A new era: the merging of quantitative and molecular genetics - prospects for aquaculture breeding programs.

摘要

Traditionally, selective breeding has been the method of choice for improving broodstock, both in terrestrial and aquatic animal production. Considerable improvements have been achieved for most species when sound base populations have been established and appropriate selection methods have been applied. This approach, however, is based more or less on a theoretical "black box" in terms of understanding the concrete bridge between single genes and phenotypic expression. In parallel, there is an ongoing revolution within experimental biology, and enormous amounts of data are produced. The sequencing of whole genomes has given new possibilities. For example, micro-array technology makes it possible to measure genome-wide expression levels simultaneously. In addition, genetic markers are widely developed and used. Marker-data in itself can be analysed with the traditional models to find so called QTLs. However, the traditional model of gene action, which is based on additivity, is not well suited for handling data on the levels of mRNA or proteins, as these are expressions of a dynamic system of interacting genes, rather than independent effects. Thus, new gene-regulatory models have to be developed. Traditional selective breeding will remain a "main engine" in breeding programs in the foreseeable future, but the enormous amount of new experimental data and new gene technological tools require a whole new modelling concept for further refinement of our genetic improvement efforts. This will also require specific physiological, biological and hands-on knowledge for each species, and multidisciplinary research networks..