Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly of Pearl Spot Completed

Category
Genome Assembly
About This Project

Telomere-to-Telomere Genome Assembly of Pearl Spot Completed

Nucleome Informatics, in collaboration with ICAR-CIBA, has contributed to a groundbreaking genome sequencing project for the Pearl Spot fish (Etroplus suratensis), a climate-resilient cichlid known for its remarkable adaptation to diverse salinity habitats. This high-quality genome assembly sets a new benchmark in aquaculture genomics and offers a vital resource for studying the genetic basis of environmental adaptation.

Unveiling the Genetic Blueprint of Pearl Spot

The Pearl Spot fish is unique in its ability to thrive across freshwater, brackish, and marine environments, making it an essential species for sustainable aquaculture. To decode the genetic factors underlying this adaptation, researchers utilized cutting-edge sequencing technologies.

  • Data Generation by Nucleome: High-quality PacBio HiFi, Illumina, and Arima HiC sequencing data
  • Assembly by ICAR-CIBA: Final genome constructed with telomere-to-telomere (T2T) accuracy

The primary assembly is highly contiguous, with:

  • Contig N50 length of 36 Mb
  • Total genome size of 1.247 Gb
  • Scaffold N50 length of 51.57 Mb
  • 98 percent genome anchoring to 24 chromosomes

A Comprehensive and Functional Genome

The Pearl Spot genome was evaluated using BUSCO analysis, achieving an exceptional 99.9 percent completeness. Additionally, the genome contains:

  • 52.96 percent repeat elements, providing insights into evolutionary adaptations
  • 27,192 protein-coding genes, with 21,580 functionally annotated

Impact on Aquaculture and Climate Resilience

This first-ever telomere-to-telomere genome assembly for Pearl Spot offers an invaluable genomic resource for:

  • Understanding adaptation to varying salinity levels
  • Genetic improvement programs for sustainable aquaculture
  • Conservation and breeding strategies to enhance resilience

The successful execution of this project reinforces Nucleome’s expertise in providing high-quality sequencing solutions for complex genomic research. By supporting advancements in aquaculture genomics, Nucleome continues to drive innovation in sustainable fisheries and environmental resilience studies.

Reference: Katneni, V.K., Krishnan, K., Prabhudas, S.K. et al. Genome assembly at chromosome scale with telomere ends for Pearlspot, Etroplus suratensis. Sci Data 11, 1226 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04096-0

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04096-0