Genome-wide study identifies genetic factors linked to viral resistance in rainbow trout
Researchers conducted a genome-wide association study on rainbow trout to identify genetic variants associated with resistance to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS), a disease causing up to 100% mortality in fish fry. The study identified four novel genetic variants on different chromosomes and used CRISPR-Cas9 editing to show that one gene variant may help regulate inflammatory response during infection. The findings could inform selective breeding programs in aquaculture to reduce disease losses.
A new study used whole-genome sequencing and genome-wide association analysis to identify genetic regions linked to resistance against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) in a genetically diverse rainbow trout population. While a previously identified genetic region on chromosome 3 was not confirmed in this population, researchers identified four novel genetic variants on chromosomes 6, 8, 17, and 32 associated with survival following waterborne VHSV challenge. One variant on chromosome 17 was located within a gene related to lrp1, which is involved in antiviral defence. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, researchers created cell lines lacking functional lrp1 and found that while the gene is not required for viral entry, it may play a role in modulating the inflammatory response during infection. These findings could support development of disease-resistant trout strains through selective breeding.
What's missing
The study does not discuss the timeline for potential application of these findings to aquaculture breeding programs, the relative effect sizes of the identified variants, or how findings in cell lines might translate to whole-organism resistance in fish.
What different sources said
- bioRxivCenter
Insights into the genetic architecture of resistance to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus in rainbow trout from a genome-wide association study to in vitro CRISPR-Cas9 functional evaluation
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