Stimulation of Growth Hormone and Growth Factor Gene Expression in Shellfish: Effects of Growth Hormone on Larval, Juvenile, and Adult Life Stages
of Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica
By applying recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering, our long term objective is to investigate strategies for improving growth rates of finfish and shellfish in aquaculture via manipulating growth hormone (GH) and growth factor genes. Our specific aims are to: continue gene transfer studies in carp, catfish and striped bass; identify and clone cDNA of GH and growth factor genes from oysters; determine the levels of expression of these genes during various growth phases; determine culture conditions which can elevate the expression of GH and growth factor genes; study the effect of biosynthetic GH on growth of larvae, juveniles and adults; and transfer GH and growth factor genes into oysters by electroporation.
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Thomas Chen
Center for Marine Biotechnology
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
Kennedy T. Paynter, Jr.
Department of Zoology
University of Maryland College Park
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