Summary: | The expression of ten autophagy-related genes (ATG4, ATG5, ATG7, ATG9, ATG12, ATG13, ATG16, BECN-1, GABARAP and LC3) was examined in RTgill-W1 (gill epithelial) cells and in muscle and liver from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) undergoing serum nutrient restriction and compared to control groups. Six of these sequences, ATG5, ATG7, ATG9, ATG13, ATG16 and BECN-1, were previously unknown in rainbow trout. The rainbow trout sequences had highest nucleotide sequence similarity with Atlantic salmon and other fish species used for comparison in this study. In serum-restricted RTgill-W1 cells, most autophagy-related genes were significantly expressed at Day 3. In liver from feed-restricted fish, most Atg were significantly upregulated within the first 4 days. Autophagy-related gene expression in muscle was significantly upregulated between Day 8 and 15. Both tissues had a second peak of Atg upregulation at Day 21 suggesting that autophagy is maintained for longer periods of time in fish than previously understood. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs University of Guelph
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