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Marine Genomics - Pathogens

 
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DNA sequencing is applied in a great variety of bivalve-related aspects, including population genetic studies, traceability, identification of pathogens, and phylogenetic analyses. Patterns of antagonism and potential hybridization will also be estimated. On the other hand, phylogenetic analysis of detected pathogens is expected to provide very useful information regarding the route of invasive bacteria and parasites, their origin, and potential establishment in new environments. 

In an effort to evaluate the interactions between the bivalve species and the environment in depth, Next Generation Sequencing will provide novel data regarding the symbiotic microbiota as well as harmful microorganisms hosted by the bivalves. Gene expression analysis and sequencing of cDNA in bivalves exposed to different conditions may reveal novel SNPs that will define new genotypes associated with particular traits.
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Relative abundance of symbiotic bacterial communities, or other microorganisms such as protozoans or metazoan parasites evaluated by applying the 16S rRNA Amplicon NGS technology, will provide new insights towards host–parasite relationships, as well as quantitatively determining beneficial microorganisms that play crucial roles in the viability of bivalves. Their presence will also illuminate and explain mass mortality events that, together with other factors and management strategies, may prevent the occurrence of such events in the future.

In addition, molecular analyses of DNA regions will allow the development of molecular techniques for the certification of the origin of the produced bivalve molluscs. This element is expected to increase the demand and price of the final product. Especially in bivalve molluscs, it can be characterized as even more important since these organisms may be strongly influenced by the environment they inhabit. Thus, bivalves originating from areas contaminated with toxins may become inappropriate for human consumption, while those harvested from cleaner waters will be completely safe, a fact that should be highlighted in their marketing.