Harnessing the power of genomics is forcing a rethinking of aquaculture breeding strategies. Successful breeding programs will always be built on the careful selection of the next generation of broodstock, detailed record keeping, and accurate collection of phenotypic data. Genomics allows this base of phenotype and selection to be enhanced, and ultimately accelerated to increase genetic gain per generation. This is currently done in finfish and shrimp through the use of Genomic Selection. However, another exciting technology is on the horizon that will fundamentally change how we deliver genetic improvement. This technology is Genome Editing.
Genome Editing is a technology that can thought of as “precision breeding”. It will be an important tool in the future toolbox for genetic improvement in shrimp. The current state of the art in genetic engineering in aquaculture is impressive and improving. The basic concept is that enzymatic tools (such as CRISPR technologies) can be used to create variants in specific DNA sequences that create a desired phenotype (such as rapid growth, all-female, or disease resistance). The technique does not involve adding new DNA, so is not transgenic and does not create a GMO. It simply involves understanding the genetic variant that is needed for a trait and using natural processes to create that variant, rather than sorting through many thousands of broodstock and many generations to achieve the same effect.
The power of genomic research is that we are beginning to understand the exact genes involved in performance traits, and how variation in those genes leads to improved performance. Harnessing the power of Genome Editing allows us to transfer this knowledge to application in commercial breeding programs for heritable, quantum advances in genetic improvement.
This presentation will provide background on how genome editing works, an update on regulation, and how this tool may be used to improve shrimp aquaculture genetics in the near future.