Chen Liang , Yi Lu , Rudi Mai

Tropical Marine Fisheries Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Genomics and Applied Biology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0012
Received: 18 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 25 Mar., 2024    Published: 08 Apr., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Liang C., Lu Y., and Mai R.D., 2024, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing in tilapia: enhancing growth rates and disease resistance, Genomics and Applied Biology, 15(2): 99-106 (doi: 10.5376/gab.2024.15.0012)

CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing has emerged as a transformative tool in aquaculture, offering precise genetic modifications to improve key traits in fish species such as tilapia. This study explores the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to enhance growth rates and increase disease resistance in tilapia, a widely farmed species crucial to global food security. By targeting specific genes associated with growth and immune responses, CRISPR-Cas9 enables the rapid development of superior strains with stable and heritable traits. Case studies demonstrate successful gene editing applications that result in improved growth performance and enhanced disease resistance, thus reducing the need for antibiotics and supporting more sustainable aquaculture practices. However, challenges remain, including off-target effects, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance. Ecological concerns, such as gene flow to wild populations, also warrant further investigation. Despite these challenges, CRISPR-Cas9 shows promise in transforming tilapia breeding programs by improving productivity and sustainability. As the technology advances and regulatory frameworks evolve, it is poised to have a long-lasting impact on the aquaculture industry.

CRISPR-Cas9; Gene editing; Tilapia; Growth enhancement; Disease resistance