Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a pivotal cytokine in vertebrate immunity. Considering the increasing scientific interest for TNF-α in piscine biology, the paper detailed the characteristics of a novel tnf-α gene from a high-value mariculture species, Trachinotus blochii. The tbtnf-α complementary DNA (cDNA) of 1385 bp encoded an open reading frame of 762 bp, 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of 484 bp and 5′ UTR of 139 bp. The deduced Tbtnf-α1 showed the highest sequence identity to that of Seriola dumerili (∼83%). The comparative phylogenetics identified the protein as the TNF-α paralog 1. Tbtnf-α1 displayed all the hallmark features of other teleost TNF-α, suggesting similar immune-related functions. However, the Tbtnf-α1 was predicted to be more acidic and less thermostable. The study generated the three-dimensional (3-D) structure model of Tbtnfα-1 based on the protein sequence that can be applied in future research. The genomic organization of tbtnfα-1 contained four exons and three introns. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in healthy conditions showed the constitutive expression and wide distribution of tbtnfα-1 in a tissue-specific manner, with maximum expression in the kidney. As in silico analysis predicted the biological function of the novel TNF-α as a regulator in the defence response to bacterial infection, functional validation was done through the expression analysis following exposure to a marine pathogen (Vibrio harveyi) challenge. The results showed that the expression of tbtnf-α1 in the liver, spleen, heart, gill and kidney was significantly upregulated compared to the control fish after the challenge at differential time points post-infection. The study also demonstrated the kinetics of tbtnfα-1 expression in the liver, spleen, heart, gill and kidney at 6 to 48 h post-infection, and the results showed the peak expression at 24 h in all the tissues followed by a drop in the expression. Briefly, the present study detailed the sequence, structural and functional characteristics of tnf-α1 in the immune response of silver pompano.

Readmore....

The deep-sea caridean shrimp Plesionika semilaevis (Spence Bate, 1888) is a significant commercial species in the deep-sea fishery on the south-west coast of India. Analysis of its population parameters is crucial for understanding variability and ensuring the sustainability of this stock. This study presents the first stock assessment of P. semilaevis from Indian waters, analysing its population and growth parameters in the south-eastern Arabian Sea. Both sexes showed negative allometric growth. Growth estimates using the von Bertalanffy model revealed fast growth and low longevity for males (L∞ = 14 cm TL, K = 0.74 yr-1 and Φ′ = 2.16) and females (L∞ = 14.3 cm TL, K = 0.73 yr-1 and Φ′ = 2.17). The length at first capture was estimated as 9.46 cm while the length at maturity was measured at 8.73 cm. The estimated values for natural, fishing and total mortality were 1.12 , 2.06 and 3.18±0.17 yr-1 respectively. The exploitation rate (E = 0.65) was almost equal to the Emsy value (E0.1 = 0.62), indicating the fishery as sustainable. The findings provide a baseline for stock management and conservation of Indian deep-sea fisheries.

Readmore.....

The dynamics of physico-chemical, nutrient, and chlorophyll-a variables were studied in the bloom and non-bloom locations along the off-Gujarat coastal waters to understand the variability in biogeochemistry using multivariate analytical tests. The dissolved oxygen was significantly lower in the bloom stations (3.89 ± 0.44 mgL−1) than in the non-bloom stations (5.50 ± 0.70 mg L−1), due to the biological degradation of organic matter in addition to anaerobic microbial respiration. Nutrients (PO4 and NO3) and Chl-a concentrations were recorded higher in the bloom locations at 0.83 ± 0.21 µmol L−1, 4.47 ± 0.69 µmol L−1, 4.14 ± 1.49 mg m−3, respectively. PO4 and NO3 have shown a significantly higher positive correlation of r = 0.73 and r = 0.69 with Chl-a for bloom data than the non-bloom data. The percentage variance contributed by PC1 and PC2 for both bloom and non-bloom locations were estimated at 52.33%. The variable PO4 explains the highest 24.19% variability in PC1, followed by Chl-a (19.89%). The PO4 triggers the bloom formation and also correlates to the higher concentrations of Chl-a in the bloom locations. The bloom concentration ranges from 9553 to 12,235 trichomes L−1. The bloom intensity has shown a significant positive correlation with Chl-a (r = 0.77), NO3 (r = 0.56), and PO4 (r = 0.30), but a negative correlation was noticed with DO (r =  − 0.63) and pH (r =  − 0.49). The study also initiates a way forward research investigation on ocean-color technologies to identify and monitor blooms and climate change–driven factors for bloom formation. The occurrence of bloom and its influence on fishery resources and other marine biotas will open many research windows in marine fisheries, oceanography, remote sensing, marine biology, and trophodynamics.

