CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its application in edible fish breeding

Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9 technology, characterised by its precision, efficiency, and flexibility, has emerged as a popular and powerful platform that significantly enhances productivity, product quality, and disease control. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in fish breeding is rapidly growing, targeting key traits, such as enhanced growth and muscle development, reduction of intermuscular bones, control of reproductive capacity, and better resistance to diseases, as well as pigmentation improvement. In Vietnam, significant advancements in CRISPR/Cas9 research have been primarily observed within the agricultural sector, particularly in crop improvement. Nonetheless, considerable gaps and challenges remain regarding its application in fish breeding. Furthermore, technical challenges, including off-target effects, genome duplication, and mosaicism, need to be addressed to achieve the effective deployment of genome editing in aquaculture. This article explores the potentials of this technology in enhancing the genetics of edible fish, as well as analyses the technical challenges associated with its implementation and the prospects of applying it for sustainable aquaculture development.