Evaluating the impact of methionine-enriched diets in the liver of European seabass through label-free shotgun proteomics

• Published in: Journal of proteomics 2021-02, Vol.232, p.104047, Article 104047
• Main Authors: Farinha, Ana Paula, Schrama, Denise, Silva, Tomé, Conceição, Luís E.C., Colen, Rita, Engrola, Sofia, Rodrigues, Pedro, Cerqueira, Marco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amino acid; Immune response; Metabolism; Nutrition; Proteome; Regulatory pathway
• ISSN: 1874-3919
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104047

Plant protein sources play an essential role in aquaculture by reducing the use of fish meal to sustainable levels, although further supplementation is needed to fulfill fish nutritional requirements. This work addressed fish growth performance and proteome changes to dietary methionine in European seabass juveniles. A dose-dependent response to methionine (Met) was observed on fish growth consistent with proteomic analyses, suggesting Met requirement ≥0.9% (w/w). Fish fed at 0.77% (w/w) exhibited reduced growth and an enrichment in proteins involved in cellular homeostasis. Proteomics data suggest an optimal nutritional status at 1.36% Met (w/w), together with putative beneficial effects on the immune system up to 1.66% Met (w/w). The response to dietary Met involved the convergence of different metabolic and signalling pathways implicated in cell growth and immune response e.g., mTOR, Hedgehog or the T Cell receptor signalling, coupled with a fine-tuning regulation of amino acid metabolism and translation. [Display omitted] •Dietary methionine effects on fish analysed for first time by shotgun proteomics.•Physiological and liver proteome responses to dietary methionine are dose-dependent.•Methionine supplementation may promote seabass growth and immunity up to 1.66% (w/w).•Proteomics show methionine requirements ≥1% (w/w) in European seabass juveniles.•Methionine regulates fish cell growth, immune response, AA metabolism and translation.