An indel in the Suv39h1 gene is associated with resistance to iridovirus in the Asian seabass

• Published in: Aquaculture 2020-12, Vol.529, p.735611, Article 735611
• Main Authors: Sun, Fei, Wen, Yanfei, Wang, Le, Yue, G.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquaculture; Breeding; Disease; Resistance; Suv39h1
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.735611

Suv39h1 is a member of the Suv39h sub-family of histone lysine methyltransferases. The gene plays an important role in heterochromatin organization, chromosome segregation, and mitotic progression in humans and model organisms. However, its functions in food fish species remain largely unknown. We identified the full-length cDNA of the Suv39h1 in the Asian seabass, analysed its genomic structure and identified polymorphisms. The gene was expressed in all tissues examined, but highly expressed in the gill, spleen and kidney. After challenging Asian seabass juveniles with iridovirus, the expressions of the gene altered, suggesting that the gene is related to the infection by iridovirus. Three SNPs and one indel were detected in the 3’ UTR of the gene. The indel was significantly associated with the resistance against iridovirus. In silico-mapping revealed that the gene was mapped to chromosome 6, where a significant QTL for the resistance to iridovirus was located previously in the Asian seabass. Altogether, the data suggest that the gene Suv39h1 play an important role in iridovirus resistance in the Asian seabass. This study also laid the foundation for further detailed analysis of the function of the Suv39h1 gene in resistance to iridovirus. The indel may supply a useful DNA marker for selecting Asian seabass fingerlings resistant to iridovirus. •The Suv39h1 gene was isolated and characterized in the Asian seabass.•The expressions of Suv39h1 were altered after challenging Asian seabass juveniles with iridovirus.•An indel in the 3’ UTR of the gene was significantly associated with resistance against the iridovirus.•The indel in the Suv39h1 gene may be useful as a maker for selecting fish resistant to iridovirus.