Development of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) genetic maps using microsatellite and AFLP markers and a pseudo-testcross strategy

Initial recovery of fish faunas following the implementation of pen-culture and fishing bans in floodplain lakes along the Yangtze River

Given the decline of natural fish abundance and diversity, a ban on pen-culture and fishing has been imposed on floodplain lakes along the Yangtze River. In order to examine the recovery efficiency of fish faunas, we compared the changes in multidimensional (α and β) diversity in the Shengjin Lake between pen-culture stage (PS) and recovery stage (RS). Our results demonstrated significant variations in fish community composition, with distinct populational restoration in wild species of high trophic level and river-lake migratory species. The higher abundance of wild and migratory species in RS implied the enhanced dispersal and exchange process of fish individuals with the elimination of net pens. Despite significant variations of community composition, the α and β diversity indices exhibited non-significant change between PS and RS. However, our study still revealed the recovery of natural seasonal community dynamics, since there were significant variations of both α and β diversity between high-water (HW) and low-water (LW) seasons in RS. The significant higher α diversity (S, d, H') in HW indicated flooding induced fish supplements in floodplain lakes, due to the well-developed breeding sites, nurseries and refuges provided by floodplain lakes. Meanwhile, the significant lower β_SOR and β_SIM in HW implied the homogenized communities during flooding seasons, which can be ascribed to better hydrological connectivity of various habitats and more even distribution of fish faunas triggered by flood pulses. The reappearance of natural seasonal variations in multidimensional (α and β) diversity indicate the initial recovery of fish faunas. There is a pressing need for prolonged surveillance to explore the recovery mechanism of fish assemblage. Meanwhile, our results also highlight the importance of conserving the lacustrine connectivity and seasonal flooding for the recovery of fishery resources in the floodplain lakes.

Identification of a quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with ammonia tolerance in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Background

Ammonia is one of the most common toxicological environment factors affecting shrimp health. Although ammonia tolerance in shrimp is closely related to successful industrial production, few genetic studies of this trait are available.

Results

In this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq). The constructed genetic map contained 17,338 polymorphic markers spanning 44 linkage groups, with a total distance of 6360.12 centimorgans (cM) and an average distance of 0.37 cM. Using this genetic map, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that explained 7.41–8.46% of the phenotypic variance in L. vannamei survival time under acute ammonia stress. We then sequenced the transcriptomes of the most ammonia-tolerant and the most ammonia-sensitive individuals from each of four genetically distinct L. vannamei families. We found that 7546 genes were differentially expressed between the ammonia-tolerant and ammonia-sensitive individuals. Using QTL analysis and the transcriptomes, we identified one candidate gene (annotated as an ATP synthase g subunit) associated with ammonia tolerance.

Conclusions

In this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map of L. vannamei and identified a QTL for ammonia tolerance. By combining QTL and transcriptome analyses, we identified a candidate gene associated with ammonia tolerance. Our work provides the basis for future genetic studies focused on molecular marker-assisted selective breeding.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-020-07254-x.

QTL Fine Mapping for Sex Determination Region in Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and Comparison with Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are genetically close aquaculture fish in the Cyprinidae, which have been confirmed to hold XX/XY sex determination. However, genomic locations of potential sex-related loci in these two fishes are still unknown. In this study, a high-resolution genetic linkage map was constructed by using 2976 SNP and 924 microsatellite markers in a F1 full-sib family of bighead carp, the length of which spanned 2022.34 cM with an average inter-marker distance of 0.52 cM. Comparative genomics revealed a high level of genomic synteny between bighead carp and zebrafish as well as grass carp. QTL fine mapping for sex trait was performed based on this linkage map of bighead carp and an unpublished linkage map of silver carp. A map distance of 3.863 cM (69.787-73.650 cM) on LG19 of bighead carp and 4.705 cM (79.096-83.801 cM) on LG21 of silver carp was significantly associated with sex phenotypes, and these two LGs are homologous between two fish species. Fourteen markers harboring in these regions were in strong linkage disequilibrium with the sex phenotype variance explained (PVE) varying from 89 to 100%. Two common markers were mapped on the QTL regions of bighead carp and silver carp, suggesting that these two carp species may have similar genetic bases for sex determination. Eleven potentially sex-related genes were identified within or near the sex QTL markers in two species. This study provided insights into elucidating mechanisms and evolution of sex determination in cyprinid fishes.

