Background: Ventral specification is regulated by Smad1-, Smad5-, and/or Smad9-mediated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Results: Double knockdown instead of single knockdown of smad1 and smad9 induces dorsalization, which cannot be rescued by smad5 overexpression. Conclusion: smad1 and smad9 act redundantly and downstream of smad5 to mediate ventral specification. Significance: The regulation network and cooperative roles of BMP R-Smads in early development are clarified.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential nutrients for human health. However, vertebrates, including humans, have lost the abilities to synthesize EPA and DHA de novo, majorly due to the genetic absence of delta-12 desaturase and omega-3 desaturase genes. Fishes, especially those naturally growing marine fish, are major dietary source of EPA and DHA.

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