cGH Gene Transfer and PCR Detection in Crucian Carp

By inserting the CMV with HSV TK promoter into the plasmid pBlue-cGH which contained cGH gene, a chimeric expression vector was constructed for transgenic fish. After the vector was transferred into fertilized eggs of crucian carp by means of microinjection, the transgenic crucian carp was obtained. The result of PCR detection showed that the growth hormone gene of the exogenous carp was integrated into the genome of crucian carp, and the transgenic crucian carp displayed enhancement of its growth.

Comparative investigation on spindle behavior and MPF activity changes during oocyte maturation between gynogenetic and amphimictic crucian carp

The spindle behavior and MPF activity changes in the progression of oocyte maturation were investigated and compared with cytological observation and kinase assay between gynogenetic silver crucian carp and amphimictic colored crucian carp. MPF activity was measured by using histone H1 as phosphorylation substrate. There were two similar oscillatory MPF kinase activity changes during oocyte maturation in two kinds of fishes with different reproductive modes, but there existed some subtle difference between them. The subtle difference was that the first peak of MPF kinase activity was kept to a longerlasting time in the gynogenetic silver crucian carp than in the amphimictic colored crucian carp. It was suggested that the difference may be related to the spindle behavior changes, such as tripolar spindle formation and spindle rearrangement in the gynogenetic crucian carp.

Hydrodynamic Analysis of C-start in Crucian Carp

The kinematics of turning maneuvers of startled Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) are presented. All escape responses observed are C-type fast-starts. The position of the center of mass and the moment of inertia of the fish are calculated. The results show that the position of the center of mass is always at 35% of the length of the fish from the head and the position of the center of mass and moment of inertia can be considered unchanged during C-start of Crucian Carp. Hydrodynamic analysis of the C-start is given based on the kinematics data from our experiments. The C-start consists of three stages. In stage 1, the tail fin of fish rapidly flaps in one direction, and a large moment acts on the fish′s body, which rotates around the center of mass with an angular acceleration. In stage 2, the tail fin flaps more slowly in the opposite direction at slower speed, the fish′s body rotates around the center of mass with angular deceleration and the center of mass of the fish moves along an arc. In stage 3, the moment approximately equals zero, the fish′s body stops rotating and the center of mass the moves along a straight line.

Effects of fishing handling stress on juvenile red crucian carp(Carassius auratus red variety)

The essay studies the influence of the different intensities of fishing stress on body weight （7.30 ± 1.48） g of red crucian carp juvenile body length, weight, fatness, feeding rate, specific growth rate, food conversion rate, intestinal protease, amylase and immunoglobulin. The result showed that body length, weight, fatness, feeding rate, specific growth rate of red crucian carp juvenile were significantly inhibited from fishing stress compared with the control group, and the magnitude of the inhibitory effect increased with the time going and increased. Fishing stress could increase the food conversion rate of red crucian carp juvenile, and the different intensity stress had no significant different influence. The intestinal protease activity decreased in the beginning, then increased, and was consistent with the level of the control group ultimately. High-stress group accelerated the decline of intestinal amylase activity of the juvenile. The stress increased the number of immunoglobulin of juvenile red crucian carp significantly, but the increase disappeard with the stress time extended.

miR-199-5p regulates spermiogenesis at the posttranscriptional level via targeting Tekt1 in allotriploid crucian carp

Background:Sperm abnormalities are one of the primary factors leading to male sterility,but their pathogenesis is still unclear.Although miRNAs are suggested to exert important roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels,little is currently known regarding the regulation of sperm flagella assembly by microRNAs(miRNAs).The role of miRNAs in the development of sperm abnormalities in sterile triploid fish has not been studied.Results:In this study,we found that miR-199-5p was widely expressed in all detected tissues of different-ploidy crucian carp.As one of the testis-specific candidate markers,Tekt1 was predominantly expressed in the testis.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analyses showed that the expression trend of miR-199-5p was exactly opposite to that of Tekt1.Through bioinformatics analysis,we identified a putative miR-199-5p binding site in the Tekt1 mRNA.We further identified Tekt1 as a target of miR-199-5p using luciferase reporter assay.Finally,we confirmed that miR-199-5p was necessary for sperm flagellar assembly and spermatogenesis in vivo via intraperitoneal injection of miR-199-5p antagomir or agomir in diploid red crucian carp.Moreover,miR-199-5p gainof-function could lead to spermatids apoptosis and abnormal spermatozoa structure,which is similar to that of allotriploid crucian carp.Conclusions:Our studies suggested that abnormally elevated miR-199-5p inhibited the sperm flagella formation in spermiogenesis by negatively regulating the expression of Tekt1,thereby causing sperm abnormalities of male allotriploid crucian carp.

