Sequencing the genome of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

摘要

The International Collaboration to Sequence theAtlantic Salmon Genome (ICSASG) will produce agenome sequence that identifies and physically mapsall genes in the Atlantic salmon genome and acts as areference sequence for other salmonids. The family Salmonidae comprises 11 genera and includessalmon, trout, charr, freshwater whitefishes, ciscos andgraylings [1]. Many salmonid species are of considerableeconomic, social and environmental importance. Salmonidscontribute to local and global economies through aquaculture,wild stock fisheries and recreational sport fisheries.In addition, they are a traditional food source for aboriginalpeoples in Canada and have a central role in their culture.Salmon and trout are sentinel species for monitoring theaquatic environment and therefore they are usedextensively for ecotoxicology studies. As a result of humanactivities related to the rearing of salmon and trout and theneed to make management decisions concerningstock assessment and harvesting plans, there is a large salmonidresearch community working on the biology, life histories,population dynamics, biogeography,phylogenetic relationships, physiology and nutrition of salmonids.