Insights from Hi-C data regarding the Pacific salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) sex-chromosomes

Overview
TitleInsights from Hi-C data regarding the Pacific salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) sex-chromosomes
AuthorsFlores AM, Christensen KA, Siah A, Koop BF
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameG3 (Bethesda, Md.)
VolumeN/A
IssueN/A
Year2024
Page(s)N/A
CitationFlores AM, Christensen KA, Siah A, Koop BF. Insights from Hi-C data regarding the Pacific salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) sex-chromosomes. G3 (Bethesda, Md.). 2024 Apr 29.

Abstract

Salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (family Caligidae), are ectoparasites that have negatively impacted the salmon aquaculture industry and vulnerable wild salmon populations. Researchers have studied salmon lice to better understand their biology to develop effective control strategies. In this study, we updated the chromosome-level reference genome assembly of the Pacific subspecies of L. salmonis using Hi-C data. The previous version placed contigs/scaffolds using an Atlantic salmon louse genetic map. By utilizing Hi-C data from Pacific salmon lice, we were able to properly assign locations to contigs/scaffolds previously unplaced or misplaced. This resulted in a more accurate genome assembly and a more comprehensive characterization of the sex-chromosome unique to females (W). We found evidence that the same ZW-ZZ mechanism is common in both Atlantic and Pacific subspecies of salmon lice using PCR assays. The W-chromosome was approximately 800 kbp in size, which is ∼30 times smaller than the Z-chromosome (24 Mbp). The W-chromosome contained 61 annotated genes, including 32 protein-coding genes, 27 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, and 2 pseudogenes. Among these 61 genes, 39 genes shared homology to genes found on other chromosomes, while 20 were unique to the W-chromosome. Two genes of interest on the W-chromosome, prohibitin-2 and kinase suppressor of ras-2, were previously identified as potential sex-linked markers in the salmon louse. However, we prioritized the 20 unique genes on the W-chromosome as sex-determining candidates. This information furthers our understanding of the biology of this ectoparasite and may help in the development of more effective management strategies.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Anne-Marie Flores
2Kris A Christensen
3Ahmed Siah
4Ben F Koop
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Journal CountryEngland
Publication TypeJournal Article
Language Abbreng
LanguageEnglish
Copyright© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Genetics Society of America.
DOI10.1093/g3journal/jkae087
Elocation10.1093/g3journal/jkae087
PIIjkae087
Journal AbbreviationG3 (Bethesda)
Publication Date2024 Apr 29
eISSN2160-1836
ISSN2160-1836
Publication ModelPrint-Electronic
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DatabaseAccession
PMID: PMID:38683737