LncRNA pol-lnc78 as a ceRNA regulates antibacterial responses via suppression of pol-miR-n199-3p-mediated SARM down-regulation in Paralichthys olivaceus

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)function as key modulators in mammalian immunity,particularly due to their involvement in lncRNA-mediated competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)crosstalk.Despite their recognized significance in mammals,research on lncRNAs in lower vertebrates remains limited.In the present study,we characterized the first immune-related lncRNA(pol-lnc78)in the teleost Japanese flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus).Results indicated that pol-lnc78 acted as a ceRNA for pol-miR-n199-3p to target the sterile alpha and armadillo motif-containing protein(SARM),the fifth discovered member of the Toll/interleukin 1(IL-1)receptor(TIR)adaptor family.This ceRNA network regulated the antibacterial responses of flounder via the Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway.Specifically,SARM acted as a negative regulator and exacerbated bacterial infection by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Pol-miR-n199-3p reduced SARM expression by specifically interacting with the 3’untranslated region(UTR),thereby promoting SARM-dependent inflammatory cytokine expression and protecting the host against bacterial dissemination.Furthermore,pol-lnc78 sponged pol-miR-n199-3p to ameliorate the inhibition of SARM expression.During infection,the negative regulators pol-lnc78 and SARM were significantly down-regulated,while pol-miR-n199-3p was significantly up-regulated,thus favoring host antibacterial defense.These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying fish immunity and open new horizons to better understand ceRNA crosstalk in lower vertebrates.

New record of the feather star Palaeocomatella hiwia(Echinodermata:Crinoidea:Comatulida)from Zhenbei Seamount in South China Sea:new insights into the taxonomic position of Palaeocomatella

One specimen belonging to the family Comatellinae was collected from the Zhenbei Seamount(332.5–478.2 m)in the South China Sea in July 2022.Based on the morphological characters,the specimen was identified as Palaeocomatella hiwia McKnight,1977.It is first recorded from China Sea and redescribed in detail.This specimen differs from the original description from New Zealand for never showing syzygy at br4+5 or br5+6 on interior and br1+2 on exterior arms.However,it is much conform to the redescription to specimens from Indonesia,with only differences in position of the second syzygy and distalmost pinnule comb.Specimen is deposited in the Institute of Oceanology,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial c oxidase subunit I(COI)and 16S rRNA genes indicated that P.hiwia was nested within the tribe Phanogeniini and clustered with Aphanocomaster pulcher.Furthermore,P.hiwia showed same morphological features in terms of mouth placement,comb location,and number of comb teeth rows as other genera of Phanogeniini.Therefore,we suggest that the genus Palaeocomatella should be put in the tribe Phanogeniini.

Potential of Ulva prolifera in phytoremediation of seawater polluted by cesium and cobalt: an experimental study on the biosorption and kinetics

Radionuclides accidentally released from nuclear power plants,such as ^(137)Cs and ^(60)Co,can lead to severe contamination of marine ecosystems.Living macroalgae are effi cient in absorbing metal elements from seawater.A 10-day simulation was conducted to assess the potential of scavenging cesium(Cs)and cobalt(Co)with live U lva prolifera that was cultured in seawater medium containing Cs and Co in diff erent concentrations(0(the control),10,20,50,and 100 mg/L).In the experiment,5 kg(fresh weight)of U.prolifera was cultured in natural seawater in 90-L tanks.Results showed that after the experiment,the average bioconcentration factors(BCFs)of the control group were 247.2 and 1126.4 for Cs and Co,respectively.The absolute absorption quantity of U.prolifera increased and the BCFs decreased with the increase in Cs and Co concentrations.The biosorption of the two metals on the fi rst day well fi t the pseudo-second-order equation(R^(2)>0.95),indicating that adsorption is the rate-limiting step in the total biosorption process.Concentrations of both metal ions declined signifi cantly in the fi rst hour and decreased by 25.2%and 15.5%in 48 h,respectively.Therefore,live U.prolifera is effi cient at scavenging Cs and Co in seawater,providing potential applications for the phytoremediation of radionuclides contaminated seawaters.

