Role of melanotropin in the formation of calico pattern on goldfish skin

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24780192
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General fisheries
• Research Institution: Kitasato University
• Principal Investigator: MIZUSAWA Kanta 北里大学, 海洋生命科学部, 講師 (70458743)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: キンギョ / 皮膚 / 鱗 / 体色パターン / 体色変化 / 色素胞 / ホルモン / 受容体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Teleosts can change their skin color in response to lighting conditions. Typical hormonal peptides associating color changes are melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) generated in hypothalamus, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) generated in pituitary, and agouti-signaling protein (ASP) in skin. These peptides cause color pigments to be dispersed or concentrated, and control the proliferation and maintenance of chromatophores. Shubunkin, a breed of goldfish, has a calico pattern on the skin. This study was undertaken to elucidate the function of these hormonal peptides in the pattern formation of this fish. The results suggested that: 1) specific subtypes of MCH receptor and MSH receptor (MCHR2, MC1R, and MC5R) might have an important role in the proliferation and maintenance of melanophores and xanthophores, and 2) ASP might not be involved in the formation of the calico pattern.

Free Research Field

魚類内分泌学