Work

Analysis of population structure and selection signatures for artificial domestication of rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) in coastal China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Domestication represents a powerful model for exploring genetic differentiation and the evolutionary dynamics of adaptation. In this study, we investigated selection signatures across the whole genome of rock bream ( Oplegnathus fasciatus ) to explore its evolutionary and domestication history. Whole-genome resequencing was performed on 75 individuals from six wild populations and one domesticated group. Selection signatures were identified using genetic differentiation coefficient ( F st ), nucleotide diversity (Pi), and minimum allele frequency difference (Maf). Principal component analysis, population structure analysis, and linkage disequilibrium decay analysis were conducted to assess genetic divergence between wild and cultured populations. The analyses revealed indicated significant differences in genetic structure between the wild and domesticated populations, while no such differences were observed among the six wild populations. A total of 80 candidate genes under selection were identified, including those associated with behavior ( rcan1 , meis2 ), skeletal development and growth ( casr ), immunity ( camk4 ), and energy metabolism ( pdk2 ). These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying rock bream domestication and provide valuable genomic resources for future selective breeding programs.

Source: Reproduction and Breeding

DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2025.11.002

Authors: Bo Liu, Han Zhang, Zhou Jiang, Peihong Huang, Jie Gong, Bijun Li, Qiaozhen Ke, Tao Zhou, Peng Xu

Institutions: Fujian Fisheries Research Institute, Xiamen University

Language: English

Topic: Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700