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Title: Molecular characterization of the MuRF gene family: potential role in rainbow trout muscle degradation

Author
item WANG, JIANNAN - West Virginia University
item SALEM, MOHAMED - West Virginia University
item KENNEY, BRETT - West Virginia University
item Weber, Gregory - Greg
item Rexroad, Caird
item YAO, JIANBO - West Virginia University

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2010
Publication Date: 1/9/2010
Citation: Wang, J., Salem, M., Kenney, B.P., Weber, G.M., Rexroad III, C.E., Yao, J. 2010. Molecular characterization of the MuRF gene family: potential role in rainbow trout muscle degradation. Plant and Animal Genome Conference, No. 103.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As the world demand for seafood increases, aquaculture production becomes more important. Limited knowledge of molecular regulation of muscle growth and flesh quality hinders genetic improvement of these important traits in fish. Our goal is to enhance muscle growth and fillet quality in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Muscle growth is determined primarily by rate of protein turnover. Unlike mammals, rapidly growing fish have reduced protein degradation rather than increased protein synthesis. Studies in mammals showed that muscle atrophy results from increased protein breakdown, and is associated with activation of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway including induction of the muscle-specific ubiquitin protein ligase, MuRF-1. Animals lacking MuRF-1 are resistant to muscle atrophy. In fish, little is known about the role of proteasome/MuRF pathway in muscle degradation. The objectives of this study are to: 1) clone and characterize MuRF genes in rainbow trout; and 2) determine expression of MuRF genes in association with starvation and spawning-induced muscle atrophy in rainbow trout. We have identified full-length cDNA sequences for three MuRF genes (MuRF-1, MuRF-2, and MuRF-3). These genes encode proteins with typical MuRF structural domains, including a RING-finger, a B-box and a Leucine-rich coiled-coil domain. RT-PCR analysis showed that all three genes are predominantly expressed in muscle and heart tissues. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of all MuRF genes is upregulated in starvation and spawning-induced muscle atrophy in rainbow trout. These results suggest an important role of the MuRF genes in muscle protein degradation in fish. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential use of the MURF genes as tools to monitor fish muscle growth and degradation.