innumerable genes, and genome analysis has allowed for an understanding of
specific biological phenomena (Hudson et al. 1980; Venkatesh et al. 2007).
In terms of fish genomics, complete genome analysis, first for the puffer fish
Fugu rubripes and then for model zebrafish and medaka, has been attempted as a
means of understanding human gene functions. Around the world, recent genomic
research has been conducted on fish varieties with high economic or industrial value
and applied in their breeding or industry use. In China, for example, analysis of the
Cynoglossus semilaevis genome was completed in 2010, and an investigation of the
genes responsible for sex determination was applied towards the development of a
fast-growing variety. In Japan, analysis of the Thunnus thynnus genome was
completed in 2011; where the resulting information has been used in the development of farmed strains with outstanding growth, feed efficiency, texture, and
disease-resistance properties; management of tuna resources, including accurate
place-of-origin determinations; establishment of a place-of-origin tracking system
from farm to dinner table; and development of functional food and pharmaceutical
products with special properties such as DHA accumulation.
In South Korea, Paralichthys olivaceus is one of the most preferred varieties of
fish for sashimi. In 2012, its genome was decoded for the first time by the team of
Dr. Kim of the National Institute of Fisheries Sciences, allowing for its use in
studies on disease resistance, flavor, texture, and sex determination. Genomic
research has also been conducted to explain biological phenomena: in 2011, Norwegian researchers spearheaded an effort to analyze the full Gadus morhua genome,
identifying the genetic factors accounting for the fish’s unique immune system
allowing it to survive under highly varying temperatures. As this shows, genomic
research can be used in a broad range of areas, including understanding biological
phenomena, improving strains, and developing biomaterials.
3.6.2 Trends in New Genomic Analysis Technology
The double helix structure of DNA was first identified in the 1950s, while the first
base sequence analysis technology was developed in the 1970s by Frederick Sanger
and Walter Gilbert. In the 1980s, the development of the polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) technique led to huge advancements in gene analysis technology. Sanger’s
method was ultimately used to identify the full human genome sequence in the early
2000s. Since 2007, the development of new base sequence analysis technologies
distinct from the Sanger approach has resulted in the coinage of the term “Next
Generation Sequencing” (NGS); at present, second- and third-generation NGS
techniques have been developed and are in active use. These NGS analysis techniques are capable of reading large quantities of base sequences and have ushered in
historic changes in terms of time and cost (König et al. 2012).
Examples of second-generation analysis techniques include Roche’s GS FLX,
Ilumina’s Solexa and Hiseq 2000, and ABI’S SOLID. Third-generation technologies have offered a new paradigm to address shortcomings in existing forms of
NGS. Their biggest difference from second-generation technologies is their ability
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3 Fish Genetics
specific biological phenomena (Hudson et al. 1980; Venkatesh et al. 2007).
In terms of fish genomics, complete genome analysis, first for the puffer fish
Fugu rubripes and then for model zebrafish and medaka, has been attempted as a
means of understanding human gene functions. Around the world, recent genomic
research has been conducted on fish varieties with high economic or industrial value
and applied in their breeding or industry use. In China, for example, analysis of the
Cynoglossus semilaevis genome was completed in 2010, and an investigation of the
genes responsible for sex determination was applied towards the development of a
fast-growing variety. In Japan, analysis of the Thunnus thynnus genome was
completed in 2011; where the resulting information has been used in the development of farmed strains with outstanding growth, feed efficiency, texture, and
disease-resistance properties; management of tuna resources, including accurate
place-of-origin determinations; establishment of a place-of-origin tracking system
from farm to dinner table; and development of functional food and pharmaceutical
products with special properties such as DHA accumulation.
In South Korea, Paralichthys olivaceus is one of the most preferred varieties of
fish for sashimi. In 2012, its genome was decoded for the first time by the team of
Dr. Kim of the National Institute of Fisheries Sciences, allowing for its use in
studies on disease resistance, flavor, texture, and sex determination. Genomic
research has also been conducted to explain biological phenomena: in 2011, Norwegian researchers spearheaded an effort to analyze the full Gadus morhua genome,
identifying the genetic factors accounting for the fish’s unique immune system
allowing it to survive under highly varying temperatures. As this shows, genomic
research can be used in a broad range of areas, including understanding biological
phenomena, improving strains, and developing biomaterials.
3.6.2 Trends in New Genomic Analysis Technology
The double helix structure of DNA was first identified in the 1950s, while the first
base sequence analysis technology was developed in the 1970s by Frederick Sanger
and Walter Gilbert. In the 1980s, the development of the polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) technique led to huge advancements in gene analysis technology. Sanger’s
method was ultimately used to identify the full human genome sequence in the early
2000s. Since 2007, the development of new base sequence analysis technologies
distinct from the Sanger approach has resulted in the coinage of the term “Next
Generation Sequencing” (NGS); at present, second- and third-generation NGS
techniques have been developed and are in active use. These NGS analysis techniques are capable of reading large quantities of base sequences and have ushered in
historic changes in terms of time and cost (König et al. 2012).
Examples of second-generation analysis techniques include Roche’s GS FLX,
Ilumina’s Solexa and Hiseq 2000, and ABI’S SOLID. Third-generation technologies have offered a new paradigm to address shortcomings in existing forms of
NGS. Their biggest difference from second-generation technologies is their ability
72
3 Fish Genetics