Protein variation and involvement of insulin-like growth factor during embryonic development in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), along with IGF-binding protein and IGF receptor, are well-known regulators in the growth and survival of vertebrates. In this study, we investigated the involvement of IGFs and protein variation during embryonic development of the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Morphological stages were divided into six main developments as blastula, gastrula, cephalization, cranial regionalization, tail lift, and hatch. During embryonic development, protein variation was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. In addition, the mechanism of signaling of IGF-I receptor was examined using immuno-blot analysis. We found marked changes in protein expression at four stages of embryonic development and identified proteins as belonging to the vitellogenin 2 family. As development progresses, expression of IGF-II, phosphotyrosine, and phospho-Akt increased, while expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) and one of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (Ras) decreased. These results provide basic information on the IGF system in the embryonic development of the olive flounder.