CRISPR Reveals Gene Linked to Tilapia Virus Resistance

A study from the University of Edinburgh used the CRISPR-Cas genome editing tool to investigate genetic factors that could help tilapia resist Tilapia lake virus (TiLV), a major threat to aquaculture. The study focused on ANP32A, a host protein that supports TiLV replication and could provide a target for developing more resistant tilapia.

The researchers first identified electroporation of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNP) as an effective gene-editing method for fish cells. They used the approach to create tilapia cells lacking the anp32a gene and exposed them to TiLV. Compared with the wild-type controls, the edited cells showed substantially lower viral replication and less cell damage after infection.

Further analyses showed that ANP32A helps TiLV replicate by maintaining cellular metabolism and protein production. The findings identify ANP32A as a potential target for developing TiLV-resistant tilapia and show how CRISPR-Cas editing can reveal genes involved in disease resistance in aquaculture species.

For more information, read the abstract from The University of Edinburgh.