Publication Date: 12/30/2020
Citation: Koganti, P., Yao, J., Cleveland, B.M. 2020. Molecular mechanisms regulating muscle plasticity in fish. Animals. 11(1):61. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010061.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010061

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Growth rates in fish are largely dependent on genetic and environmental factors, the later of which can be highly variable throughout its lifespan. For this reason, muscle growth in fish is particularly dynamic as muscle structure and function can be altered by environmental conditions, a concept referred to as muscle plasticity. Muscle regulatory factors (MRFs) like myogenin, MyoD, and Pax7 control the myogenic mechanisms regulating muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, two critical processes central for the plasticity response. This review focuses on recent advancements in fish regarding the molecular mechanisms involving microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation that regulate the expression and activity of MRFs. Findings provide overwhelming support that these mechanisms are significant regulators of muscle plasticity, particularly in response to environmental factors like temperature and nutritional challenge. Differential levels of DNA methylation and miRNA expression also contribute to genetic variation in growth performance, introducing their potential as genetic markers for growth improvement though selective breeding. Collectively, this knowledge improves the understanding of mechanisms regulating muscle plasticity in fish and can contribute to the development of husbandry and/or breeding strategies that improve growth performance and responses to environmental challenges.