High-Density Genetic Linkage Maps Provide Novel Insights Into ZW/ZZ Sex Determination System and Growth Performance in Mud Crab (Scylla paramamosain)

Mud crab, Scylla paramamosain is one of the most important crustacean species in global aquaculture. To determine the genetic basis of sex and growth-related traits in S. paramamosain, a high-density genetic linkage map with 16,701 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was constructed using SLAF-seq and a full-sib family. The consensus map has 49 linkage groups, spanning 5,996.66 cM with an average marker-interval of 0.81 cM. A total of 516 SNP markers, including 8 female-specific SNPs segregated in two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for phenotypic sex were located on LG32. The presence of female-specific SNP markers only on female linkage map, their segregation patterns and lower female: male recombination rate strongly suggest the conformation of a ZW/ZZ sex determination system in S. paramamosain. The QTLs of most (90%) growth-related traits were found within a small interval (25.18–33.74 cM) on LG46, highlighting the potential involvement of LG46 in growth. Four markers on LG46 were significantly associated with 10–16 growth-related traits. BW was only associated with marker 3846. Based on the annotation of transcriptome data, 11 and 2 candidate genes were identified within the QTL regions of sex and growth-related traits, respectively. The newly constructed high-density genetic linkage map with sex-specific SNPs, and the identified QTLs of sex- and growth-related traits serve as a valuable genetic resource and solid foundation for marker-assisted selection and genetic improvement of crustaceans.

Comparative analysis of spleen transcriptome detects differences in evolutionary adaptation of immune defense functions in bighead carp and silver carp

The evolutionary divergence of the immune defense functions in bighead carp (A. nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) is still not understood at the molecular level. Here, we obtained 48,821,754 and 55,054,480 clean reads from spleen tissue libraries prepared for bighead carp and silver carp using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology, respectively, and identified 4976 orthologous genes from the transcriptome data sets by comparative analysis. Adaptive evolutionary analysis showed that 212 orthologous genes and 255 Gene Ontology (GO) terms were subjected to positive selection(Ka/Ks values > 1) only in bighead carp, and 195 orthologous genes and 309 GO terms only in silver carp. Among immune defense functions with significant evolutionary divergence, the positively selected biological processes in bighead carp mainly included B cell-mediated immunity, chemokine-mediated signaling pathway, and immunoglobulin mediated immune response, whereas those in silver carp mainly included the antigen processing and presentation, defense response to fungus, and detection of bacteria. Moreover, we found 2974 genes expressed only in spleen of bighead carp and 3494 genes expressed only in spleen of silver carp, where these genes were mostly enriched in the same biological processes or pathways. These results provide a better understanding of the differences in resistance to some diseases by bighead carp and silver carp, and also facilitate the identification of candidate genes related to disease resistance.

A comparative integrated gene-based linkage and locus ordering by linkage disequilibrium map for the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

The Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, is the most farmed aquaculture species worldwide with global production exceeding 3 million tonnes annually. Litopenaeus vannamei has been the focus of many selective breeding programs aiming to improve growth and disease resistance. However, these have been based primarily on phenotypic measurements and omit potential gains by integrating genetic selection into existing breeding programs. Such integration of genetic information has been hindered by the limited available genomic resources, background genetic parameters and knowledge on the genetic architecture of commercial traits for L. vannamei. This study describes the development of a comprehensive set of genomic gene-based resources including the identification and validation of 234,452 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms in-silico, of which 8,967 high value SNPs were incorporated into a commercially available Illumina Infinium ShrimpLD-24 v1.0 genotyping array. A framework genetic linkage map was constructed and combined with locus ordering by disequilibrium methodology to generate an integrated genetic map containing 4,817 SNPs, which spanned a total of 4552.5 cM and covered an estimated 98.12% of the genome. These gene-based genomic resources will not only be valuable for identifying regions underlying important L. vannamei traits, but also as a foundational resource in comparative and genome assembly activities.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses of two bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) groups with different growth rates

