Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 99-106 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 102 3.2 Case studies: successful gene editing for growth rate improvement Several case studies have demonstrated the successful application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to enhance growth rates in aquaculture species, including tilapia. One notable example is the use of endogenous promoters to drive Cas9 expression in tilapia cell lines, achieving high mutational efficiencies (Hamar and Kültz, 2020). This approach has shown promise in manipulating genetic loci that are directly linked to growth traits. Additionally, the optimization of Cas9 nuclear localization in tilapia cells has further improved the efficiency of gene editing, making it a viable tool for enhancing growth rates (Villapando et al., 2020). These case studies highlight the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 to bring about significant improvements in growth performance, thereby contributing to more efficient aquaculture practices. 3.3 Potential impacts on aquaculture efficiency The application of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing in tilapia has far-reaching implications for aquaculture efficiency. By targeting and modifying specific growth-related genes, it is possible to achieve faster growth rates, which can lead to shorter production cycles and increased yield (Roy et al., 2022). This not only enhances the economic viability of tilapia farming but also addresses the growing demand for high-quality protein sources. Moreover, the precision and efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 technology reduce the time and cost associated with traditional breeding methods, making it a more sustainable option for genetic improvement (Tang et al., 2023). The successful implementation of this technology in tilapia could serve as a model for other aquaculture species, paving the way for widespread adoption and significant advancements in the industry. 4 Disease Resistance Improvement via CRISPR-Cas9 4.1 Key genes involved in disease resistance in tilapia The application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in tilapia has opened new avenues for enhancing disease resistance by targeting specific genes associated with immune responses. Key genes involved in disease resistance in tilapia include those encoding for cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and other immune-related proteins. For instance, genes such as IFN-γ, lyzc, hsp70, and IL-1β have been identified as crucial for mounting an effective immune response against pathogens (Xia et al., 2018). These genes play significant roles in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and pathogen recognition, making them prime targets for CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing to enhance disease resistance. 4.2 Case studies: enhancing resistance to common tilapia pathogens Several case studies have demonstrated the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in enhancing disease resistance in tilapia. One notable example is the integration of the alligator cathelicidin gene into the genome of channel catfish, which resulted in increased resistance to bacterial infections (Simora et al., 2020). Although this study was conducted in catfish, it provides a proof-of-concept that similar strategies could be applied to tilapia. Additionally, the use of probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis has been shown to enhance the immune response and disease resistance in juvenile Nile tilapia, indicating that genetic modifications to enhance the expression of similar immune-boosting genes could be beneficial (Xia et al., 2018). In the genome of channel catfish, researchers successfully inserted a foreign gene at a specific site on chromosome 1 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, utilizing different promoters to drive the expression of the foreign gene (Figure 2). This strategy highlights the potential of gene editing in enhancing disease resistance in fish species (Simora et al., 2020). 4.3 Implications for aquaculture sustainability The implications of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing for disease resistance in tilapia are profound for the sustainability of aquaculture. By reducing the incidence and severity of diseases, genetically enhanced tilapia can lead to higher survival rates, improved growth performance, and reduced reliance on antibiotics and other chemical treatments (Okoli et al., 2021; Roy et al., 2022). This not only enhances the productivity and profitability of aquaculture operations but also addresses environmental and public health concerns associated with the overuse of antibiotics. Furthermore, the development of disease-resistant tilapia strains can contribute to more stable and resilient aquaculture systems, capable of withstanding the challenges posed by emerging pathogens and changing environmental conditions (Elaswad and Dunham, 2018).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==