Readmore....

Phlorotannins derived from the brown macroalga Turbinaria ornata exhibit anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity, making them a promising natural resource for functional foods targeting thrombotic disorders. The phlorotannin extract (TOC), identified as a mixture of eckols, fuhalols, and carmalol derivatives, exhibited a total phenolic content of 141.3 mg GAE/g and a phlorotannin content of 21.1 mg PGE/g (p < 0.05). Further purification of TOC with Amberlite XAD-16 resin produced a phlorotannin-rich fraction (TOP), exhibiting an elevated total phenolic content (171.2 mg GAE/g) and phlorotannin content (38.2 mg PGE/g). Bioactivity assessment revealed that TOP exhibited potent antioxidant activity (IC50 ? 0.2 mg/mL) and significant anticoagulant properties. TOP (25 μg/mL) significantly prolonged coagulation times by increasing activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) from 22.95 s to 131.35 s and prothrombin time (PT) from 23.90 s to 86.02 s. In thrombin-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), TOP (6.25–25 μg/mL) reduced intracellular calcium mobilization by 22.8–50 % and fibrin polymerization by 36.7–59.4 % in plasma. Additionally, TOP (6.25–25 μg/mL) decreased the fluorescent intensities of phosphorylated MARCKS (p-MARCKS) and factor Xa (FXa) by 18.2–74.9 % and 43.1–85.2 %, respectively (p < 0.05). In a dose-dependent manner, TOP (6.25–25 μg/mL) inhibited total thrombin production by 20.5–60.3 %. Furthermore, TOP (6.25–25 μg/mL) reduced adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation by 18.14–63.97 % and induced structural changes in platelets, promoting a less aggregated state. The ability of phlorotannins to modulate both intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascades highlights the therapeutic potential of TOP in regulating clot formation and preventing vascular damage, thereby warranting further molecular and clinical investigations.

Readmore....

This pioneering study examined the wound healing and regeneration abilities of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea at the Cnidarian Laboratory of the ICAR-Tuticorin Regional Station, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), India. A total of nine specimens (5.8 ± 0.4 cm) were studied, including six control medusae, one accidentally injured jellyfish (cut into four unequal fragments), and two amputated jellyfish (each divided into four equal fragments, totalling eight fragments). All specimens were maintained in a recirculatory aquarium system under optimal seawater conditions. Species identification of the control was confirmed through Basic Local Alingment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, showing 98.91% similarity with Cassiopea xamachana (Bigelow 1892), from the United States of America (USA) GenBank Accession No. ON545804.1, and validated through phylogenetic analysis. Microscopic and morphological observations revealed that the oral arm tissue lacked pulsing activity and could not regenerate its body structure. In contrast, fragments of umbrella tissue from both amputated and injured specimens exhibited pulsing and successfully regained symmetry within 7–15 days. The first phase of self-healing involved the reformation of umbrella symmetry, regeneration of bell tissue, and resumed functions similar to those of the normal medusa. The development of canal systems, including anastomosing vessels radiating from the centre, oral arms extending from the mouth, vesicles from the arms, and the central disc, was documented. The experimental observations revealed sequential wound healing through regeneration and morphogenesis in amputated and injured medusa. This study established Cassiopea as a promising cnidarian model organism for regeneration studies, highlighting its remarkable self-repairing and regenerative capabilities.

Readmore........

Deep-sea trawl samples collected from the west coast of India have revealed several previously undetected species inhabiting the deep waters. This study reports the first record of Bathycongrus nasicus from the western Indian waters and the second record from the entire western Indian Ocean. A single specimen of B. nasicus was collected from the Neendakara fishery harbour in southern Kerala. The species identity was confirmed morphometrically by comparing it with previous records, and the study provides the first molecular identification of this rare congrid eel. The presence of B. nasicus in the western Indian waters suggests its potential distribution throughout the northern Indian Ocean, with prior records from the Bay of Bengal and the western Arabian Sea. This new record indicates that there might be occurrences of several previously unknown fish species in the non-commercial fishery of this region, underscoring the importance of survey collections of non-commercial fishes, which play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.

Readmore.....