Growth is one of the most important and desired economic traits for aquaculture species, and identification of loci controlling growth is a difficult task without genomic sequences. In this study, the liver transcriptomes of two groups (F and S) of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) within a full-sib family with significant differences in growth rate were sequenced. Following de novo assembly of the combined reads from the two groups, a total of 410 differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional annotation and analysis of these genes indicated that some of these were involved in regulation of glucose levels and lipid metabolism, particularly fatty acid oxidation and transport. In addition to the differences on expression levels between the two groups, we also identified many non-synonymous coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were specific to each group, including SNPs from 4 genes involved in the lipid metabolism process (GO: 0006629). These differences in gene expression and DNA sequences may in part comprise the genetic background for the regulation of early growth rate in bighead carp.

A high-density genetic map and growth related QTL mapping in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

Growth related traits in fish are controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL), but no QTL for growth have been detected in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) due to the lack of high-density genetic map. In this study, an ultra-high density genetic map was constructed with 3,121 SNP markers by sequencing 117 individuals in a F₁ family using 2b-RAD technology. The total length of the map was 2341.27 cM, with an average marker interval of 0.75 cM. A high level of genomic synteny between our map and zebrafish was detected. Based on this genetic map, one genome-wide significant and 37 suggestive QTL for five growth-related traits were identified in 6 linkage groups (i.e. LG3, LG11, LG15, LG18, LG19, LG22). The phenotypic variance explained (PVE) by these QTL varied from 15.4% to 38.2%. Marker within the significant QTL region was surrounded by CRP1 and CRP2, which played an important role in muscle cell division. These high-density map and QTL information provided a solid base for QTL fine mapping and comparative genomics in bighead carp.

Preliminary genetic linkage map of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton 1822) based on microsatellite markers

Linkage map with wide marker coverage is an essential resource for genetic improvement study for any species. Sex-averaged genetic linkage map of Labeo rohita, popularly known as 'rohu', widely cultured in the Indian subcontinent, was developed by placing 68 microsatellite markers generated by a simplified method. The parents and their F1 progeny (92 individuals) were used as segregating populations. The genetic linkage map spans a sex-averaged total length of 1462.2 cM, in 25 linkage groups. The genome length of rohu was estimated to be 3087.9 cM. This genetic linkage map may facilitate systematic searches of the genome to identify genes associated with commercially important characters and marker-assisted selection programmes of this species.

Computational identification and characterization of miRNAs and their target genes from five cyprinidae fishes

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of small single-strand RNA molecules with lengths of 18–25 nt, which do not encode any proteins. They play an essential role in gene expression regulation by binding to their target genes, leading to translational repression or transcript degradation. In this study, 23 miRNAs were predicted from five cyprinidae fishes by using a bioinformatics-based gene search based on blasting ESTs and GSS in NCBI, of which 21 miRNA genes have not been previously reported. To prove their validity, five of the computationally predicted miRNAs were verified by RTPCR, their transcripts were successfully detected, and, 46 potential target genes for these miRNAs were predicted, most target genes encode transcription factors, they are involved in signal transduction, metabolism and development processes.

