Alejandra Garcia-Gasca | Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarollo, A.C. (original) (raw)
Papers by Alejandra Garcia-Gasca
Molecular Biology Reports, Dec 11, 2023
Acta Diabetologica, Sep 2, 2023
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Mar 15, 2022
Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and ... more Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and deductions from clinical observations and animal models. To date, new experimental approaches and in vitro data contributed to a deep comprehension of gonadotropin receptors’ functioning and may provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating still unclear physiological events. Among these, the production of androgen in the absence of proper LH levels, the programming of follicular atresia and dominance are some of the most intriguing. Starting from evolutionary issues at the basis of the gonadotropin receptor signal specificity, we draw a new hypothesis explaining the molecular mechanisms of the antral follicular growth, based on the modulation of endocrine signals by receptor-receptor interactions. The “heteromer hypothesis” explains how opposite death and life signals are delivered by gonadotropin receptors and other membrane partners, mediating steroidogenesis, apoptotic events, and the maturation of the dominant follicle.
Toxicology Letters, Oct 1, 2016
Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes, Sep 1, 2022
Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Sep 1, 2021
The Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins of parasites are involved in invasion and colonization of t... more The Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins of parasites are involved in invasion and colonization of their hosts. In addition, since ES proteins circulate in the extracellular space, they can be more accessible to drugs than other proteins, which makes ES proteins optimal targets for the development of new and better pharmacological strategies. Monogeneans are a group of parasitic Platyhelminthes that includes some pathogenic species problematic for finfish aquaculture. In the present study, 8297 putative ES proteins from four monogenean species which genomic resources are publicly available were identified and functionally annotated by bioinformatic tools. Additionally, for comparative purposes, ES proteins in other parasitic and free-living platyhelminths were identified. Based on data from the monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris, 15 ES proteins are considered potential drug targets. One of them showed homology to 10 cathepsins with known 3D structure. A docking molecular analysis uncovered that the anthelmintic emodepside shows good affinity to these cathepsins suggesting that emodepside can be experimentally tested as a monogenean's cathepsin inhibitor.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Feb 25, 2022
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that res... more Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that responds to a wide range of xenobiotics such as pesticides, drugs, and endocrinedisrupting compounds. The epigenome can interact with the environment and transform internal and/or external signals into phenotypic responses through changes in gene transcription. Environmental exposures can also generate epigenetic variations in offspring even by indirect exposure. In this review, we address the advantages of using zebrafish as an experimental animal model to study transgenerational epigenetic processes upon exposure to xenobiotics. We focused mostly on DNA methylation, although studies on post-translational modifications of histones, and non-coding RNAs related to xenobiotic exposure in zebrafish are also discussed. A revision of the methods used to study epigenetic changes in zebrafish revealed the relevance and reproducibility for epigenetics-related research. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were consulted for original research articles published from 2013 to date, by using six keywords: zebrafish, epigenetics, exposure, parental, transgenerational, and F2. From 499 articles identified, 92 were considered, of which 14 were selected as included F2 and epigenetic mechanisms. Current knowledge regarding the effect of xenobiotics on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in non-coding RNAs expressed in F2 is summarized, along with key experimental design considerations to characterize transgenerational effects.
Mechanisms of Development, Dec 1, 2020
Aquaculture Research, Apr 20, 2020
Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production is one of the most economically importa... more Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production is one of the most economically important aquaculture industries around the world. Gene expression studies during larval development are a key tool to elucidate biological aspects during metamorphosis and the effects of pathological conditions; the adequate quantification of gene expression can provide molecular markers and basic knowledge to optimize culture conditions, including the development of strategies for the prevention and control of diseases. In this context, the selection and validation of reference genes is a critical process to avoid bias due to inaccurate measurements and the consequent misinterpretation of biological processes. In this study, nine candidate reference genes (Clathrin, Cyt-c, SubF0, EF1α, β-Actin, GAPDH, TBP, AK and PK) were selected to test their expression stability during larval development of L. vannamei using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and the integrated tool RefFinder algorithms. Based on our analysis the most stable gene was SubF0, followed by GAPDH and EF1α. Relative expression of developmental genes (Twist, Mef-2 and Ubx) was quantified using the three most stable reference genes (individually and combined), taking special attention to the expected expression and biological function of these genes. The expression of Mef-2 was the most sensitive to the reference gene. However, the combination of the three most stable reference genes provided consistent results according to the expected expression patterns of developmental genes.
