Feasibility of a multi-panel of epigenetic markers of fish growth

Introduction

Aquaculture, the process of controlled fish and shellfish cultivation, is a sustainable alternative to fisheries. The sector has seen tremendous growth, and Nile tilapia is one of the most important commercially farmed species worldwide. To date, the optimization of production yields is limited to traditional selective breeding programs that exclusively focus on genetic markers. As a result, unknown variability in growth selection remains, which may be diminished through epigenetic selection.

Research Background

Prof. Jorge Fernandes' group has found evidence for the direct involvement of multiple categories of epigenetic markers in the growth rate and size of Nile tilapia. During the ERC Consolidator project EPIFISH (#683210), Fernandes' group observed important differences in expression levels of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs): full-sibling groups of Nile tilapia with distinct growth rates expressed different sets of ncRNAs in muscle, despite being reared under the same environmental conditions.

Project Overview

EPISELECT will explore the technical and commercial feasibility of a multi-panel for the assessment of epigenetic markers for fish growth optimization. This multi-panel will assess the newly discovered ncRNAs in combination with the previously identified DNA modification markers. As a result, EPISELECT may improve selective breeding programs, leading to higher profitability and increased sustainability of the aquaculture sector.

Objectives

To reach the proof-of-concept stage, we will:

1. Explore ncRNA markers for growth prediction and validate the multi-panel of epimarkers;
2. Define an IPR position and strategy;
3. Assess the market size, added value, cost analysis, and commercialization route of the novel multi-panel of epigenetic markers;
4. Establish connections with the aquaculture industry and embed the project for commercialization.