Einzelzellbiologie

Abstrakt

Melatonin biosynthesis machinery in fish: A current knowledge with special focus on tropical carp

Haobijam Sanjita Devi, Chongtham Rajiv, Zeeshan Ahmad Khan, Gopinath Mondal, Sijagurumayum Dharmajyoti Devi, Thangal Yumnamcha, Rupjyoti Bharali and Asamanja Chattoraj

Melatonin is a chronobiotic molecule synthesized mainly in the pineal gland in all vertebrates. Recent studies emphasize the production of this indoleamine hormone in extrapineal sources in fish as well as other vertebrates. The present communication aims to shed light on the recent development in extrapineal sources of melatonin with a special focus on the tropical carp. The importance and involvement of clock-associated genes are also considered to understand the integrated phenomenon of rhythm physiology. The uniqueness of melatonin biosynthesis enzyme genes in fish has also been brought into focus. Sudden changes in environmental factors affect the daily and seasonal physiological activities of fish. Studies by our group on the tropical carp Catla catla indicate changes in the rhythmic pattern of these enzymes at the mRNA level. Furthermore, the results aim to establish this tropical carp as a model for studies on rhythm biology.