Identification SNPs in vitellogenin gene and their association with ovarian development and growth of Macrobrachium nipponense

In this study, the correlation analysis between gonadosomatic index and growth traits of M. nipponense was carried out for the first time. The results proved that short sexual maturity M. nipponense had a significant negatively effect on the female prawn size (p < 0.01) but had almost no effect on the male (p > 0.05). The full-length Vitellogenin gene of M. nipponense (Mn-Vg) were applied to detect polymorphism and the correlation between SNP and ovarian development. The total length of Mn-Vg was 10,038 bp, including 14 exons and 13 introns. 31 candidate SNP loci of Mn-Vg were identified and the genetic diversity of these loci in the M. nipponense population was moderate polymorphism. The correlation between Mn-Vg SNPs and ovarian development was further investigated. 6 SNPs were significantly correlated with female GSI. The genotype CC in C+948A, GG in G+1209A, AG in A+1879G, TT and AT in T+4458A, AT in A+7080A and AA in A+9435G are significantly associated with rapid ovary maturation. Further statistical analysis results between SNPs and female growth index showed five SNP loci were significantly associated with female growth traits. Three of them significantly associated with ovarian maturation (C+948A, T+4458A and A+9435G). By comparison, genotype TT in T+4458A was significantly positively correlated with both ovary development and growth traits. The results will provide a basis for marker-assisted breeding of M. nipponense, as well as sustainable development of aquaculture and large-scale breeding.

Automated summary

In this study, the correlation analysis between gonadosomatic index and growth traits of M. nipponense was conducted for the first time. The researchers found that late sexual maturity in M. nipponense had a significant negative impact on the size of female prawns, but had little effect on males. They also identified polymorphism in the full-length Vitellogenin gene and investigated its correlation with ovarian development. Several SNP loci were found to be significantly associated with rapid ovary maturation and female growth traits. These findings have implications for marker-assisted breeding and sustainable aquaculture of M. nipponense.