Research Focus and Directions
The main objective of the laboratory is to contribute to the development of excellent research in the fields of genetics, genomics and selective breeding of fish, and to transfer knowledge into practice, to increase the competitiveness of Czech aquaculture, to create and develop an internationally recognized genebank, and to maintain the biological diversity of fish. As part of the faculty-wide CENAKVA project, the laboratory participates in the RP1 research program Reproductive and Genetic Methods for Preserving the Biodiversity of Aquaculture Fish.
Molecular genetics and genomics
By genotyping fish using molecular markers, we analyze the population and genetic diversity of fish, determine population structures and the level of genetic variability in populations, breeds, and their breeding flocks. We also use these methods to analyze parentage and determine the affiliation of individuals to populations, to estimate the genetic parameters of performance traits, and to non-invasively determine sex by genotyping sex markers, e.g., in sturgeons. We also study the mechanisms of damaged DNA repair in the early developmental stages of fish and experimentally determine the role of factors involved in the DNA repair pathway in the development of embryos and larvae.
Cellular genetics
We focus primarily on studying the causes and consequences of spontaneous polyploidy in fish and induced polyploidy in economically important freshwater fish species, as well as its biological and breeding implications. These implications include, in particular, changes in growth characteristics and reproductive sterility or, conversely, fertility in various polyploid fish. To induce polyploidy, we use temperature shocks or hydrostatic pressure shocks in our own mobile pressure unit. We analyze the ploidy level by determining the DNA content or genome size in cell nuclei, using flow cytometry or image cytometry techniques (2-D and 3-D cell image analysis).
Quantitative genetics
The long-term concept of fish breeding work is primarily to improve performance traits based on estimates of heritability and genetic correlations necessary to determine the overall potential for effective selection. At the same time, we aim to use modern breeding methods with uniquely identified SNP markers for future application of genomic selection or the search for potential loci (QTL) linked to performance traits. We use a non-invasive method of indirect selection using ultrasound to improve fillet yield. We map the genetic structure and performance traits of populations to search for suitable parental lines for the creation of production crossbreds. Last but not least, we are involved in determining the overall genetic, practical, economic, and ecological potential of selective breeding in pond aquaculture and intensive farming conditions.
