The Aquaculture Genomics (RP1) research program explores the molecular interplay of farmed organisms with their environment. The genomic era has increased the understanding of how the genome is modulated by pathogenic microorganisms and environmental stressors.
Next-generation sequencing technologies are currently used for expression profiling and the discovery of novel gene signaling pathways relevant to biological processes such as reproduction, growth, immune responses, and metabolism. These technologies have reduced costs and times, and have changed how new tools, developed to improve the husbandry, nutrition, and immune system of key aquaculture species, are evaluated.
One of the biggest bottlenecks related to the high morphology and performance variation observed among farmed aquatic organisms is that this is now accessible for individuals, providing an understanding of the molecular bases that control phenotypic plasticity in intensively farmed species. RP1 scientists have applied omics approaches to improve the basis for sustainable aquaculture in Chile.