Near-infrared spectroscopy method for rapid proximate quantitative analysis of nutrient composition in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Glycogen,amino acids,fatty acids,and other nutrient components affect the flavor and nutritional quality of oysters.Methods based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy(NIRS)were developed to rapidly and proximately determine the nutrient content of the Pacific oyster Crassostreagigas.Samples of C.gigas from 19 costal sites were freeze-dried,ground,and scanned for spectral data collection using a Fourier transform NIR spectrometer(Thermo Fisher Scientific).NIRS models of glycogen and other nutrients were established using partial least squares,multiplication scattering correction first-order derivation,and Norris smoothing.The R_(C) values of the glycogen,fatty acids,amino acids,and taurine NIRS models were 0.9678,0.9312,0.9132,and 0.8928,respectively,and the residual prediction deviation(RPD)values of these components were 3.15,2.16,3.11,and 1.59,respectively,indicating a high correlation between the predicted and observed values,and that the models can be used in practice.The models were used to evaluate the nutrient compositions of 1278 oyster samples.Glycogen content was found to be positively correlated with fatty acids and negatively correlated with amino acids.The glycogen,amino acid,and taurine levels of C.gigas cultured in the subtidal and intertidal zones were also significantly different.This study suggests that C.gigas NIRS models can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods for the rapid and proximate analysis of various slaughter traits and may also contribute to future genetic and breeding-related studies in Pacific oysters.

The dissolution of total suspended solids and treatment strategy of tailwater in a Litopenaeus vannamei recirculating aquaculture system

In recirculating aquaculture systems(RASs),the effective treatment of aquaculture tailwater is essential to maintain the health of the RAS.This study investigated the optimal time and method for tailwater treatment during three periods of the aquaculture of the Litopenaeus vannamei:nursery(0–26 d),middle(27–57 d),and later(57–104 d).The variation of several water parameters during the dissolution of total suspended solid(TSS)in tailwater,applied with the effects of ozone on the microorganism and water quality parameters were investigated.Results showed that the TSS concentrations in tailwater decreased with time,although not significantly(P>0.05),whereas total ammonia nitrogen(TAN),nitrite(NO-2-N),and nitrate(NO_(3)^(-)-N)increased significantly(P<0.05).Therefore,TSS should be removed from the tailwater as early as possible,being most optimal within 4 h.Ozone removed 38.24%–48.95%of TSS,17.78%–90.14%of TAN,and 87.50%–98.90%of NO-2-N after 4 h of treatment.However,it resulted in the significant accumulation of NO_(3)^(-)-N.Moreover,the total number of Vibrio and bacterial counts in aquaculture tailwater was reduced completely by ozone within 4 h.Thus,these results provided technical details and data support for the effective treatment of tailwater from shrimp RAS.

Effect of high light and desiccation on photosystem Ⅱ in the seedlings and mature plants of tropical seagrass Enhalus acoroides during low tide

During low tide,the intertidal seagrass Enhalus acoroides is often exposed to high light and desiccation,which can seriously threaten its survival,at least partly by inhibiting photosystem Ⅱ(PSⅡ)activity.The response of leaves of E.acoroides to high light and desiccation was compared for seedlings and mature plants.Results show that the resistance of seedling and mature leaves to high light was quite similar,but to desiccation was very different.Seedling leaves were more sensitive to desiccation than the mature plant leaves,but had better water retention.The damage of desiccation to seedling leaves was mainly caused by dehydration,whereas that to mature plant leaves was caused by hypersaline toxicity.The recovery rate of PSⅡ of seedling leaves was significantly slower than that of the mature plants after the stresses disappeared,which may at least partly contribute to seedling mortality in the wild.In addition,compared to high light,desiccation seriously inhibited the recovery rate of PSⅡ activities even if the leaves became fully rehydrated to their normal relative water content(RWC)in the following re-immersion.Desiccation inhibited the recovery rate of RC/CS_(M)(reaction center per cross section(at t=t_(Fm)))to decrease the production of assimilatory power,which maybe the cause of the slower PSⅡ recovery in desiccation treatments.This study demonstrates that desiccation particularly coupling with high light have a very negative ef fect on the PSⅡ of E.acoroides during low tide and the sensitivity of seedlings and mature plants to desiccation is significantly different,which have important reference significance to choose an appropriate transplanting depth where seedlings and mature plants of E.acoroides not only receive sufficient light for growth,but also that minimize desiccation stress during low tide.

