Overview of the betta fish genome regarding species radiation, parental care, behavioral aggression, and pigmentation model relevant to humans.
Genes Genomics 2021;
43:91-104. [PMID:
33515118 DOI:
10.1007/s13258-020-01027-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens, also known as the betta) is well known in aquarium markets, and also presents an exciting new research model for studying parental care, aggressive behavior, and cryptically diverse pigmentation. However, concentrated efforts are required, both in the context of conservation biology and in its genetics, to address the problems of ongoing outbreeding depression, loss of biodiversity, and lack of scientific biological information.
OBJECTIVE
The evolutionary dynamics of the betta must be better understood at the genomic scale in order to resolve the phylogenetic status of unrecognized species, develop molecular markers to study variation in traits, and identify interesting sets of genes encoding various bioresource functions.
METHODS
The recent revolution in multi-omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics has uncovered genetic diversity and gained insights into many aspects of betta bioresources.
RESULTS
Here, we present current research and future plans in an ongoing megaproject to characterize the betta genome as de novo assemblies, genes and repeat annotations, generating data to study diverse biological phenomena. We highlight key questions that require answers and propose new directions and recommendations to develop bioresource management to protect and enhance the betta genus.
CONCLUSION
Successful accomplishment of these plans will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome and provide valuable information at the molecular level that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of the betta to improve breeding programs for future biomedical research.
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