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of growth-related traits in Pinctada fucata using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing

The pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata (P. fucata), is one of the marine bivalves that is predominantly cultured for pearl production. To obtain more genetic information for breeding purposes, we constructed a high-density linkage map of P. fucata and identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth-related traits. One F1 family, which included the two parents, 48 largest progeny and 50 smallest progeny, was sampled to construct a linkage map using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). With low coverage data, 1956.53 million clean reads and 86,342 candidate RAD loci were generated. A total of 1373 segregating SNPs were used to construct a sex-average linkage map. This spanned 1091.81 centimorgans (cM), with 14 linkage groups and an average marker interval of 1.41 cM. The genetic linkage map coverage, Coa, was 97.24%. Thirty-nine QTL-peak loci, for seven growth-related traits, were identified using the single-marker analysis, nonparametric mapping Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test. Parameters included three for shell height, six for shell length, five for shell width, four for hinge length, 11 for total weight, eight for soft tissue weight and two for shell weight. The QTL peak loci for shell height, shell length and shell weight were all located in linkage group 6. The genotype frequencies of most QTL peak loci showed significant differences between the large subpopulation and the small subpopulation (P<0.05). These results highlight the effectiveness of RAD-Seq as a tool for generation of QTL-targeted and genome-wide marker data in the non-model animal, P. fucata, and its possible utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS).

A second-generation genetic linkage map for bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) based on microsatellite markers

Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) is an important aquaculture fish worldwide. Genetic linkage maps for the species were previously reported, but map resolution remained to be improved. In this study, a second-generation genetic linkage map was constructed for bighead carp through a pseudo-testcross strategy using interspecific hybrids between bighead carp and silver carp. Of the 754 microsatellites genotyped in two interspecific mapping families (with 77 progenies for each family), 659 markers were assigned to 24 linkage groups, which were equal to the chromosome numbers of the haploid genome. The consensus map spanned 1917.3 cM covering 92.8% of the estimated bighead carp genome with an average marker interval of 2.9 cM. The length of linkage groups ranged from 52.2 to 133.5 cM with an average of 79.9 cM. The number of markers per linkage group varied from 11 to 55 with an average of 27.5 per linkage group. Normality tests on interval distances of the map showed a non-normal marker distribution; however, significant correlation was found between the length of linkage group and the number of markers below the 0.01 significance level (two-tailed). The length of the female map was 1.12 times that of the male map, and the average recombination ratio of female to male was 1.10:1. Visual inspection showed that distorted markers gathered in some linkage groups and in certain regions of the male and female maps. This well-defined genetic linkage map will provide a basic framework for further genome mapping of quantitative traits, comparative mapping and marker-assisted breeding in bighead carp.

Centromere localization for Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) through half-tetrad analysis in diploid gynogenetic families

Gene-centromere (G-C) mapping provides insights into structural and behavioural properties of chromosomes. In this study, G-C mapping using microsatellite markers and meiogynogenetic (meiotic gynogenetic) families were performed in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis, 2N = 48), which belongs to Cyprinidae. A total of 218 microsatellites were selected across 24 linkage groups (LGs) of a recently well-defined genetic linkage map for bighead carp, with 151 being heterozygous in at least one of six dams in diploid meiogynogenetic families. After tests for Mendelian segregation in two diploid control families, 103 microsatellites were used for G-C distance calculation in 383 gynogens. The second division segregation frequency (y) was computed through half-tetrad analyses, and the values ranged from 0 to 0.97 (mean 0.40). High G-C recombination frequencies (over 0.667) were observed in 18 (17.5%) of the loci examined, which revealed a low level of chiasma interferences compared with other fishes studied previously. Distribution of G-C distances across LGs ranged from 0 cM to 48.5 cM (mean 20 cM) under the assumption of complete interference. All 24 centromeres were localized according to their closest-related microsatellites at 95% confident intervals. The average distance between centromeres and their closest-linked markers was 6.1 cM with 15 out of 24 LGs having a distance below 5 cM. Based on the centromere positions in this study, we proposed a formula of 24 m/sm+24 t/st chromosomes with 92 arms for bighead carp, which was mostly in accordance with a previously reported karyotype for bighead carp (24 m/sm+24 st). These results of centromere localization provide a basic framework and important resources for genetics and comparative genomics studies in bighead carp and its closely-related cyprinid species.

