SNP Selection for Late Maturation in Rainbow Trout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The aquaculture industry faces challenges in delaying sexual maturation in rainbow trout, as existing methods like continuous light are ineffective due to the impact of increasing ocean temperatures, and selecting for late maturity is complicated by phenotypic responses masking genetic variability.

Innovation Solution

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with late onset of sexual maturation in rainbow trout, allowing for the prediction and selection of individuals with alleles that confer late maturation, thereby delaying sexual development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If continuous light is used to delay sexual maturation, then sexual maturation is delayed, but the method becomes ineffective due to increasing ocean temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of immature stateVSAvoideffectiveness of maturation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from environmental (continuous light) to genetic (SNP markers). By identifying and selecting fish carrying specific alleles at SNP loci associated with late maturation, the method shifts from an external environmental manipulation to an intrinsic genetic trait that remains effective regardless of temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If selective breeding for late maturity is performed, then late maturation is achieved, but phenotypic responses mask genetic variability making selection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of immature stateVSAvoiddifficulty of genetic selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex phenotypic assessment system with a direct genetic detection system. Instead of observing and measuring complex phenotypic traits that are difficult to interpret, the method uses molecular genetics to directly detect SNP alleles, simplifying the selection process and eliminating the masking effect of phenotypic plasticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If early sexual maturation occurs, then reproductive capability is achieved, but growth rate decreases and somatic weight is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproductive capabilityVSAvoidsomatic weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by selecting and breeding fish carrying late-maturation alleles before the fish actually mature. This preventive genetic selection ensures that the fish population maintains delayed maturation characteristics throughout the production cycle, avoiding the weight loss that would occur if fish were allowed to mature early.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If early sexual maturation occurs, then reproduction is enabled, but fish welfare deteriorates due to dehydration and stress from reduced seawater tolerance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproductive capabilityVSAvoidseawater tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by genetically selecting for late-maturation alleles before the fish experience the harmful effects of seawater intolerance. This prevents the physiological changes that lead to reduced osmoregulation ability, thereby maintaining fish welfare throughout the production cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12054769B2Sexual maturation in rainbow trout

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 AKVA GEN AS

AI summary

Described herein are polymorphisms, and in particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with late onset of sexual maturation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In particular, provided are methods for predicting late onset of sexual maturation in rainbow trout, methods for selecting a rainbow trout having late onset of sexual maturation and kit suitable for carrying out said methods. Further provided are rainbow trout cells, sperm and unfertilized eggs carrying at least one allele conferring late onset of sexual maturation in their genome.