Application Effects of Amino Acid Powder,Fermented Rapeseed Meal and Fermented Cottonseed Meal in Feeds for Allogynogenetic Crucian Carp

[Objective] To investigate the effects of amino acid powder, fermented rapeseed meal and fermented cottonseed meal on the growth performance, amino acid absorption, body composition and liver function of allogynogentic crucian carp. [ Method] The allogynogentic crucian carps with the average initial weight of 17.3 g were divided into control group and six experimental groups randomly. The allogynogentic crucian carps in the control group and experimental groups were fed a basal diet and the basal diets supplemented by amino acid powder, fermented rapeseed meal and fermented cottonseed meal, respectively. The growth rate and specific growth rate of allogynogentic crucian carps, the content of amino acids in serum and feeds, the composition indicators of body, muscle and liver, as well as the activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （GPT） and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase （GOT） in liver and serum were determined, respectively. [ Result] The growth rate and specific growth rate （SGR） of allogynogentic crucian carps in the 3% amino acid powder group and the 6% fermented cottonseed meal group were increased greatly （ P 〈 0.05）, and no significant difference was found between experimental group and control group. The serum lysine content of the 3% amino acid powder group and the 6% fermented cottonseed meal group was higher than that of the control group. In the experimental groups, the absorption of four essential amino acids was up to a peak at 4 h after feeding, which was consistent with the control group. The body composition and liver function of allogynogentic crucian carps had no significant difference between the experimental groups and the control group. [ Conclusion] The 3% amino acid powder, 6% fermented cottonseed meal and 6% fermented rapeseed meal can substitute fish meal, cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal to improve the clrowth performance, amino acid absorption of the allogynogentic crucian carps.

Effect of lead on cytoskeletal protein stability in crucian carp Carassius auratus

Inorganic lead （Pb） is one of the most common environmental pollutants. Much evidence indicates that Pb exposure could directly affect fish growth and development. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of Pb on cytoskeletal protein stability at both protein and mRNA level in crucian carp Carassius auratus. Pb（NO3）2 treatment in concentration of 100 μmol/L resulted in decreased expression of both α- and β-tubulin but γ-tubulin as assayed with SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, and ELISA. In vivo and in vitro analyses on protein expression of tubulins are consistent. The effect of Pb on mRNA expression varied among different tissues. Our results suggest that cytotoxicity of Pb at protein translation level is stronger than at mRNA expression level.

Analysis of Phospholipids in Crucian Carp(Carassius auratus) Muscle by Offline HPLC-MALDI-TOF MS

The interest in the analysis of phospholipids(PLs), especially phosphatidylcholine(PC), has been increasing due to the importance of them in biochemistry as well as in industry. A method was reported based on the offline combination of MALDI-TOF MS and normal-phase HPLC for analyzing PLs extracted from crucian carp. Total PLs of crucian carp were extracted and then separated by HPLC before the collected subfractions were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. The mass spectra obtained show peaks of H+, Na+ and K+ adducts of PC molecules. It is shown that the prior separation of PLs by HPLC is highly necessary to remove the signal suppressing and to avoid the possible overlapping. With this method, 9 possible PC molecules in crucian carp and the corresponding fatty acid compositions were given from the well-resolved mass spectra.

Flash-boiled Clams with Crucian Carp

Marinate the clams in brine for 3 hours, until silt isdiffused, and keep them fresh. Draw the crucian carp,and make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts on the surface of bothsides.

Identification of serum immunoglobulin M(IgM)of crucian carp(Carassius auratus gibelio)and immune response to cyprinid herpesvirus 2 infection

Crucian carp(Carassius auratus gibelio),an extensively cultivated freshwater fish,was one of the model species for the study of fish immunology.Polyclonal antibodies were advantageous molecular tools for studying teleost immune system.Specifically,polyclonal antibodies reacting with immunoglobulins(Ig)were used successfully in studies of the teleost fishes.In the present study,we produced polyclonal antibody against CH2 domains of crucian carp IgM,and measured the in vivo dynamics of IgM mRNA caused by CyHV-2 infection.The recombinant protein IgM with relative molecular weight about 53 KD was correctly expressed in prokaryotic cells.The specificity of the polyclonal antibody was evaluated by Western blotting and results revealed that the antibody not only specifically recognized crucian carp serum but also cross-reacted with grass carp serum.Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of IgM mRNA changed significantly after CyHV-2 infection.The expression of IgM in the kidney increased and reached a maximum at 6 h post-infection(hpi),while dropped to a low level at 5 days post-infection(dpi).In conclusion,the expression of IgM was significantly upregulated in the kidney of crucian carp infected with CyHV-2,indicating that IgM played a potential role in systemic immunity against viral infection.Polyclonal antibody against crucian carp IgM had certain clinical relevance,which might provide insight into the early stage of virus infection and prevention of the disease.

