World's First Oyster Genome Sequence Map

chewan

Chinese Scientists Release World's First Oyster Genome Sequence Map

JINAN, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Chinese scientists have drawnthe world's first whole genome sequence map of oysters, opening newpossibilities for raising oyster production and the development of newindustrial materials, Xinhua reported Tuesday.

The genome sequence map is also the first of its kind for bothshellfish and marine life, said Zhang Guofan, chief scientist of theOyster Genome Sequence Map Project and researcher with the Institute ofOceanology, Chinese Academy of Science (IOCAS).

After more than two years, the project team jointly set up byZhang and Guo Ximing, of the State University of New Jersey, found theoyster genome comprised 800 million DNA base pairs, including around20,000 genes.

"This finding has proved the extremely high genetic diversity inlow forms of marine life and is of great value to oyster breeding,"Zhang told Xinhua on Tuesday.

More than 100 varieties of the mollusk are known to exist incoastal areas around all the continents except the Polar regions. Theoyster breeding industry is estimated to be worth US$3.5 billion ayear. About a quarter of China's marine aquaculture output is generatedby oysters.

Li Naisheng, vice-director of Shandong Province Department ofScience and Technology, said oyster breeding had long struggled with alow yield-to-area ratio.

"Although oysters have high fertility, their offspring are very vulnerable and can die soon after birth."

Li said the genome sequencing map would help scientists breed faster-growing oysters with a higher survival rate.

Zhang Guofan said further study of the oyster genome sequencingmap might allow scientists to change its more troublesome habits.

"The oyster is a typical marine fouling organism. They love tostick to the surfaces of ships, increasing resistance, and they blockpipes in water and thus hinder marine operations," said Zhang.

"However, by searching for the key gene crucial to such a trait,scientists might be able to entice them to grow independently," saidZhang.

Zhang said the development of such a material was only at thetheoretical stage, but it could be applied in construction, craftproduction and machinery maintenance.

Ni Peixiang, director of the Shenzhen Huada Genomics Institute, apartner in the oyster genome sequencing project, said the sequencingwas "a basic but significant step" and further study would be made onindividual genes.

Phang Guofan said he was dedicated to solving some of the riddles surround the mollusk.

"Why do most oyster offspring die shortly after birth? How come notwo oysters look exactly the same? Why is it believed that eatingoysters is good for the kidneys? Answers will come from this map," hesaid.

The world's first human genome sequence map was finished in June2000. From 2000 to 2009, scientists across the world have drawn wholegenome sequence maps for 1,100 species, averaging 118 a year.

Chinese scientists have completed genome sequencing for rice,domesticated silkworms and chickens as well as endangered animals likethe giant panda and Tibetan antelope.

-- BERNAMA