Researchers from the INCAR Center, Universidad de Concepción, and Hendrix Genetics Chile conducted a study to investigate the transcriptomic differences between genetic families of salmon that are either resistant or susceptible to the parasite Caligus rogercresseyi, commonly known as “Sea Lice”. The study, titled “Transcriptome Signatures of Atlantic Salmon—Resistant Phenotypes against Sea Lice Infestation are Associated with Tissue Repair”, was published in the journal Genes.
In this study, a total of 121 families of Atlantic salmon were exposed to 35 copepodites per fish and observed for 14 days to determine their resistance or susceptibility to sea lice infestation. The classification was based on the Chalimus present, which refers to the number of parasites present on the fish. The researchers then selected skin samples from individuals belonging to the four main families: two families with the lowest parasite load (classified as resistant) and two families with the highest parasite load (classified as susceptible). These samples were subjected to gene sequencing, and the gene expression profiles were compared to identify potential genes that could serve as indicators of resistance or susceptibility to sea lice infection. The analysis of the transcriptome, which refers to the complete set of RNA molecules in a cell, revealed distinct expression profiles between the families classified as resistant and susceptible. Notably, there were significant differences in chromosomal modulation observed in the skin tissue between these families.
This finding suggests that certain genes involved in tissue repair may play a role in conferring resistance to sea lice infestation in Atlantic salmon. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying this resistance and to potentially develop strategies for improving resistance in aquaculture practices.
For more information, please read the full article «Transcriptome Signatures of Atlantic Salmon—Resistant Phenotypes against Sea Lice Infestation Are Associated with Tissue Repair»,
