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HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning

Gene editing for elucidating gene function and refining genomic selection for CMS resistance in Atlantic salmon

Alternative title: Genredigering for å utforske genfunksjon og videreutvikle genomseleksjon for resistens mot CMS hos atlantisk laks

Awarded: NOK 10.0 mill.

Project Number:

294504

Application Type:

Project Period:

2019 - 2025

Subject Fields:

Partner countries:

Selection of CRISPR/Cas9 constructs for the main trial A total of six CRISPR/Cas9 constructs (two for each of the three targeted genes) were designed based on the results from the sequence analysis and prior knowledge of the chromosomal region. Pilot microinjection of salmon eggs was carried out to test the efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 constructs and the gene with highest efficiency was selected for the main experiment. Engaging citizens in research and innovation: “Reverse Science Café” workshop A «Reversed Science Cafe» format workshop was held on the 21st of June 2023 at Nofima with the following objectives: 1. To facilitate mutual knowledge exchange to establish a shared understanding of gene editing in aquaculture, specifically in combating diseases in farmed salmon, and 2. To explore potential opportunities for identifying future communication frameworks that can effectively contribute to building increased knowledge, understanding, and trust about gene editing. The “Reversed Science Café” approach is a discussion event focused on various ethical and societal topics related to local examples of research, technologies, and innovations. Experts and ordinary citizens worked together in small groups to formulate solutions to the challenges within research and innovation and ethical issues related to this. The dialogue is initiated by experts posing questions and listening to answers from the participants to make research and innovation more responsible. The participants highlighted the following potential solutions: Enhance Animal Welfare Standards: Strengthen regulations in aquaculture to address concerns about animal welfare, focusing on living conditions, growth rates, and causes of mortality. Promote Environmental Sustainability: Develop strategies to minimize the environmental impact of aquaculture, emphasizing disease control, pollution reduction, and resource optimization. Adopt Better Industry Practices: Encourage the aquaculture industry to implement secure cages, waste collection measures, and commitment to sustainable practices, to enhance overall industry sustainability and ethics. Increase Public Involvement and Transparency: Advocate for public involvement in determining breeding objectives and transparency in private companies' breeding practices. Counteract Limited Public Knowledge: Promote increased knowledge about salmon breeding objectives, promote transparency, and prevent the concentration of salmon farming among a few large companies. Highlight Ethical Considerations: Emphasize ethical considerations in salmon farming through an appropriate balance between economic interests and societal benefits, with a focus on government regulation. Clear and Transparent Labelling: Respond to consumer demands by implementing clear and transparent labeling for genetically edited products, featuring recognizable logos or QR codes. Tailor Communication Strategies: Develop effective communication strategies for different phases using credible media channels to inform the public about genetic editing benefits, safety, and research-based nature. Integrate Education about Aquaculture into Curricula: Bridge the knowledge gap among consumers on food production and particularly aquaculture, by including this into school curricula with a focus on the ethical, safety, and self-sufficiency aspects of aquaculture. Promote Holistic Technological Approaches: Address broader technological challenges, including salmon lice, by exploring the potential of land-based aquaculture (RAS) and promoting the integration of diverse technologies for effective and rapid solutions.

Gene editing technologies are developing at a faster pace than ever and open new opportunities for breeding to improve production efficiency and diseases resistance. Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) is an important disease for the aquaculture industry in Norway because of economic loss and welfare implications. To mitigate the impact of the disease selective breeding is practiced, however, it is challenged by veterinary restrictions and expensive challenge tests. Genomic studies for the trait have located quantitative trait loci (QTL) with strong signal on chromosome 27. The use of state-of-the-art gene editing technologies for improvement of CSM resistance is likely to be highly beneficial in this case. The project will identify potential genes and causative mutations affecting CMS resistance, and evaluates their function by in-vitro cardiomyocyte cell culture. Further, the proposal will develop breeding strategies that effectively employ gene editing to develop CMS resistant salmon, and a special scheme to deliver edited genes to multipliers tiers, which produces fingerlings that are grown for production, will be designed. The ethical, social and legal implications of developing CMS resistant salmon using gene editing will be determined. Dynamic RRI (responsible research and innovation) processes, in particular active stakeholder involvement, are used to promote an active attitude towards RRI in gene editing. The project will create a knowledge base and example for the industry regarding disease management through state-of-the-art gene editing, this will greatly improve the bioeconomy and welfare of Atlantic salmon production.

Publications from Cristin

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Funding scheme:

HAVBRUK2-Stort program for havbruksforskning