Transcriptome sequencing and microsatellites characterization in pirapitinga Piaractus brachypomus for analysis of genetic variability

Abstract

The pirapitinga, Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), is a fish of occurrence in the Amazon Basin and one of the major native species used for aquaculture production. However, genetic studies focused to this species is practically absent, particularly on genetic variability of cultivated or wild stocks. In this case, the limiting factor to advance these studies is the lack of available molecular markers for P. brachypomus, considered a non-model organism in Aquaculture. Currently, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are causing a revolution in Molecular Biology as they have enabled the discovery of millions of SNPs and microsatellite markers in non-model organisms. This project aims to conduct the transcriptome sequencing of P. brachypomus by NGS and then characterize a set of microsatellite markers for this species. Finally, with the establishment of microsatellites, we intend to analyze broodstocks of pirapitinga cultivated in Brazilian fish farms, in order to identify the genetic profile of these animals and improve the genetic management of production systems. The characterization of molecular markers in P. brachypomus and genetic studies focusing on better knowledge of the genome of cultured broodstocks are considered essential for Aquaculture, especially to provide subsidies for the development of management and breeding programs of this species. (AU)