Novel polymorphisms in Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase (SCD) and Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 (FADS2) in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque, 1818 )

Abstract

The Channel catfish is one of the most important freshwater fish species in North America. Conventionally their selection for genetic improvement is focused in growth related traits but not on quality traits as flavor and fatty acid deposition. The aim of this study was the sequencing of Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase (SCD) and Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 (FADS2) genes, two of main genes in the biosynthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, for novel variation discovering as a preliminary of marker assisted broader assessment. In SCD gene, two novel synonym polymorphisms (Exon 1 and 3) and a non‐synonymous Serine coding polymorphism in exon 3, were found. In FADS2, two synonymous polymorphisms (Exon 1 and 3) and multiple polymorphisms in non‐coding regions were discovered . Further association analysis of these novel variations could reveal punctual effect on fatty acid deposition traits and their utility for marker assisted selection purposes.