Advances in Chromosome Engineering Research in Fish: Review of Methods, Achievements and Applications

Abstract

Chromosome engineering research in fish has been conducted in a number of countries during the past and present decades. The techniques developed so far interfere with the normal function of the metaphase spindle during the nuclear cycles of cell division and alteration of gonial DNA structure in fertilized eggs, therefore, leading to the induction of polyploid (triploid and tetraploid), gynogenetic (haploid, meiotic and mitotic gynogens and clones) and androgenetic individuals. The rationale for the induction of such ploidy with differing genomic status in a number of fish is its potential to generate genetically sterile populations and rapidly inbred lines, which could ultimately benefit aquaculture. These approaches are critically reviewed and discussed.