Status and prospects of gene editing and transgenic in fishes

Abstract

Recent advances in high throughout DNA sequencing technologies have revolutionized for better understanding of structure-functional relationships of genes in identifying trait-associated transcriptomes and their regulated gene expressions. Subsequent breakthroughs in gene editing technologies such as zinc finger nucleases, transcriptional activator-like effect or nucleases (TALEN) and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) determined chromosomal loci so as to understand gene functions in vivo. Such editing technologies are now being implemented in many laboratories due to an affordable cost and easiness of techniques. Targeted gene delivery and disruptions are now not only restricted to standard cell lines or stem cells, but also primary cell lines and nonmodel agriculturally important species. Progress and implications of gene integration and disruptions in food fishes like salmon, carps, etc. will be highlighted. The positive impacts on myostatin gene (negative growth hormone regulator) disruption mediated muscular growth have been documented. Transposon mediated gene integration technologies for value-additions to small indigenous aquarium fishes by expressing attractive fluorescent color genes could be the future of rainbow revolution. Issues linked with further-tuning with regards to improved efficacy and specificity, while reducing offtarget effects of gene editing tools will be addressed. There are health and environmental concerns with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing generates indels and hence supposed to be free from transgene-nontoxic and non-allergen. Scientific progress regarding to generate genetically modified carps; those could well be cultivated in a confinement and at the same time economically profitable; will be highlighted. Emphasis should be given for transfer these technologies from the laboratory to land for the development of a consumer-friendly sustainable farming system.