Identification, Characterization and Functional Analysis of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are short polypeptides that play essential roles in various cellular biological processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as tissue regeneration, immune response, and organogenesis. However, studies focusing on the characterization and function of FGF genes in teleost fishes are still limited. In this study, we identified and characterized expression patterns of 24 FGF genes in various tissues of embryonic and adult specimens of the black rockfish (Sebates schlegelii). Nine FGF genes were found to play essential roles in myoblast differentiation, as well as muscle development and recovery in juvelines of S. schlegelii. Moreover, sex-biased expression pattern of multiple FGF genes was recorded in the species' gonads during its development. Among them, expression of the FGF1 gene was recorded in interstitial and sertoli cells of testes, promoting germ-cell proliferation and differentiation. In sum, the obtained results enabled systematic and functional characterization of FGF genes in S. schlegelii, laying a foundation for further studies on FGF genes in other large teleost fishes.

Automated summary

In this study, the expression patterns of 24 FGF genes were identified and characterized in different tissues of embryonic and adult black rockfish specimens. Nine FGF genes were found to be essential for myoblast differentiation, muscle development, and recovery in juvenile black rockfish. Furthermore, multiple FGF genes showed sex-biased expression patterns during gonad development, with FGF1 gene promoting germ-cell proliferation and differentiation in the testes. These findings provide a systematic and functional characterization of FGF genes in the black rockfish and lay a foundation for future studies on FGF genes in other large teleost fishes.