In a significant advancement in marine research, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully decoded the genome of the Asian green mussel (Perna viridis), marking the first chromosome-level genome sequencing of a marine invertebrate species in India.
The Asian green mussel, locally known as Kallummakkaya, is a key species in the Mytilidae family and plays a crucial role in molluscan aquaculture. This breakthrough follows CMFRI’s recent genome study of the Indian oil sardine.
The research revealed that the genome of the mussel is 723.49 Mb in size and anchored into 15 chromosomes. CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized that this discovery will revolutionize sustainable mussel aquaculture in the country by offering insights into the species’ growth, reproduction, and disease resistance. “This will enhance productivity and resilience in fisheries through improved genomic selection and breeding practices,” he said.
The findings are expected to aid in the development of new strategies for combating diseases that threaten mussel farming. Dr. Sandhya Sukumaran, one of the lead scientists, noted that the research is crucial in identifying genes and pathways related to parasitic diseases, which significantly impact mussel aquaculture in India.
Additionally, the genome assembly provides valuable information for cancer research. Sukumaran highlighted that 49,654 protein-coding genes were identified, including 634 linked to cancer pathways and 408 to viral carcinogenesis, positioning the Asian green mussel as a novel model organism for studying cancer.
Furthermore, the decoded genome could enhance understanding of the impact of environmental pollutants on biological systems, as the mussel is resilient to local environmental stressors like changes in pH, temperature, salinity, and air exposure.