Identification of Growth-Related SNPs and Genes in the Genome of the Pearl Oyster (<i>Pinctada fucata</i>) Using GWAS
Mingming Zhao,
Wipavee Thaimuangphol,
Yujie Hong,
Ziqi Yan,
Zongfa Chen,
Minxuan Jin,
Anna Zheng,
Bei Wang,
Zhongliang Wang
Affiliations
Mingming Zhao
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Wipavee Thaimuangphol
Laboratory of Fish Immunology and Nutrigenomics, Applied Animal and Aquatic Sciences Research Unit, Division of Fisheries, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand
Yujie Hong
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Ziqi Yan
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Zongfa Chen
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Minxuan Jin
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Anna Zheng
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Bei Wang
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Zhongliang Wang
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Pinctada fucata, the pearl oyster, is a bivalve primarily cultivated for the production of saltwater pearls. In this study, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the growth-related traits and a principal components analysis (PCA) in P. fucata were performed. Genomic parameters of 6 growth-related traits in 60 individuals were estimated by using 4,937,162 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 45 SNPs associated with growth traits were thus identified. Furthermore, 165 candidate genes were identified, including collagen alpha-3 (VI), serine/threonine-protein kinase mos-like harboring significant markers, and histidine-rich protein PFHRP-III-like, which may influence growth-related traits associated with various biological processes. The results of this study can facilitate marker-assisted selection and breeding programs designed to enhance growth and also offer a theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of genomic resources in P. fucata.
