Influence of feed restriction and diets enriched with essential fatty acids on lipid metabolism, neuroendocrine regulation, and immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under elevated temperature

• Grant number: 25/18115-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: July 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Maria de Lauro Castrucci
• Grantee: Ethiene Fernandes de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With rising temperatures caused by climate change, it becomes important to understand the adjustment mechanisms of tropical aquatic organisms, such as the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), when facing the physiological challenges imposed by thermal variations and food restrictions. Due to its wide distribution, ease of handling, and availability of physiological data, the Nile tilapia is one of the most widely produced and consumed fish species in the world. There is growing concern about food crises and resource scarcity, which may be worsened by climate change and impact fish production - one of the main sources of animal protein for millions of people. Therefore, this project aims to investigate how different feeding regimes, combined with supplementation of essential fatty acids (such as eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, 20:5n3, and arachidonic acid, ARA, 20:4n6) in the diets, modulate the energy metabolism, neuroendocrine control of feeding, and immune response of the species under elevated temperature. To address this question, zootechnical, biochemical, molecular, immunological, and hematological analyses will be conducted. The proposal seeks to integrate data from different biological levels to evaluate how thermal and nutritional stress affect fish homeostasis. The results may clarify mechanisms involved in the physiological adjustments of the species under adverse environmental conditions, contributing to the necessary knowledge to understand the ecological and biological impacts of climate change on tropical species. Additionally, it will be possible to develop strategies to optimize production and sustainability even in the face of environmental challenges. (AU)