Genomic variation in the hybrids of white crucian carp and red crucian carp: evidence from ribosomal DNA

In this study, we conducted a cross of white crucian carp （♀）xred crucian carp （♂） （WR）, and characterized the morphology, reproduction and genetics of the progeny. Different from parents, WR with the gray color showed the hybrid morphological traits of both parents. WR possessed normal gonads producing mature eggs or sperm, and exhibited high fertilization rate （90.2%） and high hatchery rate （80.5%）, which contributed to produce and enlarge the population. WR with the same DNA content as parents was a diploid fish with 100 chromosomes （2n=100）. Amplified ITS of 45S rDNA, in WR the sequences consisting of 884 bp bases of the entire ITS-1 region, 5.8 S region, and entire ITS-2 region. The sequences showed high similarity between WR and its parents and leaned towards male inheritance. In WR, NTS of 5S rDNA consisted of three length types with total 654 bp bases. From sequence analysis of NTS, WR shared 94.2% and 95.1% similarities with their female and male parent, respectively. Sequence analysis of ITS and NTS revealed that there existed recombination and variation in the hybrid progeny, which was the genetic base for adaptation and speciation. In conclusion, we obtained WR from hybridization and it exhibited hybrid traits in morphology and variation in genetic composition showing essential difference with its parents. The obtainment of WR has important significance in fish genetic breeding.

Evidence for the paternal mitochondrial DNA in the crucian carp-like fish lineage with hybrid origin

In terms of taxonomic status,common carp(Cyprinus carpio,Cyprininae)and crucian carp(Carassius auratus,Cyprininae)are different species;however,in this study,a newborn homodiploid crucian carp-like fish(2n=100)(2nNCRC)lineage(F1–F3)was established from the interspecific hybridization of female common carp(2n=100)×male blunt snout bream(Megalobrama amblycephala,Cultrinae,2n=48).The phenotypes and genotypes of 2 n NCRC differed from those of its parents but were closely related to those of the existing diploid crucian carp.We further sequenced the whole mitochondrial(mt)genomes of the 2n NCRC lineage from F1 to F3.The paternal mt DNA fragments were stably embedded in the mt-genomes of F1–F3 generations of 2n NCRC to form chimeric DNA fragments.Along with this chimeric process,numerous base sites of F1–F3 generations of 2 n NCRC underwent mutations.Most of these mutation sites were consistent with the existing diploid crucian carp.Moreover,the mt DNA organization and nucleotide composition of 2n NCRC were more similar to those of the existing diploid crucian carp than those of the parents.The inheritable chimeric DNA fragments and mutant loci in the mt-genomes of different generations of 2nNCRC provided important evidence of the mt DNA change process in the newborn lineage derived from hybridization of different species.Our findings demonstrated for the first time that the paternal mt DNA were transmitted into the mt-genomes of homodiploid lineage,which provided new insights into the existence of paternal mt DNA in the mt DNA inheritance.

An experimental investigation into electromyography, constitutive relationship and morphology of crucian carp for biomechanical “digital fish”

Currently, the integrated biomechanical studies on fish locomotion come into focus, so it is urgent to provide reliable and sys- tematic experimental results, and to establish a biomechanical ＂digital fish＂ database for some typical fish species. Accord- ingly, based on the control framework of ＂Neural Control - Active Contraction of Muscle - Passive Deformation＂, the elec- tromyography （EMG） signals, the mechanical properties and the constitutive relationship of skin, muscle, and body trunk, as well as morphological parameters of crucian carp, are investigated with experiments, from which a simplified database of bio- mechanical ＂digital fish＂ is established. First, the EMG signals from three lateral superficial red muscles of crucian carp, which was evolving in the C-start movement, were acquired with a self-designing amplifier. The modes of muscle activity were also investigated. Secondly, the Young＇s modulus and the reduced relaxation function of crucian carp＇s skin and muscle were de- termined by failure tests and relaxation tests in uniaxial tensile ways, respectively. Viscoelastic models were adopted to deduce the constitutive relationship. The mechanical properties and the angular stiffness of different sites on the crucian carp＇s body trunk were obtained with dynamic bending experiments, where a self-designing dynamic bending test machine was employed. The conclusion was drawn regarding the body trunk of crucian carp under dynamic bending deformation as an approximate elastomer. According to the above experimental results, a possible benefit of body effective stiffness increasing with a little energy dissipation was discussed. Thirdly, the distribution of geometric parameters and weight parameters for a single experi- mental individual and multiple individuals of crucian carp was studied with experiments. Finally, considering all the above re- suits, generic experimental data were obtained by normalization, and a preliminary biomechanical ＂digital fish＂ database for crucian carp was established.

