Muhammad Younis Laghari

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) in Aquaculture Species

The production of capture fisheries is decreasing and genetic resources are reducing in aquaculture species due to overexploitation of natural resources. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is one of the ways to rapidly increase genetic gain for enhancing fish production, by improving important traits. Approximately 37 traits have been analyzed in more than 20 aquaculture species. These traits include about 8 qualitative, 21 quantitative, and 8 threshold traits in various species. However, all of the major traits have not yet been utilized and respective gene still needs to be explored for using in MAS. Furthermore, quantitative/qualitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fecundity, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and immune–response traits such as red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes, and hemoglobin need greater attention for investigation. In this article, main traits of aquaculture species have been discussed and other most important traits needing more attention are highlighted. Advanced technology of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has facilitated to develop millions of SNPs markers, convenient and accurate, in a single step. Thus, it will increase the power of QTL identification in Aquaculture species. Furthermore, this knowledge will lead the researchers to investigate the QTLs associated with other remaining traits which need to be emphasized for genetic development.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo, Strigiformes; Strigidae) from China

Abstract In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Bubo bubo using PCR amplification, sequencing and assembling has been obtained for the first time. The total length of the mitochondrial genome was 16,250  bp, with the base composition of 29.88% A, 34.16% C, 14.35% G, and 21.58% T. It contained 37 genes (2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and 22 transfer RNA genes) and a major non-coding control region (D-loop region). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Bubo bubo provides an important data set for further investigation on the phylogenetic relationships within Strigiformes.

Complete mitochondrial genome of burbot (Lota lota: family Gadidae) from Amur basin lineage, Northeastern China.

Abstract The mitochondrial genome was amplified in two large overlapping fragments by long PCR and one gap PCR. The complete Northeastern China burbot mitogenome sequence (KC844053) is 16,575 bp in length. Similar to most vertebrata, the mitogenome has a set of 37 genes: including 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA and 2 rRNA genes. More than 98% nucleotide sequence was simil to the reported individual.

Complete mitochondrial genome of catfish Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract Complete mitochondrial genome of catfish, Eutropiichthys vacha, was isolated by LA PCR (TakaRa LAtaq, Dalian, China); and sequenced by Sanger’s method to obtain the complete mitochondrial genome, which is listed Critically Endangered and Red-listed species. The complete mitogenome was 16,478 bp in length and contains 13 typical vertebrate protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA and 22 tRNA genes. The whole genome base composition was estimated to be 31.06% A, 27.59% C, 15.65% G, and 25.68% T. The complete mitochondrial genome of catfish, E. vacha provides the fundamental tool for genetic breeding and conservation studies.