Cytogenetic and Genome Research, Dec 15, 2018
encoded by Hox genes to build a snake, a lizard, or a turtle represent the interplay between geno... more encoded by Hox genes to build a snake, a lizard, or a turtle represent the interplay between genome and epigenome after years of evolution, with occasional environmentally induced molecular mistakes leading to abnormal body shapes.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Oct 1, 2019
Marine turtle hatchling survival depends not only on suitable incubation temperatures allowing fo... more Marine turtle hatchling survival depends not only on suitable incubation temperatures allowing for viable embryo development but also adequate locomotor capacity to avoid predation while crawling from the beach to the sea and when swimming into the open ocean. To investigate the effects of temperature on swimming performance of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings, we incubated eggs at different constant temperatures (24-34°C) using a split-clutch approach. Swimming performance of hatchlings was tested and video-recorded for 24 h in static water under a day/night cycle (experiment 1) and for 30 min in continuously flowing water in the dark (experiment 2). Data from experiment 1 were evaluated visually to estimate the time of swimming activity. For experiment 2, we used software to calculate movement parameters from which hatchling performance was estimated. In both experiments, intermediate incubation temperatures (28-30°C) were optimal not only for hatchling success and morphological dimensions but also for swimming performance, with 30°C being the most favorable. Performance from hatchlings diminished with higher and lower temperatures, especially at the coldest range (26-27°C). Phenotypic plasticity was observed from low and high incubation temperatures, with higher variation in performance among hatchlings from eggs incubated at 26-27°C and 32-33°C than for those incubated at 28-30°C. Our results consistently showed that incubation temperature exerts the greatest influence on swimming performance and that maternal origin (clutch) has a significant effect on individual hatchling morphology. Given that the olive ridley year-round breeding leads to variable nest incubation temperatures in hot summers and cooler winter months, our results highlight the need for careful temperature management to produce hatchlings with optimal swimming capacities and, hence, highest survival probabilities.
Epigenomes, May 10, 2021
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Mechanisms of Development, Dec 1, 2018
Muscle development involves coordinated molecular events leading to cell proliferation, fusion, d... more Muscle development involves coordinated molecular events leading to cell proliferation, fusion, differentiation, sarcomere assembly, and myofibrogenesis. However, under physiological or pathological stress, energy requirements and secretion of glucocorticoids increase, resulting in muscle atrophy because of the depletion of energy reserves. Glucocorticoids induce muscular atrophy by two main mechanisms, protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and inhibition of protein synthesis through the negative regulation of the IGF1-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. Other signaling pathways (such as the myostatin-activin-smad pathway) involved in muscle atrophy by glucocorticoid exposure are unclear. In fish, the role of glucocorticoids in muscle atrophy has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms of muscle atrophy induced by a synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone, DEX) in an ex vivo muscle culture system of a marine fish (Lutjanus guttatus). Results showed that DEX was able to induce the expression of myostatin-1, and the expression of the transcription factor foxo3b. Myostatin-1 silencing by RNAi produced a decrease in the expression of foxo3b and murf1, and increased the expression of mtor, myod-2 and myogenin. These results suggest that in fish skeletal muscle, myostatin-1 signaling participates in glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting through the negative regulation of genes involved in muscle growth, such as mtor, myod-2 and myogenin, and the induction of atrophy genes like foxo3b and murf1.
Parasitologia, Jan 10, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Biomarkers, Oct 25, 2018
Multiple biomarker approach in the fiddler crab to assess anthropogenic pollution in tropical coa... more Multiple biomarker approach in the fiddler crab to assess anthropogenic pollution in tropical coastal environments Context: Fiddler crabs are important to the ecology of estuarine systems around the world, however few studies have incorporated them as bioindicators. Urias estuary represents one of the most urbanized lagoons in the Gulf of California region and received discharges from different sources: shrimp farm, thermoelectric plant, fish processing plants, and untreated domestic and sewage wastes. Objective: Assess the effects on anthropogenic contamination on female fiddler crabs reproduction, survival, and genetic stability. Methods: Exposition of wild crabs from a less impacted (reference) site to naturally contaminated sediments on under controlled laboratory conditions. Reproductive parameters, levels of DNA damage and mortality rates were measured, together with chemical analyses of sediments. Results: The most contaminated sediments corresponded to the site where fish processing plants were located and the integrated biomarker response analysis revealed that the most adverse effects were produced by exposure to sediments from this site; these crabs showed higher mortality (67%) and poorer ovarian development than those crabs exposed to sediments from other sites. Conclusions: Female crabs under pollution stress are able to trade-off reproduction for survival, and surviving animals were able to restore genetic stability possibly by activating DNA repair mechanisms. Multiple biomarker approach discriminates different coastal contamination scenarios.
