Producing sterile shellfish
Researchers seek an alternative method to produce sterile shellfish by studying Pacific oysters’ germ cell line and testing methods to block its development.
Steven Roberts, University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Adam Luckenbach, Northwest Fisheries Science Center
Cole Trapnell, University of Washington
Brent Vadopalas, Washington Sea Grant
Ten-Tsao Wong, Aquaculture Resource Center, University of Maryland
Sterile shellfish are desired in the aquaculture industry because of their high flesh quality, fast growth rates, low risk of genetically contaminating native populations, and low probability of becoming invasive species. However, the prevailing technique for producing sterile shellfish — ploidy manipulation — is time-consuming and inefficient. The researchers addressed the need for a better sterilization method, which involved: 1) establishing a more thorough understanding of the Pacific oyster’s (Crassostrea gigas) germ cell line, which is responsible for gamete production, and 2) testing methods to block development of these germ cells. The research team aimed to improve shellfish aquaculture’s sustainability and efficiency through this alternative sterilization method.
Researchers applied genomic science to develop a viable alternative to the sterile triploid oyster. Using the cutting-edge technology of single cell sequencing, they developed methods to separate embryos into viable single cells and were able to obtain gene expression data from these individual cells at various embryonic stages. They ultimately discovered genes that are likely involved in the development of oyster gonads, or reproductive organs. They also made several improvements to research methods throughout the process. This research could inform novel methods for growing oysters in the shellfish industry that are more stable, amenable to breeding, and cost effective than triploid oysters.