Identification of Genes Related to Rapid Growth of Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) Based on Self-Cross Population of Hulong Hybrid Grouper (E. fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂)
2025
Leilei Zeng | Tong Wang | Qichuang Wei | Yuhao Tao | Leyi Chang | Yanzhao Zhao | Xunran Pan | Yingjie Li | Zining Meng | Yang Yang | Xiaochun Liu
Growth is a key genetic improvement target in aquaculture. The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus), the largest and fastest-growing grouper species, is an important aquaculture species and also an ideal male parent in grouper hybrid breeding, such as hulong hybrid grouper (E. fuscoguttatus ♀: ×: E. lanceolatus ♂:). However, the genetic basis of this rapid growth is unclear. In this study, we established a hulong hybrid grouper self-cross population, observing significant growth segregation. Using Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) and RNA-seq on extreme growth groups, we identified a significant growth-related quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 2, containing 23 candidate genes and 5 growth-correlated non-synonymous SNPs. Transcriptome analysis revealed 4074 differentially expressed genes. Integrating these results, we identified three critical genes: iqgap1, mex3b, and ndufs3, involved in cell proliferation, embryonic development, and energy metabolism, respectively. Their expression patterns further supported their association with giant grouper&rsquo:s rapid growth. Our findings provide crucial insights into giant grouper growth mechanisms and valuable molecular markers for grouper breeding.
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