Molecular Evolution of Holostean Pituitary Hormones

放射线鳍鱼的进化分为三个阶段。第一组是软骨stei。这一组被Holostean鱼类所取代，后者被硬骨鱼所取代，硬骨鱼是现存脊椎动物中最多样化的一组。化石记录表明Holostean鱼是硬骨鱼的祖先。只有两属的Holosteans幸存下来（Amia和Lepisosteus）。阿米亚是“活化石”。本提案将集中于使用蛋白质分析和基因工程技术在Amia中发现的几种垂体激素的生化表征。这些激素将与更“高级”鱼类的激素进行比较。Holosteans在商业上很重要，这项研究可能为更好地管理这种渔业提供见解。//

The evolution of the Actinopterygii (ray finned fish) has proceeded in three stages. The first group were the Chondrostei. This group was succeeded by the Holostean fishes which were superceded by the Teleosts, the most diverse group of living vertebrates. The fossil record indicates that Holostean fish were the ancestors to the Teleosts. Only two genera of Holosteans have survived (Amia and Lepisosteus). Amia is a "living fossil." This proposal will focus on the biochemical characterization of several pituitary hormones found in Amia using state of the art techniques of protein analysis and genetic engineering. These hormones will be compared with those of more "advanced" fishes. Holosteans are commercially important and the study may provide insights into ways to better manage this fishery. //