The aquaculture sector has become a crucial player in supplying high-quality protein for human consumption. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including diseases and climate change. To address these issues, traditional breeding programs have achieved notable advancements in the genetic improvement of aquaculture species. Nevertheless, faster and more precise tools, such as genome manipulation, are needed to enhance the performance of aquaculture populations.
A scientific review conducted by researchers from Auburn University and the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of three main genome manipulation tools in aquaculture species: RNA interference (RNAi), gene transfer, and genome editing. The review analyzes the progress achieved, challenges faced, and potential future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
The Power of Genetics: A Foundation for Innovation in Aquaculture
Genetic variation is the cornerstone of selective breeding, a fundamental technique used to improve the performance of aquaculture species. By identifying and leveraging desirable traits such as faster growth, greater disease resistance, and higher feed efficiency, breeders can develop fish strains better suited to specific environments and market demands.
Traditional Breeding Techniques: A Solid Foundation
Traditional breeding methods, including crossbreeding and selective breeding, have been successfully applied to various aquaculture species such as channel catfish, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and Nile tilapia. These techniques have led to significant improvements in growth rates, disease resistance, and other economically important traits.
Genomic Technologies: A New Era of Precision Breeding
Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS)
MAS is a powerful tool that uses molecular markers to identify individuals with specific genetic traits. By analyzing the genetic composition of fish, breeders can select the most promising individuals for breeding, accelerating the development of improved strains.
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)
GWAS scans the entire genome of a population to identify genetic variations associated with specific traits. This technique has been used to pinpoint genes responsible for growth, disease resistance, and other key traits in aquaculture species.
Genomic Selection (GS)
GS is a cutting-edge technique that uses genomic information to predict the breeding value of individuals. By analyzing the entire genome of a fish, GS can identify individuals with the highest genetic potential, leading to more efficient and precise breeding programs.
Genome Manipulation Techniques: Precision Tools for Aquaculture
Genome manipulation involves the targeted modification of an organism’s genetic material to achieve specific traits. Several techniques have been developed to manipulate the genomes of aquaculture species, each with its unique advantages and applications:
RNA Interference (RNAi) in Aquaculture
RNA interference is a powerful tool for silencing specific genes in aquaculture species. By introducing small RNA molecules that target and degrade messenger RNA (mRNA), researchers can effectively inhibit gene expression.
This technique has been successfully applied to improve traits such as growth, disease resistance, and reproduction in various commercially important fish and crustaceans. For instance, RNAi has been used to study gene functions and enhance traits like disease resistance and growth rates in species such as catfish.
Gene Transfer in Aquaculture
Gene transfer involves introducing genes from one species into another to enhance specific traits. This can be achieved through various methods such as microinjection, electroporation, and viral vectors.
By introducing genes that confer desirable traits, such as faster growth or higher feed conversion efficiency, researchers can significantly improve the performance of aquaculture species.
Genome Editing in Aquaculture
Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, enable precise modifications to DNA sequences. This technique has revolutionized aquaculture by allowing rapid and accurate gene modifications to improve traits like growth, disease resistance, and reproduction.
For example, genome editing has been used to introduce genes that enhance the growth rate of catfish, making them more productive and sustainable.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Multiplex Genome Editing
Scientists propose the use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome editing to delete or replace multiple genes simultaneously to enhance multiple traits in fish. This technique has the potential to revolutionize aquaculture, enabling the precise and rapid modification of multiple genes for multiple trait improvements.
Implications for the Aquaculture Industry
The use of genome manipulation in aquaculture has significant implications for sustainable practices and responsible innovation. By improving the performance of aquaculture populations, genome manipulation can help reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture, enhance the nutritional profile of seafood, and increase the industry’s sustainability.
Conclusion
Genome manipulation is a powerful tool for enhancing the performance of aquaculture populations. By reviewing the current state of RNA interference, gene transfer, and genome editing in aquaculture species, this study provides insights into the changing landscape of genome manipulation in aquaculture and sheds light on its implications for sustainable practices and responsible innovation.
Contact
Yu Cheng
South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
Vodňany, Czech Republic
Email: ycheng@frov.jcu.cz
Reference (open access)
Wang, J., Cheng, Y., Su, B., & Dunham, R. A. Genome Manipulation Advances in Selected Aquaculture Organisms. Reviews in Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12988
