Advances in Proinsulin Research: New Findings on Carbohydrate Utilization in Striped Murrel

Research conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture has shed light on the nutrient utilization capacity of striped murrel during larval development. The study investigated the expression patterns and activity levels of pancreatic a-amylase in striped murrel larvae, revealing significant increases in a-amylase activity and expression during the ontogenetic development of the larvae. This discovery paves the way for the development of cost-effective feed formulations for striped murrel aquaculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The striped murrel (Channa striata) is a commercially important species targeted for aquaculture in India due to its high demand, medicinal benefits, and adaptability to high-density farming.
  • The high mortality rate during larval rearing poses a significant challenge to the commercial production of this species.
  • A comprehensive understanding of the nutrient utilization capacity during larval development can aid in formulating suitable feed and feeding strategies for striped murrel.
  • The expression level of a-amylase increased significantly during larval ontogeny in striped murrel, indicating the ability of larvae to utilize dietary carbohydrates as energy substrates from early larval stages.
  • The research suggests that the enhanced activity and expression of a-amylase can aid in the development of cost-effective feed formulation for striped murrel aquaculture.
  • The study highlights the importance of pancreatic a-amylase in striped murrel larvae and its potential role in utilizing carbohydrates for energy.
  • The research was conducted by Rakhi Kumari and co-authors from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture.
  • The study also mentions the involvement of researchers from various institutions, including P. P. Srivastava, Kedar N. Mohanta, Paramananda Das, Rajesh Kumar, Prakash Sharma, Lakshman Sahoo, Manchi Rajesh, and G. M. Siddaiah.

Statistics:

  • 85% identity between the partial a-amylase cDNA isolated from C. striata and Channa argus amylases.
  • Significant increase in a-amylase activity and expression (p < 0.05) during larval ontogeny in striped murrel.
  • Increased utilization of dietary carbohydrates as energy substrates during early larval stages.
  • Cost-effective feed formulation for striped murrel aquaculture is a potential outcome of the research.
  • The study provides new insights into the carbohydrate utilization capacity of striped murrel larvae.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings Reported from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture Describe Advances in Proinsulin [Expression of pancreatic a-amylase and growth related genes during larval ontogeny in striped ...]. Gastroenterology Week. October 13, 2025; p 670.
  • Kumari, R., et al. (2025). Expression of pancreatic a-amylase and growth related genes during larval ontogeny in striped murrel (Channa striata). Scientific Reports, 15(1), 33861. Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.