A high-density SNP genetic linkage map for the silver-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima: a valuable resource for gene localisation and marker-assisted selection

Background

The silver-lipped pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima, is an important tropical aquaculture species extensively farmed for the highly sought "South Sea" pearls. Traditional breeding programs have been initiated for this species in order to select for improved pearl quality, but many economic traits under selection are complex, polygenic and confounded with environmental factors, limiting the accuracy of selection. The incorporation of a marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding approach would greatly benefit pearl breeding programs by allowing the direct selection of genes responsible for pearl quality. However, before MAS can be incorporated, substantial genomic resources such as genetic linkage maps need to be generated. The construction of a high-density genetic linkage map for P. maxima is not only essential for unravelling the genomic architecture of complex pearl quality traits, but also provides indispensable information on the genome structure of pearl oysters.

Results

A total of 1,189 informative genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were incorporated into linkage map construction. The final linkage map consisted of 887 SNPs in 14 linkage groups, spans a total genetic distance of 831.7 centimorgans (cM), and covers an estimated 96% of the P. maxima genome. Assessment of sex-specific recombination across all linkage groups revealed limited overall heterochiasmy between the sexes (i.e. 1.15:1 F/M map length ratio). However, there were pronounced localised differences throughout the linkage groups, whereby male recombination was suppressed near the centromeres compared to female recombination, but inflated towards telomeric regions. Mean values of LD for adjacent SNP pairs suggest that a higher density of markers will be required for powerful genome-wide association studies. Finally, numerous nacre biomineralization genes were localised providing novel positional information for these genes.

Conclusions

This high-density SNP genetic map is the first comprehensive linkage map for any pearl oyster species. It provides an essential genomic tool facilitating studies investigating the genomic architecture of complex trait variation and identifying quantitative trait loci for economically important traits useful in genetic selection programs within the P. maxima pearling industry. Furthermore, this map provides a foundation for further research aiming to improve our understanding of the dynamic process of biomineralization, and pearl oyster evolution and synteny.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-810) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quantitative trait loci for morphometric body measurements of the hybrids of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis)

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 11 morphometric body measurements of the hybrids of silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) including body weight (BW), standard length (SL), body depth (BD), body thickness (BT), head length (HL), head depth (HD), length of ventral keel (LVK), length of pectoral fin (Lpec), length of pelvic fin (Lpel), length of caudal fin (Lcau) and space between pectoral and pelvic fins (SPP) were located on the sex average microsatellite linkage map constructed using the hybrids of a female bighead and a male silver carp, on which 15 microsatellites were newly mapped. One locus was found to be responsible for BW, LV K and SPP, respectively. As many as 6 loci were found to be responsible for HD. The variances of remaining traits were partitioned by different numbers of loci varying between 2 and 5. The variance explained each locus ranged from 9.1% to 23.8% of the total. The variance explained by all loci responsible for each measurement ranged from 17.7% to 75.1%. It was noted that multiple measurements were mapped on the same locus. For example, a region bounded by Hym435 and Hym145 was found to be responsible for all the measurements analyzed.

Construction of a high-density microsatellite genetic linkage map and mapping of sexual and growth-related traits in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

