Objective
Recent developments in genomics have advanced innovation in European aquaculture. However, despite the creation of reference quality genome sequences for the main species, our understanding of genome functions remains limited. AQUA-FAANG will deliver a step improvement in understanding of genome function and exploitation of genotype-to-phenotype prediction in the six most important European farmed fish species. The project brings together world-leading interdisciplinary expertise and industry partners providing direct pathways to commercial exploitation. AQUA-FAANG will functionally annotate the genomes of all six species, employing standardized experimental assays and analysis pipelines defined by the FAANG initiative. AQUA-FAANG datasets will be shared and coordinated with other FAANG initiatives via the FAANG data coordination centre, and made available through the Ensembl genome browser. As infectious disease is of paramount concern for sustainable aquaculture, the project focuses on understanding functional genomic regions in both healthy and immune-challenged fish. This will improve knowledge of the genomic basis for disease resistance and is complemented by novel approaches to increase understanding of immune cell heterogeneity. Standardized comparative analyses will provide essential insights into genome functions that cannot be gained from study of single species. Functional assays will be used to study intermediate phenotypes and prioritise causative genetic variants in trait-associated genomic regions to accelerate selection of disease-resistant stocks. Functionally-enriched marker panels will be developed to improve accuracy of genomic selection. An active programme of stakeholder engagement and dissemination will ensure uptake of project outputs by industry, academia, the public and in policy. The outputs will enhance precision breeding, drive competitiveness within the aquaculture sector, and enhance food and nutrition security in Europe.
Field of science
- /natural sciences/biological sciences/genetics and heredity/genome
- /agricultural sciences/agriculture, forestry, and fisheries/fisheries
- /natural sciences/biological sciences/zoology/ichthyology
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
H2020-SFS-2018-2
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
1433 As
Norway
Participants (23)
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
69117 Heidelberg
6708 PB Wageningen
75007 Paris Cedex 07
2905 AT Capelle Aan Den Ijssel
AB24 3FX Aberdeen
35122 Padova
19013 Attikia Anavissos
15782 Santiago De Compostela
00 901 Warszawa
08007 Barcelona
B15 2TT Birmingham
SW7 2AZ London
KY16 9DR St Andrews
7462 Trondheim
48017 Conselice
72015 Fasano
27278 Lugo
15292 A Coruna
07007 Palma De Mallorca
27002 Lugo
37380 Nouzilly
19400 Koropi