Medaeops Guinot,1967(Brachyura,Xanthidae)from China seas,with the resurrection of Medaeops japonicus(Rathbun,1898)

The xanthid genus Medaeops Guinot,1967 currently contains seven species reported from the Indo-West Pacific region.However,only one species,Medaeops granulosus(Haswell,1882),has been recorded from China seas and was once thought to be widespread in the Indo-West Pacific region.In this study,two species of the Medaeops granulosus species-group were identified during the analysis on Medaeops crabs from China seas.Medaeops japonicus(Rathbun,1898),which had previously been considered a junior synonym of M.granulosus,is shown to be a distinct species that can be distinguished from M.granulosus by the lower first anterolateral tooth,the larger and concentrated granules on carapace dorsally,and the different shape of the male’s first gonopod.In addition,a new recorded species,Medaeops edwardsi Guinot,1967,was reported from China seas for the first time.A molecular analysis was conducted to determine the status of each species,and an updated key for species of the genus Medaeops was provided.

Oyster studies reveal the duplication and functional diversification of Bivalvia caspase-8 genes

Caspase-8,first classified as a pro-apoptotic caspase,is considered to have arisen from duplication with caspase-10 and involves multiple immune and inflammatory responses in mammals.However,few are known on the phylogeny and function of caspase-8 in molluscs,one of the largest phyla in marine invertebrates.In this study,we conducted phylogenetic and functional analysis on molluscan caspase-8-like genes.Results indicate that duplication occurred in molluscan caspase-8-like genes,resulting in at least two caspase-8 copies in some groups of bivalves.Additional studies in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas showed different spatio-temporal expression patterns and subcellular localizations of CgCaspase-8-1 and CgCaspase-8-2.While no interaction was observed between CgCaspase-8-2 and CgFADD,the adaptor molecule in apoptosis,yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays suggested the interaction between CgCaspase-8-1 and CgFADD,indicating its pro-apoptotic function.In addition,CgCaspase-8-1 showed interaction with the CARD domain of CgRIG-I.Together with two NF-κB subunits(Cgp105 and CgRel),their transcripts were up-regulated in response to poly(I:C)stimuli,supporting the immune function of both pro-and anti-inflammation.The results provide insight into the evolution and functional diversification of Bivalvia caspase-8 genes.

Molecular identification,expression pattern,and in-vitro bioactivity analysis of insulin-like growth factor 2 in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Insulin-like growth factors(IGFs)are key regulators of development and growth.Here,we characterized the igf2 gene from olive flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)and determined its temporal and spatial expression.We set up an in-vitro protein expression system in eukaryotic human embryonic kidney(HEK293 T)cells and explored its effects on cell proliferation.The flounder igf2 cDNA contained a 648-bp open reading frame(ORF)encoding a protein of 215 amino acids(aa),which spanned the complete signal peptide(47 aa),mature peptide(70 aa),and E domain(98 aa).In adult flounder,igf2 mRNA was detected in all selected tissues.In early development,igf2 mRNA was detected throughout development from unfertilized eggs to hatching-stage embryos.In-situ hybridization analysis indicated that igf2 mRNA was specially expressed in the brain region,floor plate,hypochord,otic vesicle,and pectoral fin during embryogenesis.Western blotting analysis indicated that the soluble recombinant flounder IGF2 protein was successfully produced through eukaryotic expression in HEK293T cells.In addition,the recombinant IGF2 protein significantly promoted the proliferation of human cervical carcinoma(HeLa)and HEK293T cells.These results provide new information about the structural and functional conservation,expression patterns,and biological activity of the igf2 in teleosts.

The ontogeny of acidic digestive tract in larval turbot Scophthalmus maximus based on H+/K+-ATPase and pepsinogen

Acidic digestion is an important digestive process of marine fish.In fish stomach,two enzymes are involved in the secretion of hydrochloric acid(HCl)and proteomic digestion:H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and pepsinogen.However,the starting of digestive function in fish is still unclear.To reveal the details of acidic digestion of turbot Scophthalmus maximus in early development,a 40 day of turbot larvae culture was conducted.The H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase gene from the turbot S.maximus(smH^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase)was identified and characterized.Based on our previous discription on pepsinogen of turbot S.maximus,we combined pepsinogen and H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and analyzed the mechanism of acidic digestion in turbot.Results show that the spatial and temporal expression profiles of H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase agreed with pepsinogen A and C in turbot,indicating a synergetic action between H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and pepsinogen during the acidic digestion process.In addition,the turbot juveniles showed a faster growth after the expressions of H^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase gene and pepsinogen gene,demonstrating that pepsin had a higher digestive efficiency,for which a compound diet should be provided to the fish from Day 22 onward.This study provided a reference for biology research and aquaculture of turbot and other marine fishes.

