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This research
involves the development and use of gene constructs suitable to
the species concerned that will result in the enhancement of a
particular target characteristic.
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The
main focus of interest has been the production of Atlantic
salmon with enhanced growth rates. |
To produce
such fish, a long and careful process has been followed, beginning
with the design and construction of the genetic material to be
used. In living organisms, the entire genetic code is found in
every cell in the body, but in most cells only part of the genetic
code is ever activated. Genes are activated to produce proteins
by adjacent stretches of the genome called promoter sequences.
The promoter sequences are responsible for switching genes on
in specific areas of the body (eg. in the pancreas or in the adrenal
glands).
Growth hormone
is produced in the pituitary when the growth hormone promoter
regions activate the growth hormone genes. The dominant phase
of GH production (and growth) is during the summer months.
To increase
the growing season, a gene construct was produced composed of
the Chinook salmon gene sequence for growth hormone, linked to
the promoter sequence that controls antifreeze production in the
ocean pout.
By incorporating
this all-fish gene construct into the Atlantic salmon genome
at the egg stage, fish that are theoretically capable of producing
salmon growth hormone all year round have been developed. These
fish, which go under the trade name of AquAdvantage Bred salmon,
are capable of growing 4 to 6 times faster than standard salmon
grown under the same conditions.
Research and
development is ongoing at AQUA Bounty Farms, and there is still
some work to be carried out before the AquAdvantage Bred salmon
become available to the aquaculture industry. In addition to Atlantic
salmon, similar techniques are being applied to other finfish,
such as Arctic charr, trout, tilapia, turbot, and halibut.
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Interest
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