ABS 2023
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Rhythmic expression of clock genes in wild marine fish �
Margarida Barcelo-Serra, Joan Pons, Eneko Aspillaga, Martina Martorell-Barcel�, Josep Al�s. Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avan�ats (IMEDEA), Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain

In animals, activity and rest cycles are determined by various genes with rhythmic expression patterns driven by autoregulatory feedback loops. This rhythmicity is crucial for adapting to environmental conditions. Molecular mechanisms underlying these patterns are traditionally studied in laboratory conditions. However, wild animals face diverse environmental cues and selective pressures leading to specific adaptations. The underlying molecular mechanisms are influenced by these cues, resulting in interindividual variability in activity patterns or chronotypes. Our work focuses on the cyclic gene expression regulating circadian rhythms, potentially influencing marine fish chronotypes. Initially, we present evidence of chronotypes in wild fish and demonstrate that fishing may exert selection on chronotypes. Subsequently, we present genetic sequence variants and gene expression levels from individuals exhibiting different chronotypes and captured at different times. This multidisciplinary project offers an overview of the molecular basis of circadian characterization in wild marine species, with implications in behavioural biodiversity maintenance and species conservation.