Discovery of prenylated indole alkaloid and natural xanthone from cold-seep sediment derived fungus Talaromyces funiculosus SD-523

A new prenylated indole alkaloid 11,17-epi-mangrovamide A(1),a new natural occurring product,1,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-8-hydroxymethyl-xanthone(2),two known alkaloids,mangrovamide A(3)and mangrovamide G(4),and four known polyketide derivatives(5–8)were isolated and identified from the cold-seep sediment derived fungal strain Talaromyces funiculosus SD-523.Their structures were elucidated by combination of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy(HRESIMS),quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism(ECD),and DP4+probability analysis as well as by comparison of the data with literature reports.All isolated compounds were tested for antibacterial activities.

Vertical microbial profiling of water column reveals prokaryotic communities and distribution features of Antarctic Peninsula

Prokaryotic diversity and community composition in the water column of eight stations(63 samples) around the Antarctic Peninsula of the Southern Ocean were investigated. Through pyrosequencing of the V3–V4hypervariable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we characterized 4 720 089 valid reads representing 48 188operational taxonomic units(OTUs, 97% similarity). The community was dominated by the phyla Pseudomonadota(original name: Proteobacteria, 47%), Oxyphotobacteria(26%), and Bacteroidota(original name: Bacteroidetes, 18%), which comprised an average of 91% of the total OTUs in all samples. The prokaryotic community composition varied vertically within the water column. Water column prokaryotic communities exhibited a clear depth profile, with higher microbial richness and higher diversity observed with increasing water depth. Cluster analysis of the community composition of water column samples exhibited a similar trend with depth. Correlation with environmental factors suggested distinct variation in prokaryotic community composition with changes in depth, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Functional prediction showed presence of active nitrogen, sulphur and methane metabolic cycles along the vertical transect of the studied region. These results will improve our knowledge of prokaryotic diversity and community composition at different depth of water column for better understanding of the microbial ecology and nutrient cycles in Antarctic Peninsula region of the Southern Ocean.

Pharmacokinetics of fucoidan and low molecular weight fucoidan from Saccharina japonica after oral administration to mice

The brown seaweed,Sacchairna japonica,has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over one thousand years.Oral administration of fucoidan or low molecular weight fucoidan(LMWF)from S.japonica could ameliorate kidney dysfunction in chronic kidney diseases and inhibit diabetic vascular complications.In many studies,LMWF was found to be more potent than fucoidan with high molecular weight.However,the pharmacokinetics of LMWF still remains unclear.The purpose of the research is to compare the pharmacokinetics of fucoidan with high molecular weight(136 kDa)with that low molecular weight(9.5 kDa)after oral administration to ICR mice.Since fucose is the main and representative monosaccharide of fucoidans,we evaluate the pharmacokinetics of fucoidan and LMWF by determining the fucose concentration in mice serum.Both fucoidan and LMWF were absorbed following oral administration.Fucoidan and LMWF were provided to mice by oral administration with 60 mg/kg and the maximum Concentration(C_(max))was found at 2.5 h(0.66±0.32 mg/L)for Fucoidan and 1.5 h(1.01±0.56 mg/L)for LMWF,respectively.It seems that LMWF had a higher area under the curve(AUC_(0–t))and was absorbed more quickly than fucoidan.The estimated bioavailability of LMWF was28.3%in the mice treated with a single dose of 30 mg/kg.In addition,LMWF was found widely spreaded into different tissues following oral administration and the highest concentration was found in kidney at 19.93±7.02μg/g.In this study,we first studied the pharmacokinetics of LMWF,in order to help to understand the function of LMWF.And our results shed light on the potential of development of drugs based on LMWF.

