Protein changes in post mortem sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) muscle monitored by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

This study was devoted to the identification of specific peptides and prote ins which can be used as indicators of freshness in fish. The post mortem e volution of protein patterns in farmed sea bass muscle was monitored by Sod ium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two-d imensional electrophoresis (2-DE) after 0, 2, 4, and 6 days cold storage. S DS-electrophoresis, of total proteins and proteins soluble in low-ionic-str ength solutions, revealed the gradual disappearance of a protein band of 16 kDa immediately after fish death. 2-DE allowed the classification of fish samples according to post mortem time. Three spots of interest, which disap peared progressively, were identified on the 2-DE patterns. Further researc h is required to establish the identity of these polypeptides and to evalua te their expression and post mortem evolution in another fish species.