Genotyping-by-Sequencing of the regional Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus) genomes reveals population structures and patterns of gene flow

PLoS One. 2021 Apr 7;16(4):e0247815. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247815. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Continuous monitoring of the present genetic status is essential to preserve the genetic resource of wild populations. In this study, we sequenced regional Pacific abalone Haliotis discus samples from three different locations around the Korean peninsula to assess population structure, utilizing Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) method. Using PstI enzyme for genome reduction, we demonstrated the resultant library represented the whole genome region with even spacing, and as a result 16,603 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were produced. Genetic diversity and population structure were investigated using several methods, and a strong genetic heterogeneity was observed in the Korean abalone populations. Additionally, by comparison of the variant sets among population groups, we were able to discover 26 Korean abalone population-specific SNVs, potentially associated with phenotype differences. This is the first study demonstrating the feasibility of GBS for population genetic study on H. discus. Our results will provide valuable data for the genetic conservation and management of wild abalone populations in Korea and help future GBS studies on the marine mollusks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gastropoda / genetics*
  • Gene Flow*
  • Genome*
  • Genotyping Techniques*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Republic of Korea
  • Whole Genome Sequencing*

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the National Institute of Fisheries Science (No. R2021041 to BHN) and the Collaborative Genome Program of the Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (No. 20180430 to BHN), Korea. WK is affiliated with eGnome, a commercial company. eGnome had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.