Grace Loo

Postgraduate Student

Contact Details

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours)

Research

Fish tissues are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and oxidation of these PUFA can lead to deterioration of flesh quality and reduced product shelf life. Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are a family of antioxidant enzymes that can reduce and detoxify pro-oxidants. The 2 –Cys peroxiredoxins use thioredoxin as their physiological electron donors. In mammals, Prx have also been connected to other cellular functions such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and natural killer cell activity.

Compared to the wealth of knowledge relating to Prx in mammals, little is known about Prx in fish. In bony fish (Teleostei), Prx have not been investigated in connection with oxidative stress, and very few prx genes from teleosts have been identified and characterized. The physiological functions of the enzymes encoded by these genes have not been determined. Little is also known about the interactions between dietary antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in fish.

Therefore, this project aims to investigate and characterize the thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin systems in Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and other fish, as this would provide a better insight into the process and effects of oxidative stress in the Southern Bluefin Tuna. It would also contribute our understanding of the impacts of oxidative stress on the shelf life of this commercially valuable fish.

Supervisor

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