Shell characterization and effects on cavity volume of wild Jinjiang oyster Crassostrea ariakensis in different estuaries of China

Jinjiang oyster Crassostrea ariakensis,a species with economic and ecological value,is distributed along the estuaries and coasts of East Asia.With the decline in natural resources,the conservation and aquaculture of this species is urgent.However,studies characterizing their shell shape remain scarce.We investigated the morphological differences in the shells of wild Jinjiang oysters from six populations(Qinzhou,Shanghai,Nantong,Qingdao,and Binzhou hard or muddy bottom)along the coast of China.The color of the shell and adductor muscle scar showed associations with temperature gradient along its geographical distribution.Oyster shape was defined by shell height to shell length ratio,and the ratio varies among geographic locations of the populations.They were found nearly round(Qinzhou and Nantong populations),oval(Qingdao and Binzhou populations),or water-droplet-shaped(Shanghai population).Binzhou populations living on muddy substrates are more elongated than those on hard substrate.In addition,we developed a method to measure the cavity volume in oysters.Correlation and path analysis showed that shell height significantly influenced cavity volume.The synergistic effect of the two factors(the height,length,and width of the shell in pairs)on the cavity volume resulted in differences between northern and southern groups:samples from the southern group(Qinzhou and Shanghai)showed correlation between shell height and shell width,while those from the northern group(Nantong,Qingdao,and Binzhou)showed correlation between shell height and shell length.All populations showed significant correlation between shell height and cavity height,and shell length and cavity length,while the correlation between shell width and cavity width was minimal,which may have been resulted from uneven shell thickness.The linear equation for shell height and cavity volume under different ratios of shell height to length was obtained.In this study,we determined that shell height has the most influence on cavity volume,and specific cavity volume fitting linear equations are given for different shell types,which may provide a reference for future oyster breeding for shell shaping.

Effects of dissolved oxygen on intestinal bacterial community and immunity of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Dissolved oxygen(DO)is one of most important factors which affect wide range physiologic features of including immune responses and intestinal bacterial community.However,the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic.To address this question,the intestinal bacterial community compositions and the immune features of Atlantic salmon(Salmo salar)grown in recirculating aquaculture systems(RAS)were characterized.Fish were reared under different DO saturation levels,e.g.,200% saturation named high group(H),100%saturation named control group(CK),and 60%saturation named lower group(L).Large variations in the operational taxonomic units(OTUs)frequency distribution for the intestinal bacterial community of Atlantic salmon were observed.The intestinal bacterial community of all groups was dominated mainly by three phyla,e.g.,Proteobacteria.Firmicutes,and Bacteroidetes.Interestingly,Acinetobacter baumannii,an opportunistic pathogen of salmon was increased significantly in L group.We further monitored the immunity features of fish under different DO levels.The results show that leucocyte number,cortisol level,the expressions of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain like protein 2(NOD2)were higher at significant levels in the L group than those in the other two groups.TLR4 and NOD2 are usually related with the bacterial infections;therefore,it is reasonable to believe that the stronger immune responses observed in the L group might be related with the higher abundance of A.baumannii in the inte stine of Atlantic salmon.Overall,these findings demonstrated that low DO level may induce stronger immunity responses in Atlantic salmon.

Small heat shock protein B8:from cell functions to its involvement in diseases and potential therapeutic applications

Heat shock protein family B(small)member 8(HSPB8)is a 22 kDa ubiquitously expressed protein belonging to the family of small heat shock proteins.HSPB8 is involved in various cellular mechanisms mainly related to proteotoxic stress response and in other processes such as inflammation,cell division,and migration.HSPB8 binds misfolded clients to prevent their aggregation by assisting protein refolding or degradation through chaperone-assisted selective autophagy.In line with this function,the pro-degradative activity of HSPB8 has been found protective in several neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases characterized by protein misfolding and aggregation.In cancer,HSPB8 has a dual role being capable of exerting either a pro-or an anti-tumoral activity depending on the pathways and factors expressed by the model of cancer under investigation.Moreover,HSPB8 exerts a protective function in different diseases by modulating the inflammatory response,which characterizes not only neurodegenerative diseases,but also other chronic or acute conditions affecting the nervous system,such as multiple sclerosis and intracerebellar hemorrhage.Of note,HSPB8 modulation may represent a therapeutic approach in other neurological conditions that develop as a secondary consequence of other diseases.This is the case of cognitive impairment related to diabetes mellitus,in which HSPB8 exerts a protective activity by assuring mitochondrial homeostasis.This review aims to summarize the diverse and multiple functions of HSPB8 in different pathological conditions,focusing on the beneficial effects of its modulation.Drug-based and alternative therapeutic approaches targeting HSPB8 and its regulated pathways will be discussed,emphasizing how new strategies for cell and tissue-specific delivery represent an avenue to advance in disease treatments.