Epigenomes, Jun 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Shellfish Research, Aug 1, 2018
presents the histological description of development of bacteria in parasitophorous vacuoles of i... more presents the histological description of development of bacteria in parasitophorous vacuoles of infected cells. Confirmative diagnosis was performed by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Bacterial growth started with eosinophilic granules (colonial), followed by the formation and growth of intracytoplasmic inclusions. The presence of E-RLO was detected in the gill epithelium, mantle, labial palps, digestive tract, and both male and female gametes. This work describes for the first time an E-RLO in C. gigas with potential vertical transmission.
Diversity, Mar 15, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, Mar 2, 2020
The effects of feed deprivation were evaluated for 1 week and 2 weeks in Lutjanus guttatus juveni... more The effects of feed deprivation were evaluated for 1 week and 2 weeks in Lutjanus guttatus juveniles. A significant reduction in body mass was observed in both feed deprivation schemes, as well as in hepatosomatic, viscerosomatic and mesenteric fat indexes. The composition of fasted fish was characterized by a decrease in lipid content; the liver displayed an intense reduction of lipid reserves in both fasted groups, and increased expression of the lysosomal acid lipase. 1 week after re-feeding, both experimental groups showed an increase in specific growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. A recovery in hepatic lipid reserves was observed, and the expression of the lysosomal acid lipase decreased, although lipid content in both groups was still significantly lower than in control groups. Hepatic expression of the growth hormone receptor decreased after fasting, and remained low even after the fish were fed, whereas the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 increased after fasting and decreased in both groups when fish were fed again. Altogether, these results showed a partial compensatory growth response in L. guttatus juveniles after fasting, with enhanced growth rates and improved feed efficiency. Fish used stored lipid reserves as the main energy source, and the expression of growth-related and lipid mobilization marker genes in the liver showed similar patterns in both fasting schemes. Based on the results, we suggest as much as 1-week fasting intervals during grow-out programmes to reduce visceral fat and increase growth rate in this species.
Molecular Biology Reports, Dec 11, 2023
Acta Diabetologica, Sep 2, 2023
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Mar 15, 2022
Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and ... more Knowledge of the growth and maturation of human antral follicles is based mainly on concepts and deductions from clinical observations and animal models. To date, new experimental approaches and in vitro data contributed to a deep comprehension of gonadotropin receptors’ functioning and may provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating still unclear physiological events. Among these, the production of androgen in the absence of proper LH levels, the programming of follicular atresia and dominance are some of the most intriguing. Starting from evolutionary issues at the basis of the gonadotropin receptor signal specificity, we draw a new hypothesis explaining the molecular mechanisms of the antral follicular growth, based on the modulation of endocrine signals by receptor-receptor interactions. The “heteromer hypothesis” explains how opposite death and life signals are delivered by gonadotropin receptors and other membrane partners, mediating steroidogenesis, apoptotic events, and the maturation of the dominant follicle.
Toxicology Letters, Oct 1, 2016
Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes, Sep 1, 2022
Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Sep 1, 2021
The Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins of parasites are involved in invasion and colonization of t... more The Excretory/Secretory (ES) proteins of parasites are involved in invasion and colonization of their hosts. In addition, since ES proteins circulate in the extracellular space, they can be more accessible to drugs than other proteins, which makes ES proteins optimal targets for the development of new and better pharmacological strategies. Monogeneans are a group of parasitic Platyhelminthes that includes some pathogenic species problematic for finfish aquaculture. In the present study, 8297 putative ES proteins from four monogenean species which genomic resources are publicly available were identified and functionally annotated by bioinformatic tools. Additionally, for comparative purposes, ES proteins in other parasitic and free-living platyhelminths were identified. Based on data from the monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris, 15 ES proteins are considered potential drug targets. One of them showed homology to 10 cathepsins with known 3D structure. A docking molecular analysis uncovered that the anthelmintic emodepside shows good affinity to these cathepsins suggesting that emodepside can be experimentally tested as a monogenean's cathepsin inhibitor.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Feb 25, 2022
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that res... more Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that responds to a wide range of xenobiotics such as pesticides, drugs, and endocrinedisrupting compounds. The epigenome can interact with the environment and transform internal and/or external signals into phenotypic responses through changes in gene transcription. Environmental exposures can also generate epigenetic variations in offspring even by indirect exposure. In this review, we address the advantages of using zebrafish as an experimental animal model to study transgenerational epigenetic processes upon exposure to xenobiotics. We focused mostly on DNA methylation, although studies on post-translational modifications of histones, and non-coding RNAs related to xenobiotic exposure in zebrafish are also discussed. A revision of the methods used to study epigenetic changes in zebrafish revealed the relevance and reproducibility for epigenetics-related research. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were consulted for original research articles published from 2013 to date, by using six keywords: zebrafish, epigenetics, exposure, parental, transgenerational, and F2. From 499 articles identified, 92 were considered, of which 14 were selected as included F2 and epigenetic mechanisms. Current knowledge regarding the effect of xenobiotics on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in non-coding RNAs expressed in F2 is summarized, along with key experimental design considerations to characterize transgenerational effects.
