Fish gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene and molecular approaches for control of sexual maturation: development of a transgenic fish model.

ABSTRACT

The prepro-GnRH gene and mRNA primary structure were fully established from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and partially from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Results show that the GnRH coding region of 30 base pairs is well conserved during evolution. In contrast, the GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) sequence shows very limited homology when the GnRH genes from mammalian and teleost species are compared. A simple method for selecting transgenic fish after transfer of the firefly luciferase gene was developed. The method involves bioluminescent measurement of live animals in a scintillation counter.