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 stockassessment during fingerling production is considered to be one of the most difficult phases ofhatchery 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 eggsand newly-hatched Siberian sturgeon. Knowledge about the expression of GH during egg andembryo development can help determine the quality of the eggs. This can help predict larvalviability and, to some extent, directly determine the growth and survival of young fish. Little isknown about the effect of this hormone on egg quality in sturgeon. The present study analyzedrelative 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 innon-viable eggs (P< 0.05). These findings suggest GH mRNA as a potential marker for eggquality in Siberian sturgeon.