Molecular Biotechnology of Development and Growth in Fish Muscle

The myotomal muscles are the main edible part of teleost fish. This short review summarises current information on myogenic genes of particular biotechnological interest from the perspective of growth regulation and food chemistry. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying myogenesis at different stages of the life-cycle are described. The importance of temperature as a factor regulating growth and tissue phenotype is discussed with reference to developmental plasticity and temperature acclimation responses. The applications of muscle biotechnology to fisheries and aquaculture are highlighted together with areas for future research.