Kallummakkaya gets its genome decoded , a boost to mussel farming

In a breakthrough on bivalve research, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has unearthed the genome secret of Asian green mussel (Perna viridis).

Bivalves are animals that have two shells, joined by a hinge.

This is the first time a marine invertebrate species from India has had its genome mapped at the chromosome level. Earlier, CMFRI had come out with a similar genome finding for Indian oil sardine.

The Asian green mussel, Kallummakkaya in local parlance, is an important aquaculture species in the family Mytilidae contributing to molluscan aquaculture, or farming of oysters, mussels, clams etc.

The CMFRI team discovered that the mussel's genome contains 723.49 million base pairs and is organized into 15 chromosomes. Their research was published in the journal, Scientific Data by Nature Group.

“The development will be a game-changer in boosting sustainable mussel aquaculture in the country, as this research will help gain insights into its growth, reproduction and disease resistance,” said Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI.

By understanding the mussel's genetic makeup, scientists can develop strategies to improve its growth, reproduction, and disease resistance.

Combating diseases

According to scientists, this will help develop new strategies to combat diseases in the mussel.

“Genomic investigations on this species are vital to understand genes, gene combinations and signalling pathways leading to the parasitic diseases, which constitute a major threat to Asian green mussel aquaculture in India causing substantial mortalities in farms,” said Dr Sandhya Sukumaran, principal scientist of the 8-member research team.

Tool for cancer research

The genome assembly of green mussels will emerge as a valuable tool for exploring cancer mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.

“A total of 49654 protein-coding genes were identified, including 634 genes associated with the cancer pathway and 408 genes associated with viral carcinogenesis. This indicates that this species is a novel model organism for cancer research,” Sandhya Sukumaran said.

"This advancement promises to significantly enhance understanding of cancer pathways and facilitate the discovery of novel treatments," she added. 

Monitoring environmental pollutants

Apart from its aquaculture prospects, Asian green mussel plays a vital role as a bio-monitor as it is capable of accumulating heavy metals and other environmental pollutants in large quantities.

Understanding the genome assembly will provide valuable information about the genomic pathways involved in response to pollutants.

“The genetic markers to be developed from this research could be used to monitor pollutants in aquatic bodies, a significant milestone in safeguarding the aquatic environment,” Dr Sandhya said. 

Scientists believe that the genome decoding of this species would enhance knowledge regarding the effect of environmental pollutants on biological systems. 

The Asian green mussel is adaptable to local environmental stressors like variations in pH, which is a measurement of the level of acid or alkali in a substance; temperature, salinity, and air exposure.

A team of researchers from CMFRI led by Principal Scientist Dr Sandhya Sukumaran carried out the study with funding support from the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi.

The team included Dr A Gopalakrishnan, V G Vysakh, Dr Wilson Sebastian, Dr Lalitha Hari Dharani, Dr Akhilesh Pandey, Dr Abishek Kumar, and Dr J K Jena.