The expression pattern of calcium signaling-related genes during smoltification of Salmo salar in productive conditions

• Published in: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2019-05, Vol.231, p.20-25
• Main Authors: Domínguez, F.J., Pontigo, J.P., Oyarzún, R., Vargas-Lagos, C., Morera, F.J., Vargas-Chacoff, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calcium; Gene expression; Liver; Muscle; Plasma; Salmo salar; Smoltification
• ISSN: 1096-4959; 1879-1107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.02.002

Variations in the mRNA expression of hepatic and muscle genes that are related to calcium signaling were analyzed by real-time qPCR in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L. 1758) to determine changes in expression between parr and smolt stages. These organs were selected due to their close relationship with calcium signaling and metabolism (e.g., glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, muscle contraction). Differential expression between smolt and parr specimens and between organs was observed. Compared to parr specimens, smolts exhibited upregulated expression of the calcitonin receptor precursor, calcitonin receptor, calcitonin isoform, parathyroid hormone, and calmodulin in the liver. This pattern was inverse in muscle, with the exception of calmodulin, which was significantly upregulated in smolts compared to parr. Additionally, plasma calcium was decreased in the smolt condition. This study is the first to characterize the expression pattern of calcium signaling-related genes in the liver and muscle of parr and smolt S. salar. However, further functional studies are required to obtain a wider understanding about the physiological changes that accompany the productive conditions during smoltification. The results suggest a transcriptional activation of genes involved in oxidative stress in both liver and muscle. The present study evaluated the mRNA expression of a group of genes related to calcium signaling in the liver and muscle during S. salar smoltification under farming conditions. This careful selection could reduce existing high mortality rates during farm-based smoltification, thus promoting the sustainable development of salmon farming. [Display omitted] •Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L. 1758) is the most widely farmed Salmonidae species worldwide•The aim was to screen changes in the mRNA expression of different genes related to calcium signaling in smoltification•Differential expression between smolt and parr specimens and between organs was observed•Plasma calcium was decreased in the smolt condition•It is first study to characterize the expression of calcium signaling-related genes in liver and muscle during smoltification