Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led by Dr. Itamar Harel along with Ph.D. student Eitan Moses and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Roman Franek, have introduced a groundbreaking platform for controlling peptide hormones in fish. This innovative method not only facilitates extensive studies of fish biology but also holds transformative potential for fish farming techniques, clinical hormone administration, and investigations into vertebrate lifespan extension.
Peptide hormones produced by the pituitary gland play a crucial role in regulating key life events in vertebrates, including growth, reproduction, metabolism, and aging. Precisely managing hormone levels is essential for understanding and controlling these traits. Historically, manipulating hormones within living organisms for experiments has been a challenging task.
The research team achieved a significant breakthrough by utilizing the small turquoise killifish as a model organism. Their platform enables two types of manipulations—loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies—targeting peptide hormones in fish.
By manipulating three primary pituitary hormones—growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)—the researchers observed substantial changes in somatic growth and reproduction in hormone-deficient fish. Despite the killifish’s rapid growth and maturity, the study suggests shared genetic networks across vertebrate species.
In the next phase, the scientists developed a system to precisely control hormone expression. This system uses a fluorescent marker attached to hormones, introduced into the fish’s body through a technique called intramuscular electroporation.
Remarkably, a single electroporation treatment allowed hormone-deficient fish to maintain essential traits, including reproductive capabilities, for extended periods. The researchers demonstrated the versatility of their method by combining multiple hormonal interventions, precisely controlling their levels, and regulating hormone activation as needed.
Beyond advancing research in fish biology, the platform’s applications are far-reaching. It has the potential to revolutionize fish farming practices, provide a novel approach to clinical hormone administration, and explore interventions to extend the lifespan of vertebrates.
Prof. Itamar Harel commented, “Our platform opens up new horizons for comprehending the role of peptide hormones in vertebrate biology and provides a powerful tool for researchers in this field. It also holds promise for applications in aquaculture and the exploration of interventions to enhance longevity.”
The research findings are published in the journal eLife.
