Identification and Annotation of Full-length Genes in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)

Identification and Annotation of Full-length Genes in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)
Author: Jong S. Leong
Publisher:
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2010
Genre: Atlantic salmon
ISBN:

Large-scale expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are examined to answer questions regarding salmonid transcriptomes. ESTs represent raw and incomplete gene sequences that need to be read, assembled and analyzed with computer software. The goal of this thesis was to develop an automatically curated and publicly accessible set of annotated full-length genes, representing a near-complete transcript set for Salmo salar. In turn, these genes provide the framework for studies in gene expression, conservation, and molecular evolution. The work presented here also touches on the results of a molecular evolution study, as an example of how full-length gene identification can be used to answer biological questions. Previous to this study, a limited number of Atlantic salmon cDNA libraries and ESTs were known. To further the goal of determining complete gene sequences, highly enriched full-length cDNA libraries and full-length libraries were created and sequenced, resulting in the ability to identify a large number of full-length reference genes. Together, all libraries represent a diverse pool of transcriptome sequences for Salmo salar. The goal of producing an accurate large-scale full-length gene set on a duplicated genome is not trivial. Complete systems for this objective do not readily exist. EST sequencing, EST assembly, and data storage, are just a few of the initial computational issues that are addressed. Once these issues are resolved, the multi-step workflow of full-length gene determination is described. The final challenge involving the development of a concise and universally accessible system for visualization is discussed. The resulting computational framework that has been developed is shown to be able to handle the intricacies and the size of a duplicated salmonid genome. It has been largely accepted that Atlantic salmon have undergone a recent genome duplication. Gene paralogs provide one source of evidence for this event. Analysis of paralogs revealed signatures of asymmetric evolution possibly due to relaxation of selective pressure. This thesis provides a complete Bioinformatics analysis pipeline to analyze and to visualize a set of full-length reference genes for Atlantic salmon. Using full-length genes as a framework, the topic of molecular evolution was addressed to show evidence of asymmetrical evolution among gene duplicates. The full-length reference genes, along with ESTs and all putative transcripts, have been made publicly available. These results serve as a valuable genomic resource for next-generation sequencing and for all other salmonid research endeavours.

Identification and Annotation of Full-length Genes in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)

Identification and Annotation of Full-length Genes in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)
Author: Jong S. Leong
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2010
Genre: Atlantic salmon
ISBN:

Large-scale expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are examined to answer questions regarding salmonid transcriptomes. ESTs represent raw and incomplete gene sequences that need to be read, assembled and analyzed with computer software. The goal of this thesis was to develop an automatically curated and publicly accessible set of annotated full-length genes, representing a near-complete transcript set for Salmo salar. In turn, these genes provide the framework for studies in gene expression, conservation, and molecular evolution. The work presented here also touches on the results of a molecular evolution study, as an example of how full-length gene identification can be used to answer biological questions. Previous to this study, a limited number of Atlantic salmon cDNA libraries and ESTs were known. To further the goal of determining complete gene sequences, highly enriched full-length cDNA libraries and full-length libraries were created and sequenced, resulting in the ability to identify a large number of full-length reference genes. Together, all libraries represent a diverse pool of transcriptome sequences for Salmo salar. The goal of producing an accurate large-scale full-length gene set on a duplicated genome is not trivial. Complete systems for this objective do not readily exist. EST sequencing, EST assembly, and data storage, are just a few of the initial computational issues that are addressed. Once these issues are resolved, the multi-step workflow of full-length gene determination is described. The final challenge involving the development of a concise and universally accessible system for visualization is discussed. The resulting computational framework that has been developed is shown to be able to handle the intricacies and the size of a duplicated salmonid genome. It has been largely accepted that Atlantic salmon have undergone a recent genome duplication. Gene paralogs provide one source of evidence for this event. Analysis of paralogs revealed signatures of asymmetric evolution possibly due to relaxation of selective pressure. This thesis provides a complete Bioinformatics analysis pipeline to analyze and to visualize a set of full-length reference genes for Atlantic salmon. Using full-length genes as a framework, the topic of molecular evolution was addressed to show evidence of asymmetrical evolution among gene duplicates. The full-length reference genes, along with ESTs and all putative transcripts, have been made publicly available. These results serve as a valuable genomic resource for next-generation sequencing and for all other salmonid research endeavours.

