Jensen FISH495

This study examined the causes of rapid senescence in sockeye salmon. The researchers measured gene expression levels and protein concentrations in salmon from two populations that experience senescence at different rates. They found that salmon with higher levels of the gene CRH, which is involved in cortisol regulation, senesced more rapidly. Salmon also had higher levels of the stress protein HSP70 as they approached senescence. This suggests stress responses may contribute to the rapid decline in health that sockeye salmon experience after reproducing. Future research should further investigate the role of cortisol and explore other genes involved in triggering senescence.