MEAGREGEN

Research Directions:

Aquaculture Genetics

Functional and Comparative genomics

Population genetics and phylogeography

Description:

The goal of the MeagreGen research project is multidimensional and builds on synergies between two large industrial companies with long experience in gilthead sea bream and the European sea bass genetic selection, and the three leading Greek research partners in the fields of quantitative genetics and genomics. Initially, the genetic diversity of the meagre that exists in Greek companies will be evaluated because a successful genetic improvement program is a prerequisite for starting properly with a base population with rich genetic diversity. Next, the genome and transcriptome sequence of the meagre will be determined using state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies that will place the species in the fish elite with a full genome. The construction of a very good transcriptome, a very dense linkage map, and genomic sequencing are all interconnected with future genetic mapping associated with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and are required as a foundation for the application of Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) or Genomic Selection (GS). Finally, the first pilot program of selective breeding in meagre will be launched, continuing more thorough preliminary investigative work, detecting QTL and applying the first MAS to a new generation that will be analyzed and evaluated before the end of the proposed project