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Research Projects
Research Projects
Ongoing Projects
Developing insect-based feed using traditional and molecular approaches for sustainable production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Philippines
Project duration: January 2024 - present
Funding: DA-NFRDI
BACKGROUND: The project aims to develop a cost-efficient feed that promotes good health and boost the immunity of Nile tilapia fingerlings using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal as protein substitute.
Completed Projects
Intestinal amino acid transporters as indicators of stimulatory and inhibitory effects of dietary proteins (fishmeal, soybean meal and copra meal) on amino acid absorption in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Project duration: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Funding: DOST-PCAARRD
BACKGROUND: This study used nutrigenomics as a tool to evaluate the response of fish to the amino acid balance in feeds. Specifically, this study clarified the amino acid transport in the intestine of tilapia by investigating the response of amino acid transporter (AAT) genes to different sources of proteins in feed ingredients. AATs are associated with the absorption of amino acids which are mainly acquired from dietary protein.
In this study, it was hypothesized that fish meal is likely to contain biologically active compounds that may stimulate the genes while plant proteins may contain compounds that suppress the expression of the target genes. This hypothesis stems from the available data suggesting that plant-based proteins used in aquafeeds are unsatisfactory compared to fish meal-based protein despite that they have comparable protein content. This study identified AAT genes that are stimulated by factors present in the diet. Stimulation or upregulation of genes means protein synthesis that might have significant implications for enterocyte function. Upregulation may also reflect better absorption of specific amino acids.
Effects of Dietary Protein Changes and Methionine Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Amino Acid Transporters SLC6a19 and SLC15a1a in the Intestine of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Project duration: 2020 - 2021
Funding: UPD-OVCRD Ph.D. Incentive Award (202024 PhDIA)
Methods
Methods
We manipulate the composition of the fish's diet to investigate the effects of different dietary factors (e.g., protein) on fish physiology.
We examine dietary effects across biological scales, from genes to the entire organism, using both traditional and molecular techniques.
Publications
Publications
Roperos, J. B., & Orozco-Bautista, Z. G. A. (2024). Preliminary Assessment on the Effects of Dietary Protein Changes and Methionine Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Amino Acid Transporters slc6a19 and slc15a1a in the Intestine of Nile Tilapia. Philippine Journal of Science, 153(5), 1835-1847. https://research.ebsco.com/c/tsnrxa/search/details/ugdeew5gbn?db=asn
Orozco, Z. G. A., Soma, S., Kaneko, T., & Watanabe, S. (2018). Spatial mRNA expression and response to fasting and refeeding of neutral amino acid transporters slc6a18 and slc6a19a in the intestinal epithelium of Mozambique tilapia. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 212. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00212
Orozco, Z. G. A., Soma, S., Kaneko, T., & Watanabe, S. (2017). Effects of fasting and refeeding on gene expression of slc15a1a, a gene encoding an oligopeptide transporter (PepT1), in the intestine of Mozambique tilapia. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 203, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2016.09.006
Orozco, Z. G. A., Sumbing, J. G., Lebata‐Ramos, M. J. H., & Watanabe, S. (2014). Apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients from shrimp, mussel, diatom and seaweed by juvenile Holothuria scabra Jaeger. Aquaculture Research, 45(7), 1153-1163. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.12058
Conferences and Featured Articles
Conferences and Featured Articles
NFRDI launches HATCHPRO project to develop insect-based feed for tilapia
Orozco, ZGA; Casison, VS. (2024 February). "Growth Performance and mRNA Expression of Intestinal Amino Acid Transporters in Tilapia O. niloticus Fed Different Dietary Proteins". Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, Texas.
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