Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with Germ Cell and Gonad Development in the Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)

Abstract

Controlling and managing the breeding of bluefin tuna (Thunnus spp.) in captivity is an imperative step towards obtaining a sustainable supply of these fish in aquaculture production systems. Germ cell transplantation (GCT) is an innovative technology for the production of inter-species surrogates, by transplanting undifferentiated germ cells derived from a donor species into larvae of a host species. The transplanted surrogates will then grow and mature to produce donor-derived seed, thus providing a simpler alternative to maintaining large-bodied broodstock such as the bluefin tuna. Implementation of GCT for new species requires the development of molecular tools to follow the fate of the transplanted germ cells. These tools are based on key reproductive and germ cell-specific genes. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) provides a rapid, cost-effective method for high throughput gene identification in non-model species. This study utilized RNA-Seq to identify key genes expressed in the gonads of Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii, SBT) and their specific expression patterns in male and female gonad cells.

Ido Bar

Senior Research Fellow in Agriculture Genomics

My research applies molecular, genomic and data analysis tools to develop knowledge and applied solutions to overcome production bottlenecks in the agriculture and aquaculture industries to ensure sustainable food production and future food security.