Neuroendocrine regulation of somatic growth in fishes

• Published in: Science China. Life sciences 2015-02, Vol.58 (2), p.137-147
• Main Authors: Dai, XiangYan, Zhang, Wei, Zhuo, ZiJian, He, JiangYan, Yin, Zhan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Energy Metabolism; Fish Proteins - genetics; Fish Proteins - metabolism; Fishes - genetics; Fishes - growth & development; Fishes - metabolism; Growth Hormone - metabolism; Life Sciences; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Models, Biological; Neurosecretory Systems - growth & development; Neurosecretory Systems - metabolism; Pisces; Review; Signal Transduction; Teleostei; 代谢作用; 信号分子; 生长轴; 神经内分泌调节; 肌肉生长; 能量代谢; 身体; 鱼类
• ISSN: 1674-7305; 1869-1889
• DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4805-8

Growth is a polygenic trait that is under the influence of multiple physiological pathways regulating energy metabolism and muscle growth. Among the possible growth-regulating pathways in vertebrates, components of the somatotropic axis are thought to have the greatest influence. There is growing body of literature focusing on the somatotropic axis and its role regu- lating growth in fish. This includes research into growth hormone, upstream hypothalamic hormones, insulin-like growth fac- tors, and downstream signaling molecules. Many of these signals have both somatic effects stimulating the growth of tissues and metabolic effects that play a role in nutrient metabolism. Signals of other endocrine axes exhibit profound effects on the function of the somatotropic axis in vivo. In this review we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the teleost fish endocrine somatotropic axis, including emerging research using genetic modified models. These studies have revealed new aspects and challenges associated with regulation of the important steps of somatic growth.