Transcription of growth hormone mRNA as a molecular marker of egg quality in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

The Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) is an economically important species. Sturgeon stock assessment during fingerling production is considered to be one of the most difficult phases of hatchery rearing. The present study investigated the expression of growth hormone (GH) mRNA in unfertilized eggs, fertilized eggs, eyed eggs (2 day before hatching), non-viable eggs and newly-hatched Siberian sturgeon. Knowledge about the expression of GH during egg and embryo development can help determine the quality of the eggs. This can help predict larval viability and, to some extent, directly determine the growth and survival of young fish. Little is known about the effect of this hormone on egg quality in sturgeon. The present study analyzed relative GH mRNA expression using the 2-ΔΔCT method. Ribosomal protein L6 (RPL6) transcripts were used as the housekeeping gene for normalization of GH mRNA transcription. The highest levels of GH mRNA were found in eyed eggs and the lowest levels were detected in non-viable eggs (P< 0.05). These findings suggest GH mRNA as a potential marker for egg quality in Siberian sturgeon.