Quantitative trait loci mapping for feed conversion efficiency in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Abstract

QTL is a chromosomal region including single gene or gene clusters that determine a quantitative trait. While feed efficiency is highly important in aquaculture fish, little genetic and genomic progresses have been made for this trait. In this study, we constructed a high-resolution genetic linkage map in a full-sib F1 family of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) consisting of 113 progenies with 8,460 SNP markers assigning onto 50 linkage groups (LGs). This genetic map spanned 4,047.824 cM (0.478 cM/marker) and covered 98.76% of the crucian carp genome. 35 chromosome-wide QTL affecting feed conversion efficiency (FCE, 8 QTL), relative growth rate (RGR, 9 QTL), average daily gain (ADG, 13 QTL) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, 5 QTL) were detected on 14 LGs, explaining 14.0–20.9% of the phenotypic variations. In LGs of LG16, LG25, LG36 and LG49, several QTL affecting different traits clustered together at the identical or close regions of the same linkage group. Seven candidate genes, whose biological functions may involve in the energy metabolism, digestion, biosynthesis and signal transduction, were identified from these QTL intervals by comparative genomics analysis. These results provide a basis for elucidating genetic mechanism of feed efficiency and potential marker-assisted selection in crucian carp.

Rapid visual detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick

“…Crucian carp, Carassius auratus (L.), a member of the family Cyprinidae, has been cultivated in freshwater aquaculture systems in Asia and Europe for many years and is particularly popular in China, where annual production is over 2 million tons (FAO) (Pang et al., ). Unfortunately, in 2011 and 2012, a new viral disease emerged and spread to most crucian carp aquaculture sites in China, resulting in huge economic losses (Xu et al., ).…”

Transcriptomic Profiles of Brain Provide Insights into Molecular Mechanism of Feed Conversion Efficiency in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

“…According to the results of our previous work conducted using QTL mapping methods [ 31 ], identified candidate genes associating with FCE could be classified into three categories: genes encoding GTPase/ATP binding protein, tight junction protein and signal transduction regulator. Moreover, the significantly enriched GO terms of all the predicted crucian carp DEGs in the brain identified in this study were mainly associated with molecular function related to ATP/GTP binding (GO:0005524/GO:0005525), ATP catabolic process (GO:0006200), signal transduction (GO:0007165) and metabolic process (GO:0008152), supporting the hypothesis that FCE of crucian carp are mainly regulated by such pathways as energy metabolism and signal transduction.…”

“…Both Myh7 and Myh1 were digged out in this report that may be involved in regulating muscle growth, and Myh7 has also been found to be differentially expressed between low- and high-FCR groups in pigs [ 22 ]. Moreover, Myh14, another gene from Myh superfamily that plays an important role in fish muscle formation [ 52 ], has been identified in our previous work conducted using QTL mapping method in crucian carp [ 31 ]. The consistent result obtained in both studies suggesting that Myh14 may be also considered as an especially critical candidate gene affecting FCE in crucian carp.…”

“…For this fish, progress on improving feed efficiency has mainly focused on changes in external conditions [ 29 , 30 ]. To date, the only one study about OTL mapping for feed conversion efficiency (FCE, the inverse of FCR) was reported by our laboratory in crucian carp [ 31 ]. In a previous study, seven candidate genes associating with FCE and its relevant traits were identified, such as mapk11 , cse1l , fam126b , myh14 , rgs9bp , cldn10a and cldn10b , involved in several biological functions.…”

Construction of a high-density genetic map and mapping of growth related QTLs in the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

“…Comparatively, linkage maps have provided a framework for genomic and genetic studies, such as molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) for quality [27] and quantitative traits (QTL), as well as chromosomal frameworks for genome scaffolds. The genetic maps for many aquaculture species have been published [14,15,[28][29][30][31]. A high-density genetic linkage map can provide a more precise localization of the loci related to target traits and mount more genomic contigs.…”