Molecular Biology Frontiers

Molecular Biology Frontiers
Author: Peter W. Hochachka
Publisher:
Total Pages: 492
Release: 1993-12
Genre: Medical
ISBN:

This second volume in the series covers such topics as DNA fingerprinting of fishes, the cytochromes P450 in fish, the molecular biology of bacterial fish diseases, and new insights into the origins of the diversity and distribution of fish antifreeze proteins. The book will be of great value to fisheries scientists, animal biochemists, physiologists and endocrinologists, and aquaculturists. It will provide researchers and students alike with a pertinent information source from theoretical and experimental angles.

Molecular Research in Aquaculture

Molecular Research in Aquaculture
Author: Ken Overturf
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 406
Release: 2009-09-23
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0813818516

Molecular Research in Aquaculture Molecular research and biotechnology have long been fields of study with applications useful to aquaculture and other animal sciences. Molecular Research in Aquaculture looks to provide an understanding of molecular research and its applications to the aquaculture industry in a format that allows individuals without prior experience in this area to learn about and understand this important field. Molecular Research in Aquaculture opens with an introductory chapter giving background information on the aquaculture industry and the development of the science and research methods to what is currently being used. From there it discusses how new, innovative techniques are now being converted and used for research in this field. Introductory chapters on basic molecular biological techniques, such as PCR, cloning, and hybridization, and their rationale provide the foundation for an in-depth look at molecular research and its specific applications. The remaining chapters review key areas of molecular research such as microarray analysis, quantitative PCR, and transgenics. Molecular Research in Aquaculture will be a valuable reference for professionals and researchers with an interest in the development of molecular technologies and their applications to the field of aquaculture. Coverage of basic molecular biological techniques and their rationale In-depth look at molecular research and their applications to aquaculture Valuable reference on the developments of this key area in aquaculture research

Identification, Evolution and Expression of Three Olfactory Gene Families in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)

Identification, Evolution and Expression of Three Olfactory Gene Families in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar)
Author: Kimberley Anne Johnstone
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011
Genre: Atlantic salmon
ISBN:

It has been hypothesized that salmonids use olfactory cues to return to their natal rivers and streams. However, the key components of the molecular pathway involved in imprinting and homing are still unknown. If odorants are involved in salmon homing migration then olfactory receptors should play a critical role in the dissipation of information from the environment to the fish. To understand the molecular basis for imprinting and homing in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), it is important to identify and characterize the olfactory receptors in the Atlantic salmon genome. Aquatic chemical cues are received through the salmon nares and into the nasal cavity that contains a single olfactory organ, olfactory rosette. The olfactory rosette contains sensory neurons, which are thought to express only one olfactory receptor. In this study, three major superfamilies of fish olfactory receptors (MOR, ora and OlfC) were examined. To identify the olfactory genes in Atlantic salmon several genomic and bioinformatic techniques were used. First, an Atlantic salmon bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was screened with probes designed from previously identified fish olfactory receptor sequences. Then a selected number of hybridization positive BACs containing olfactory receptors were shotgun cloned and sequenced. From these BAC sequences, two ora genes and 55 OlfC genes were identified in Atlantic salmon. The second technique used to identify olfactory receptors in Atlantic salmon was a bioinformatic approach that involved screening a 3-fold Atlantic salmon genome sequence for olfactory receptors. Using this approach, 24 MOR and the remaining five ora genes were identified, as well as another 24 partial genes or pseudogenes. As a first step to understand how olfactory receptors are involved in imprinting and homing, a suite of olfactory receptors were selected to examine the expression profiles of these genes across different life stages and life histories of wild Atlantic salmon from Newfoundland, Canada. Seven differentially expressed OlfC genes were identified in juvenile anadromous salmon compared to returning adult salmon. From this research, I hypothesize that OlfC genes may play an important role in the imprinting of home stream water olfactory cues in anadromous Atlantic salmon.

The Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic Salmon
Author: Eric Verspoor
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2008-04-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470995831

Atlantic Salmon is a cultural icon throughout its North Atlantic range; it is the focus of probably the World’s highest profile recreational fishery and is the basis for one of the World’s largest aquaculture industries. Despite this, many wild stocks of salmon are in decline and underpinning this is a dearth of information on the nature and extent of population structuring and adaptive population differentiation, and its implications for species conservation. This important new book will go a long way to rectify this situation by providing a thorough review of the genetics of Atlantic salmon. Sponsored by the European Union and the Atlantic Salmon Trust, this book comprises the work of an international team of scientists, carefully integrated and edited to provide a landmark book of vital interest to all those working with Atlantic salmon.