The Impact of Sex, Behavior, and Muscle Function on Creatine Kinase Activity in a Social Fish
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Devaleena Pradhan, Idaho State University; Dr. Samjhana Pradhan, Idaho State University; and Abbie Symanietz, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Every cellular process, from muscle movement to molecular signaling, requires a steady supply of energy. Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme with a major role in cellular energy homeostasis as it catalyzes a reversible transfer of high-energy phosphate groups between phosphocreatine and ATP. Tissues with highly fluctuating energy demands, such as skeletal muscles, rely heavily on this system. Here, we investigated how sex-specific behaviors impact these cellular pathways in bluebanded gobies, Lythrypnus dalli, a marine fish that live in groups consisting of a dominant male and multiple subordinate females. These fish perform aggressive displays to maintain their social hierarchies and only males provide parental care. Here, we first performed behavioral assessments on pairs of stable male and female fish (n=8) and collected their muscle tissues. We hypothesize that higher levels of aggressive and/or parenting behaviors will be associated with higher levels of CK activity in these fish. Preliminary data shows individual variation in CK activity across the pectoral and caudal muscles. We will continue to analyze muscle CK activity within context of behavior and metabolic investment of each fish. This work will help elucidate the mechanics of muscle energetics related to the performance of social behavior.
The Impact of Sex, Behavior, and Muscle Function on Creatine Kinase Activity in a Social Fish
Every cellular process, from muscle movement to molecular signaling, requires a steady supply of energy. Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme with a major role in cellular energy homeostasis as it catalyzes a reversible transfer of high-energy phosphate groups between phosphocreatine and ATP. Tissues with highly fluctuating energy demands, such as skeletal muscles, rely heavily on this system. Here, we investigated how sex-specific behaviors impact these cellular pathways in bluebanded gobies, Lythrypnus dalli, a marine fish that live in groups consisting of a dominant male and multiple subordinate females. These fish perform aggressive displays to maintain their social hierarchies and only males provide parental care. Here, we first performed behavioral assessments on pairs of stable male and female fish (n=8) and collected their muscle tissues. We hypothesize that higher levels of aggressive and/or parenting behaviors will be associated with higher levels of CK activity in these fish. Preliminary data shows individual variation in CK activity across the pectoral and caudal muscles. We will continue to analyze muscle CK activity within context of behavior and metabolic investment of each fish. This work will help elucidate the mechanics of muscle energetics related to the performance of social behavior.