Impact of IGF3 stimulation on spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) liver: Implications for a role in ovarian development

Insulin-like growth factor 3 (IGF3) plays an essential role in the reproductive system and influences the liver of teleosts. However, the mechanism of IGF3 action on the liver remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome patterns and enzymatic activities in the liver of Scatophagus argus following IGF3 injection. We identified 155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched in terms ‘retinol metabolism’, ‘steroid hormone biosynthesis’, ‘epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance’, and ‘one carbon pool by folate’ in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Notable DEGs included inhbb, shmt2, slc2a5, cyp1a1, got1, mid1ip1, sstr5, hnf6, slc39a14, and hspa1a. The activities of amylase, lipase, malic enzyme, fatty acid synthase, and lipoprotein lipase increased significantly, whereas those of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase and pyruvate kinase decreased significantly. The combined analysis of transcriptome patterns and enzyme activities suggests IGF3 may promote energy storage and protein synthesis by the liver. These findings indicate IGF3 may support the liver to promote ovarian development and maturation in S. argus.