High-density genetic linkage maps of half-smooth tongue sole were developed with 1007 microsatellite markers, two SCAR markers and an F1 family containing 94. The female map was composed of 828 markers in 21 linkage groups, covering a total of 1447.3 cM, with an average interval 1.83 cM between markers. The male map consisted of 794 markers in 21 linkage groups, spanning 1497.5 cM, with an average interval of 1.96 cM. The female and male maps had 812 and 785 unique positions, respectively. The genome length of half-smooth tongue sole was estimated to be 1527.7 cM for the females and 1582.1 cM for the males. Based on estimations of the map lengths, the female and male maps covered 94.74 and 94.65% of the genome, respectively. The consensus map was composed of 1007 microsatellite markers and two SCAR markers in 21 linkage groups, covering a total of 1624 cM with an average interval of 1.67 cM. Furthermore, 159 sex-linked SSR markers were identified. Five sex-linked microsatellite markers were confirmed in their association with sex in a large number of individuals selected from different families. These sex-linked markers were mapped on the female map LG1f with zero recombination. Two QTLs that were identified for body weight, designated as We-1 and We-2, accounted for 26.39% and 10.60% of the phenotypic variation. Two QTLs for body width, designated Wi-1 and Wi-2, were mapped in LG4f and accounted for 14.33% and 12.83% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Seven sex-related loci were mapped in LG1f, LG14f and LG1m by CIM, accounting for 12.5–25.2% of the trait variation. The results should prove to be very useful for improving growth traits using molecular MAS.

Transcriptome analysis of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) by paired-end RNA sequencing

The silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is among the most intensively pond-cultured fish species and is used in the wild to counteract water bloom in China. However, little genomic information is available for this species, especially regarding its ability to grow rapidly in water, even water contaminated with high concentrations of poisonous microcystin. In this study, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis of the 17.10 million short-read sequences produced by the Illumina paired-end sequencing technology. Using an improved multiple k-mer contig assembly method coupled with further scaffolding, 85,759 sequences were obtained. There were 23,044 sequences annotated with 3423 gene ontology terms for 104 196 term occurrences and the three corresponding organizing principles. A total of 38,200 assembled sequences were involved in 218 predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes metabolic pathways. We also recovered 41 of 44 genes involved in the biosynthesis of glutathione. Of these, five genes were identified as experienced positive selection between silver carp and zebrafish, as determined by the likelihood ratio test. This report is the first annotated review of the silver carp transcriptome. These data will be of interest to researchers investigating the evolution and biological processes of the silver carp. This work also provides an archive for future studies of recent speciation and evolution of Cyprinidae fishes and can be used in comparative studies of other fishes.

Construction of a genetic linkage map for silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

For silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), a combined microsatellite (or simple sequence repeat) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) sex average linkage map was constructed. A total of 483 markers (245 microsatellites and 238 AFLPs) were assigned to 33 linkage groups. The map spanned 1352.2 cM, covering 86.4% of the estimated genome size of silver carp. The maximum and average spaces between 420 loci were 21.5 cM and 3.2 cM, respectively. The length of linkage groups ranged from 3.6 cM to 98.5 cM with an average of 41.0 cM. The number of markers per group varied from 2 to 44 with an average of 14.6. The AFLP markers significantly improved the integrity of microsatellite-based linkage groups and increased the genome coverage and marker evenness. A genome-wide recombination suppression was observed in male. In an extreme case, six microsatellites co-segregated in male, but spanned a 45.1 cM region in female.

Genetic linkage maps of barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) and spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) based on AFLP and microsatellite markers

Barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) and spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) are two economically important marine fish species for aquaculture in China, Korea and Japan. Construction of genetic linkage maps is an interesting issue for molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) and for better understanding the genome structure. In the present study, we constructed genetic linkage maps for both fish species using AFLP and microsatellite markers based on an interspecific F(1) hybrid family (female V. moseri and male V. variegatus). The female genetic map comprised 98 markers (58 AFLP markers and 40 microsatellite markers), distributing in 27 linkage groups, and spanning 637 cM with an average resolution of 8.9 cM. Whereas the male genetic map consisted of 86 markers (48 AFLP and 38 microsatellite markers) in 24 linkage groups, covering a length of 625 cM with an average marker spacing of 10 cM. The expected genome length was 1,128 cM in female and 1,115 cM in male, and the estimated coverage of genome was 56% for both genetic maps. Moreover, five microsatellite markers were observed to be common to both genetic maps. This is the first time to report the genetic linkage maps of V. moseri and V. variegatus that could serve as the basis for genetic improvement and selective breeding, candidate genes cloning, and genome structure research.

