Project description
Molecular insights into astaxanthin metabolism in Atlantic salmon
Astaxanthin (Ax), responsible for the pink-red colour in farmed Atlantic salmon, must be added to their feed as they cannot synthesise it naturally. Beyond pigmentation, Ax serves as a powerful antioxidant, yet its retention in salmon is low (<12 %), affecting growth, health and pigmentation. Although dietary lipids and other factors influence Ax metabolism, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SAXOmics project aims to uncover how Ax is absorbed, transported and retained. By applying multi-omics approaches and advanced bioinformatics, the project seeks to enhance feed formulations that boost Ax bioavailability and retention, improving fish health and quality in a sustainable aquaculture setting.
Objective
Astaxanthin (Ax) is crucial for achieving the pink-red hue in farmed Atlantic salmon, a key quality factor at sale. Since salmon cannot produce Ax naturally, it is added to their feed. Beyond pigmentation, Ax's antioxidant properties may boost salmon growth and health. However, farming challenges have led to a decline in muscle Ax levels, possibly due to rapid growth, welfare challenges, and low retention rates. Despite Ax's high cost and its importance in fish feed, retention in salmon remains low, under 12%. Improving Ax retention and pigmentation is a key challenge in salmon aquaculture, essential for the industry’s growth and salmon health. The SAXOmics project aims to enhance understanding of Ax metabolism, focusing on its absorption, transport, and retention, to improve Ax retention, feed and fish quality, and address pigmentation challenges. Enhancing Ax absorption and retention is crucial, as dietary lipids and other factors promote Ax retention, though the exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent research suggests that gut microbiota affect lipid metabolism, pointing to a possible role in the Ax mechanism. By employing a groundbreaking interdisciplinary approach that integrates multi-omics technologies and advanced bioinformatics tools, this project will delve into the molecular mechanisms of Ax metabolism and develop innovative feed formulations to optimize Ax absorption, transport, and retention. The project will include enterocyte and muscle cell culture and salmon pigmentation trials, complemented by thorough training in omics technology, animal ethics, experimental design, and scientific communication. Joint efforts with Nord University, NTNU, and BioMar will support practical applications and commercialization of the findings. By month 30, I will have advanced expertise in salmon rearing and nutrition, practical omics skills, and a strong network, positioning me as a competitive candidate capable of driving innovation in my field.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- agricultural sciences agriculture, forestry, and fisheries fisheries
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences health sciences nutrition
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8026 BODO
Norway
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.