Mechanisms of Fatty Acyl Elongase in the Malaysian Mahseer, Tor tambroides (Bleeker)

The Malaysian mahseer, Tor tambroides locally known as Kelah have economic value due to its high demand as ornamental fish and also be consumed by human in Malaysia and also other Asian countries. Globally, the aquaculture T. tambroides species are increasing meanwhile the wild type that inhabit in their natural habitat are considered as endangered species. None of the study on the Malaysian mahseer regarding its ability to synthesize omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) has been done as compared with other teleosts. In this study, there are three main objectives will be proposed in order to elucidate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms controlling the biosynthesis of LC-PUFA in the Malaysian mahseer. In-depth investigation is pertinent to understand its mechanisms in order to examine the viability of the larvae for its sustainability. Therefore, as for the first objective, the full length Elovl cDNA in mahseer will be identified and cloned.