Characterization and localization of neuropeptide F, and its applications in growth, ovarian maturation and spawning of the female freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii
The overall objectives (goals) of this proposal are to characterize, localize NPF, and investigate its functions on ovarian maturation, spawning, and growth in the female freshwater prawn, M. rosenbergii.
Specific Objectives: In order to reach the above goals, the following specific objectives are formulated
as the bases for the experimental designs:
1. To identify and characterize the M. rosenbergii neuropeptide F by a molecular cloning, and/or high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS) techniques;
2. To localize and map NPF in the nervous, gastrointestinal tract, and gonadal tissues by
immunohistochemistry;
3. To examine the changes in the levels of NPF in the nervous, gastrointestinal tract and ovary in
correlation with phases of the ovarian maturation cycle by RT-PCR, Western blotting; and
4. To investigate the effects of NPF and /or other related peptides on ovarian maturation, spawning,
