International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 58-68 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 65 co-expression networks, expression profiles, and the functional effects of SV in different developmental stages and tissues (Liu et al., 2021). Functional genomics research has made further progress driven by genome editing technologies such as CRISPR. By combining omics data, targeted operations can be performed on candidate genes and SVS to verify their roles in specific traits (Pan and Barrangou, 2020). 7.3 Applications for pest control and biosecurity Structural variations can be used as robust molecular markers for diagnosis, helping to identify and monitor invasive populations and detect specific lineages or resistance traits (Liu et al., 2021; Laufer et al., 2023). High-resolution SV maps can provide a basis for biosecurity strategies. By distinguishing source populations and tracking the spread paths of invasive snails, more effective prevention and control can be achieved. Genomic resources and comprehensive analysis support the discovery of target genes related to key biological processes such as reproduction, detoxification and adaptation (Yang et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2021). Target genes can be used to develop novel pest control methods, including gene editing or RNA interference (RNAi) -based strategies, to manage invasive populations L. fulica more efficiently. 8 Concluding Remarks Structural variations (SVS) are very common in the genome, often occupying much larger regions than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS), and they frequently affect gene expression and function. Some SVS may have adverse effects, while others, in turn, help species adapt better. For instance, in terms of traits such as pathogen resistance, environmental tolerance, and resource utilization, SVS often play a promoting role. In other words, SV can both be a stumbling block to evolution and an accelerator. The role of this accelerator is particularly evident in invasive species. SV can change traits of great ecological significance in a short period of time. High-frequency SV often overlaps with genes subject to selection, such as those involved in detoxification, and tolerance to adverse environments. This also explains why species like L. fulica can still survive and even expand their population, when facing unfamiliar environments and harsh conditions. However, the research on SV is not an easy task. Even with technological advancements, precise detection and characterization at the group level remain challenging. There are many limiting factors - insufficient sampling, the limitations of short-read sequencing, the complexity of SV itself, etc. Especially for some complex or rare SVS, they are often missed or misjudged. This is why more extensive sampling is needed, preferably in combination with long-read sequencing technology. In the future, research should be bolder in placing SVS at the core, adopting the approach of pan-genomics and conducting large-scale population analyses to record the diversity of SVS and their evolutionary significance as comprehensively as possible. The ability to integrate high-quality, haplotype-resolved genomic assembly at the population level will provide truly powerful support for our understanding of SV-driven adaptation, and speciation processes. Acknowledgments The authors sincerely thank Dr. Zhang for reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable suggestions, which contributed to its improvement. Additionally, heartfelt gratitude is extended to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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