PHYPAQ - Physiology of aquatic organisms exploited by fisheries and aquaculture

Axis 1 - Reproduction / Nutrition / Immunity

Through the study of physiological processes, in natural environment and in experimental conditions, this line of research aims to understand the regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level involved in reproduction, in aquaculture nutrition and in immunity. The approaches developed by PhyPAQ rely heavily on the so-called "omics" techniques and target the bioactive peptides involved in the regulation of gametogenesis, egg-laying, intestinal absorption but also the functional proteins associated with these same functions and also to immunity.

The analysis of the expression data obtained in RNAseq makes it possible to make functional assumptions for the different categories of regulatory peptides (neurohormones, pheromones) or to identify regulated metabolic pathways under controlled breeding conditions.

Axis 2 - Sustainable aquaculture and fisheries

Axis 1 provides the methodological tools and the fundamental data which make it possible to envisage a more finalized approach intended to answer very concrete problems to develop sustainable aquaculture and fishing.

By combining various technical approaches, be they molecular, biochemical or functional, this line of research aims for the target aquatic organisms (fish and cephalopods):

1) To develop studies on reproduction in a controlled environment taking into account behavioral aspects and relevant endocrine factors,

2) To understand the mechanisms allowing the meeting of the parents, the emission and the protection of the gametes,

3) To test alternative ingredients to fishmeal for the development of aquaculture feeds as part of a sustainable aquaculture process,

4) To study the physiological mechanisms affected by climate change by taking into account the interactions between the environment-nutrition and the immune system. This knowledge will help to control the breeding conditions of the target species.

The aim of all the research carried out on both axes is to provide the physiological bases for the sustainable development of aquaculture and fishing, in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).