Mechanisms of Development, Dec 1, 2020
Aquaculture Research, Apr 20, 2020
Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production is one of the most economically importa... more Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production is one of the most economically important aquaculture industries around the world. Gene expression studies during larval development are a key tool to elucidate biological aspects during metamorphosis and the effects of pathological conditions; the adequate quantification of gene expression can provide molecular markers and basic knowledge to optimize culture conditions, including the development of strategies for the prevention and control of diseases. In this context, the selection and validation of reference genes is a critical process to avoid bias due to inaccurate measurements and the consequent misinterpretation of biological processes. In this study, nine candidate reference genes (Clathrin, Cyt-c, SubF0, EF1α, β-Actin, GAPDH, TBP, AK and PK) were selected to test their expression stability during larval development of L. vannamei using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and the integrated tool RefFinder algorithms. Based on our analysis the most stable gene was SubF0, followed by GAPDH and EF1α. Relative expression of developmental genes (Twist, Mef-2 and Ubx) was quantified using the three most stable reference genes (individually and combined), taking special attention to the expected expression and biological function of these genes. The expression of Mef-2 was the most sensitive to the reference gene. However, the combination of the three most stable reference genes provided consistent results according to the expected expression patterns of developmental genes.
Cytogenetic and Genome Research, Dec 15, 2018
encoded by Hox genes to build a snake, a lizard, or a turtle represent the interplay between geno... more encoded by Hox genes to build a snake, a lizard, or a turtle represent the interplay between genome and epigenome after years of evolution, with occasional environmentally induced molecular mistakes leading to abnormal body shapes.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Oct 1, 2019
Marine turtle hatchling survival depends not only on suitable incubation temperatures allowing fo... more Marine turtle hatchling survival depends not only on suitable incubation temperatures allowing for viable embryo development but also adequate locomotor capacity to avoid predation while crawling from the beach to the sea and when swimming into the open ocean. To investigate the effects of temperature on swimming performance of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings, we incubated eggs at different constant temperatures (24-34°C) using a split-clutch approach. Swimming performance of hatchlings was tested and video-recorded for 24 h in static water under a day/night cycle (experiment 1) and for 30 min in continuously flowing water in the dark (experiment 2). Data from experiment 1 were evaluated visually to estimate the time of swimming activity. For experiment 2, we used software to calculate movement parameters from which hatchling performance was estimated. In both experiments, intermediate incubation temperatures (28-30°C) were optimal not only for hatchling success and morphological dimensions but also for swimming performance, with 30°C being the most favorable. Performance from hatchlings diminished with higher and lower temperatures, especially at the coldest range (26-27°C). Phenotypic plasticity was observed from low and high incubation temperatures, with higher variation in performance among hatchlings from eggs incubated at 26-27°C and 32-33°C than for those incubated at 28-30°C. Our results consistently showed that incubation temperature exerts the greatest influence on swimming performance and that maternal origin (clutch) has a significant effect on individual hatchling morphology. Given that the olive ridley year-round breeding leads to variable nest incubation temperatures in hot summers and cooler winter months, our results highlight the need for careful temperature management to produce hatchlings with optimal swimming capacities and, hence, highest survival probabilities.