Effects of neutral phytase on growth performance and phosphorus utilization in crucian carp(Carassius auratus)

A feeding trial was conducted for nine weeks to investigate the effects of partially replacing Ca（H2PO4）2 with neutral phytase on the growth performance, phosphorus utilization, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, bone and carcass mineral composition, and digestive-enzyme-specific activity in crucian carp（Carassius auratus）.The diets prepared with 0.8%, 0%, and 1.8% Ca（H2PO4）2（1%=1 g/100 g） supplements were regarded as the P1E0, negative control（NC）, and positive control（PC） groups, respectively; the other three experimental diets were prepared with the addition of 200, 300, and 500 U/kg of neutral phytase, respectively, based on the P1E0 group.Three hundred and eighty-four fish（（1.50±0.01） g） were randomly distributed in the six treatments with four replicates each.The fish were initially fed with 2%–3% diets of their body weight per day, with feeding twice daily（08：00 and 16：00）, under a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle at the temperature of（27.56±0.89） ℃.The results showed that supplemental phytase at different levels in the diet improved the final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, phosphorus utilization, and protein efficiency ratio of crucian carp（P〈0.05）.Phytase supplementation increased the mineral content in serum（P）, bone（P, Ca）, and carcass（P, Ca, Zn, Na, and Mg）（P〈0.05）; the trypsin and chymotrypsin activity soared when fed with the phytase-supplemented diets（P〈0.05）.We may conclude that supplemental dietary neutral phytase improved the growth performance, phosphorus utilization as well as nutrient utilization in crucian carp, and it can be considered an important nutritional replacement for Ca（H2PO4）2.

In vivo effects of neomycin sulfate on non-specific immunity,oxidative damage and replication of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 in crucian carp(Carassius auratus gibelio)

Neomycin belongs to the family of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics.It is widely used for bacterial infections,targeting most gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria.Neomycin has also been reported to show antiviral activity.Here,we evaluated the toxicity of neomycin sulfate,and investigated its effect on non-specific immunity and viral infection in crucian carp(Carassius auratus gibelio).The safe concentration of neomycin sulfate for crucian carp was determined to be 102.9 mg/kg in vivo.In oxidative damage assays,neomycin sulfate increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and decreased malondialdehyde in the liver of crucian carp.In non-specific blood immune assays,the white blood cell count and complement 3 content significantly increased after neomycin sulfate treatment,while no significant changes were observed in antibacterial or lysozyme activity.In a challenge test,neomycin sulfate protected the crucian carp from cyprinid herpesvirus 2(CyHV-2)infection and inhibited CyHV-2 replication.In cytotoxicity assays,low concentrations of neomycin sulfate had no cytotoxicity on cells from the fins of crucian carp.The results of the present study indicate that oral administration of neomycin sulfate reduced oxidative damage,enhanced immunity and provided protection against CyHV-2 in crucian carp.

Differential expression and characterization analysis of a new gene with WD domains in fish oogenesis

A new gene with WD domains is cloned and characterized according to its differential transcription and expression between previtellogenic oocytes (phase I oocytes) and fully-grown oocytes (phase V oocytes) from natural gynogenetic silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) by using the combinative methods of suppressive subtraction hybridization, SMART cDNA synthesis and RACE-PCR. The full-length cDNA is 1870 bp. Its 5' untranslated region is 210 bp, followed by an open reading frame of 990 bp, which has the typical vertebrate initiator codon of AN-NATG. The open reading frame encodes a protein with 329 amino acids. It has 670 bp of 3' untranslated region and an AATAAA polyadenylation signal. Because it has 92% homology to STRAP (serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein), a recently reported gene, we named it FSTRAP (fish STRAP). Virtual Northern blotting indicated that the FSTRAP was transcribed in fully-grown oocytes (phase V oocytes), but not in previtellogenic oocytes (phase I oocytes). RT-PCR analysis showed that FSTRAP was transcribed in brain, heart, kidney, muscle, ovary, spleen and testis, but not in liver. And its mRNA could be detected in the oocytes from phase II to phase V. Western blotting also showed that FSTRAP protein could be detected in brain, heart, kidney, muscle, ovary, spleen and testis except liver. Results of Western blotting on various oocytes were also similar to the RT-PCR data. FSTRAP protein was not expressed in the previtellogenic oocytes. Its expression initiated from phase II oocytes after vitellogenesis, and was consistent with the mRNA transcription.