Cloning and early expression pattern of two melatonin biosynthesis enzymes in the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

The full-length cloning of genes involved in melatonin biosynthesis in the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) was achieved.

• Melatonin production from serotonin requires the activation of specific enzymes, namely AANAT and HIOMT.
• Teleost fish have two types of AANAT, with distinct expressions in the retina and pineal gland.
• The gene Otx5 may play a role in the development of photoreceptors and the differentiation of the pineal gland before the retina.
• Expression patterns indicate that SmAanat2 is specific to the pineal gland, while SmOtx5 and SmHiomt are found in both the retina and pineal gland.
• No cyclic accumulation of SmAanat2 or SmHiomt mRNAs was observed under a light-dark cycle, differing from zebrafish patterns.

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