Epigenomes, May 10, 2021
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Mechanisms of Development, Dec 1, 2018
Muscle development involves coordinated molecular events leading to cell proliferation, fusion, d... more Muscle development involves coordinated molecular events leading to cell proliferation, fusion, differentiation, sarcomere assembly, and myofibrogenesis. However, under physiological or pathological stress, energy requirements and secretion of glucocorticoids increase, resulting in muscle atrophy because of the depletion of energy reserves. Glucocorticoids induce muscular atrophy by two main mechanisms, protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and inhibition of protein synthesis through the negative regulation of the IGF1-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. Other signaling pathways (such as the myostatin-activin-smad pathway) involved in muscle atrophy by glucocorticoid exposure are unclear. In fish, the role of glucocorticoids in muscle atrophy has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanisms of muscle atrophy induced by a synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone, DEX) in an ex vivo muscle culture system of a marine fish (Lutjanus guttatus). Results showed that DEX was able to induce the expression of myostatin-1, and the expression of the transcription factor foxo3b. Myostatin-1 silencing by RNAi produced a decrease in the expression of foxo3b and murf1, and increased the expression of mtor, myod-2 and myogenin. These results suggest that in fish skeletal muscle, myostatin-1 signaling participates in glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting through the negative regulation of genes involved in muscle growth, such as mtor, myod-2 and myogenin, and the induction of atrophy genes like foxo3b and murf1.
Parasitologia, Jan 10, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Biomarkers, Oct 25, 2018
Multiple biomarker approach in the fiddler crab to assess anthropogenic pollution in tropical coa... more Multiple biomarker approach in the fiddler crab to assess anthropogenic pollution in tropical coastal environments Context: Fiddler crabs are important to the ecology of estuarine systems around the world, however few studies have incorporated them as bioindicators. Urias estuary represents one of the most urbanized lagoons in the Gulf of California region and received discharges from different sources: shrimp farm, thermoelectric plant, fish processing plants, and untreated domestic and sewage wastes. Objective: Assess the effects on anthropogenic contamination on female fiddler crabs reproduction, survival, and genetic stability. Methods: Exposition of wild crabs from a less impacted (reference) site to naturally contaminated sediments on under controlled laboratory conditions. Reproductive parameters, levels of DNA damage and mortality rates were measured, together with chemical analyses of sediments. Results: The most contaminated sediments corresponded to the site where fish processing plants were located and the integrated biomarker response analysis revealed that the most adverse effects were produced by exposure to sediments from this site; these crabs showed higher mortality (67%) and poorer ovarian development than those crabs exposed to sediments from other sites. Conclusions: Female crabs under pollution stress are able to trade-off reproduction for survival, and surviving animals were able to restore genetic stability possibly by activating DNA repair mechanisms. Multiple biomarker approach discriminates different coastal contamination scenarios.
Epigenomes, Jun 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Shellfish Research, Aug 1, 2018
presents the histological description of development of bacteria in parasitophorous vacuoles of i... more presents the histological description of development of bacteria in parasitophorous vacuoles of infected cells. Confirmative diagnosis was performed by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Bacterial growth started with eosinophilic granules (colonial), followed by the formation and growth of intracytoplasmic inclusions. The presence of E-RLO was detected in the gill epithelium, mantle, labial palps, digestive tract, and both male and female gametes. This work describes for the first time an E-RLO in C. gigas with potential vertical transmission.
Diversity, Mar 15, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, Mar 2, 2020
The effects of feed deprivation were evaluated for 1 week and 2 weeks in Lutjanus guttatus juveni... more The effects of feed deprivation were evaluated for 1 week and 2 weeks in Lutjanus guttatus juveniles. A significant reduction in body mass was observed in both feed deprivation schemes, as well as in hepatosomatic, viscerosomatic and mesenteric fat indexes. The composition of fasted fish was characterized by a decrease in lipid content; the liver displayed an intense reduction of lipid reserves in both fasted groups, and increased expression of the lysosomal acid lipase. 1 week after re-feeding, both experimental groups showed an increase in specific growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. A recovery in hepatic lipid reserves was observed, and the expression of the lysosomal acid lipase decreased, although lipid content in both groups was still significantly lower than in control groups. Hepatic expression of the growth hormone receptor decreased after fasting, and remained low even after the fish were fed, whereas the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 increased after fasting and decreased in both groups when fish were fed again. Altogether, these results showed a partial compensatory growth response in L. guttatus juveniles after fasting, with enhanced growth rates and improved feed efficiency. Fish used stored lipid reserves as the main energy source, and the expression of growth-related and lipid mobilization marker genes in the liver showed similar patterns in both fasting schemes. Based on the results, we suggest as much as 1-week fasting intervals during grow-out programmes to reduce visceral fat and increase growth rate in this species.