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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Dairy Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #228805
Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF GENES INVOLVED WITH GROWTH AND IMMUNITY IN THE YELLOW PERCH (PERCA FLAVESCENS)

Author
item Shepherd, Brian
item Rees, Christopher
item BINKOWSKI, FRED - WATER INST, MILWAUKEE WI
item GOETZ, FREDERICK - WATER INST, MILWAUKEE WI

Submitted to: Electronic Publication
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2008
Publication Date: 7/28/2008
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.

Interpretive Summary:

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.