A consensus linkage map of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) based on microsatellites and SNPs

Background

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) belongs to the family Cyprinidae which includes more than 2000 fish species. It is one of the most important freshwater food fish species in world aquaculture. A linkage map is an essential framework for mapping traits of interest and is often the first step towards understanding genome evolution. The aim of this study is to construct a first generation genetic map of grass carp using microsatellites and SNPs to generate a new resource for mapping QTL for economically important traits and to conduct a comparative mapping analysis to shed new insights into the evolution of fish genomes.

Results

We constructed a first generation linkage map of grass carp with a mapping panel containing two F1 families including 192 progenies. Sixteen SNPs in genes and 263 microsatellite markers were mapped to twenty-four linkage groups (LGs). The number of LGs was corresponding to the haploid chromosome number of grass carp. The sex-specific map was 1149.4 and 888.8 cM long in females and males respectively whereas the sex-averaged map spanned 1176.1 cM. The average resolution of the map was 4.2 cM/locus. BLAST searches of sequences of mapped markers of grass carp against the whole genome sequence of zebrafish revealed substantial macrosynteny relationship and extensive colinearity of markers between grass carp and zebrafish.

Conclusions

The linkage map of grass carp presented here is the first linkage map of a food fish species based on co-dominant markers in the family Cyprinidae. This map provides a valuable resource for mapping phenotypic variations and serves as a reference to approach comparative genomics and understand the evolution of fish genomes and could be complementary to grass carp genome sequencing project.

Construction of a genetic linkage map and mapping of a female-specific DNA marker in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

The half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis, hereafter, "tongue sole") is a marine flatfish with great commercial importance for fisheries and aquaculture in China. It has also been a promising model for the study of sex determination mechanisms in fish. Here, we report the construction of a genetic linkage map for the tongue sole, based on 137 markers including 103 AFLP markers, 33 microsatellite markers, and one female-specific DNA marker. Twenty-six linkage groups (LGs) were found. The total map length was 934.6 cM (Kosambi), with an average spacing of 8.4 cM, covering 64.4% of the estimated genome size. Furthermore, a female-specific SCAR marker, CseF-382, was mapped on LG5. This study represents the first genetic linkage map in the tongue sole. This map has great potential in the identification of quantitative traits loci and sex-related genes and marker-assisted selection in the tongue sole. Meanwhile, the new set of polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in this study is not only useful for genetic mapping but also of critical importance for studies on genetic diversity and broodstock management in tongue sole.

A combined AFLP and microsatellite linkage map and pilot comparative genomic analysis of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax L

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., Moronidae, Teleostei) sustains a regional fishery and is commonly farmed in the Mediterranean basin, but has not undergone much long-term genetic improvement. An updated genetic linkage map of the European sea bass was constructed using 190 microsatellites, 176 amplified fragment length polymorphisms and two single nucleotide polymorphisms. From the 45 new microsatellite markers (including 31 type I markers) reported in this study, 28 were mapped. A total of 368 markers were assembled into 35 linkage groups. Among these markers, 28 represented type I (coding) markers, including those located within the peptide Y, SOX10, PXN1, ERA and TCRB genes (linkage groups 1, 7, 16, 17 and 27 respectively). The sex-averaged map spanned 1373.1 centimorgans (cM) of the genome. The female map measured 1380.0 cM, whereas the male map measured 1046.9 cM, leading to a female-to-male (F:M) recombination rate ratio of 1.32:1. The intermarker spacing of the second-generation linkage map of the European sea bass was 3.67 cM, which is smaller than that of the first-generation linkage map (5.03 cM). Comparative mapping of microsatellite flanking regions was performed with five model teleosts and this revealed a high percentage (33.6%) of evolutionarily conserved regions with the three-spined stickleback.