Adequate supply of dietary taurine stimulates expression of molecular markers of growth and protein turnover in juvenile barramundi ( Lates calcarifer )

A trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary taurine (Tau) supply on the plasma amino acid composition and hepatic expression of several genes in juvenile barramundi ( Lates calcarifer ) after feeding. Triplicate tanks of fish (average weight, 89.3 g) were fed diets containing either a deficient (1 g kg −1 ), adequate (8 g kg −1 ) or excessive (19 g kg −1 ) level of dietary Tau. Liver tissues collected before feeding, and at 2- and 4-h post-feeding, were analysed for expression of genes involved in pathways of sulphur amino acid turnover, Tau biosynthesis and transport, target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling, the somatotropic axis and protein turnover. The treatment had no significant effect on the profiles of any amino acid in plasma collected over time after feeding, other than Tau and glycine. The expression profile of cystine and Tau synthetic genes suggested an effect of Tau excess on the metabolism of cystine. Markers of two pathways of Tau biosynthesis appear to be active in this species, providing proof that this species possesses the ability to synthesise Tau from SAA precursors. A marker for the regulation of Tau transport and homeostasis was shown to be directly regulated by Tau availability, whilst a link between adequate supply of Tau and TOR pathway-mediated growth stimulation was also apparent. An observed depression in expression of genes of the somatotropic axis, coupled with upregulation of the proteolytic and TOR-suppressing genes, in response to excessive Tau supply in the diet, signalled that excessive Tau may not be conducive to optimal growth in this species.