Optimization of conditions for tetraspore release and assessment of photosynthetic activities for different generation branches of Gracilaria lemaneiformis Bory

Gracilaria lemaneiformis Bory is an economically important alga that is primarily used for agar production.Although tetraspores are ideal seeds for the cultivation of G.lemaneiformis,the most popular culture method is currently based on vegetative fragments,which is labor-intensive and time-consuming.In this study,we optimized the conditions for tetraspore release and evaluated the photosynthetic activities of different colonies formed from the branches of G.lemaneiformis using a PAM(pulse-amplitude-modulated) measuring system.The results showed that variations in temperature and salinityhad significant effects on tetraspore yield.However,variations in the photon flux density(from 15 μmol m-2 s-1 to 480 μmol m-2 s-1) had no apparent effect on tetraspore yield.Moreover,the PAM-parameters Y(I),Y(Ⅱ),ETR(I),ETR(Ⅱ) and Fv/Fm of colonies formed from different branches showed the same trend:parameter values of first generation branches>second generation branches>third generation branches.These results suggest that the photosynthetic activities of different colonies of branches changed with the same trend.Furthermore,photosynthesis in G.lemaneiformis was found to be involved in vegetative reproduction and tetraspore formation.Finally,the first generation branches grew slowly,but accumulated organic compounds to form large numbers of tetraspores.Taken together,these results showed that the first generation branches are ideal materials for the release of tetraspores.

Chemical profile of the secondary metabolites produced by a deep-sea sediment-derived fungus Penicillium commune SD-118

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract from Penicillium commune SD-118, a fungus obtained from a deep-sea sediment sample, resulted in the isolation of a known antibacterial compound, xanthocillin X (1), and 14 other known compounds comprising three steroids (2-4), two ceramides (5 and 6), six aromatic compounds (7-12), and three alkaloids (13-15). Xanthocillin X (1) was isolated for the first time from a marine fungus. In the bioassay, xanthocillin X (1) displayed remarkable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7, HepG2, H460, Hela, Du145, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Meleagrin (15) exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2, Hela, Du145, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. This is the first report of the cytotoxicity of xanthocillin X (1).

Effect of salinity on growth and first sexual maturity of Exopalaemon carinicauda(Holthuis, 1950)

To determine the optimal salinity for growth and first sexual maturity of ExopaIaemon carinicauda, the effects of salinity on growth and reproductive performance of early juvenile prawns of E. carinicauda were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Postlarvae from the same female broodstock were reared at six salinity levels （5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30） for 12 weeks. The specific growth rate （SGR） and survival rate （SR） under different salinity levels in the first 6 weeks were calculated and compared. SGR was significantly influenced by salinity. Prawns reared in salinity of 10 grew significantly faster （P〈0.05） than those reared in salinities of 5, 20, 25, and 30. However, ANOVA confirmed that there was no significant effect among the six salinity levels on SR. For the next 6 weeks, the body length （BL）, body weight （BW） at the first sexual maturity, and the age at median sexual maturity （As0） of females were measured and compared. Female prawns reared at salinity of 10 presented significantly shorter A50, but no significant differences among the six salinity levels for BL and BW at the first sexual maturity were observed. Based on the above information, the optimal salinity for growth and first sexual maturity of juvenile E. carinicauda is approximately 10.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in intron 1 and intron 2 of Larimichthys crocea growth hormone gene are correlated with growth traits

The growth hormone gene (GH) affects animal growth and is a potential target for genetic studies of variation related to growth traits. In this study, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GH intron regions and their associations with growth traits in large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea, from Zhejiang and Fujian stocks. The results of PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism showed two haplotypes of intron 1, named AA and AB genotypes, in Zhejiang stock. AB exhibited an SNP at position 196 (G A) that was negatively correlated with body height and positively correlated with standard length/body height (P 0.05). Two different genotypes, CC and CD, were identified in intron 2 in Fujian stock, with CD showing an SNP at position 692 (T C). The CD genotype had a significantly positive correlation with both weight and total length (P 0.01). These basic data highlight the potential for using GH as a genetic marker of fish growth in marker assisted selection.