Transgenic fish and aquaculture

Abstract

Transgenic fish species can be routinely produced by transferring foreign DNA into developing embryos via microinjection or electroporation. This technology offers an excellent opportunity for modifying or improving the genetic traits of commercially important Fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans for aquaculture. Studies have shown that administration of recombinant fish or mammalian growth hormone (GH) to juvenile fish or oysters resulted in significant growth enhancement. Thus, it is possible to improve the growth rates of marine animals by manipulating GH or its gene. This paper reviews the results of studies to determine the efficacy of recombinant fish GH in improving the growth rates of fishes, mollusks, and crustaceans, and of gene transfer technology in producing fast-growing transgenic animals.