Knowledge about how the responsible genes work together and are influenced by the environment is necessary in order to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind important physiological processes and traits, which are emphasised in the farming of salmon, cod and halibut.
Growth and development
The development of fish musculature, bones and fatty tissue is studied both in vivo and in cell cultures to identify optimal farming conditions. Nofima studies the effect of varying temperature and feed ingredients on growth and development by analysing the gene expression of the regulatory factors involved.
Fish organs are formed during an extremely critical phase of the embryo development. Stress related to temperature and nutrition may seriously influence many genetic factors which are decisive for the activation of normal organ development. Our stem cell research has provided important information about how different cell types have the same origin and how cell differentiation is determined by specific conditions.
Sexual maturity and reproduction
While the large reproductive potential in fish is highly valued in breeding programmes, sexual maturity represents disadvantages and large losses for the aquaculture industry. Consequently, Nofima Marin is working to develop sterile cod by inhibiting the development of the gonads at the early larval stage.
Identification of genetic factors and temperature conditions which influence the gender of fish is also prioritised. Further, we are studying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the repeated spawning in cod and halibut in contrast to salmon which spawn only once.
Disease and immunology
Nofima Marin has established microarray analysis to study the expression and regulation of a large number of disease-related genes simultaneously by using a DNA chip bearing thousands of potential genes. This provides us the opportunity to identify factors of significance for the development of specific diseases, which can provide useful information about fish disease resistance.
Microarray analysis has also proven to be a useful tool for studying immunological responses of salmon to viruses and attacks of salmon lice.
Production and health
Nofima Marin has a major focus on functional genome research by using microarrays and real-time PCR methodology to solve complex and multifactorial problems relating to health and diseases, such as cardiac myopathy syndrome (CMS).
