The fish was created by gene editing and according to the research institute as well as reports from China Daily, resolving a 50-year-long debate on whether intramuscular bones can be regenerated. Researchers focused on crucian carp – a bony freshwater fish farmed throughout Eastern Europe and Asia. Although this species is a popular aquaculture product, its small intramuscular bones make it difficult to eat and process on a large scale. According to an analysis in China Daily, leveraging gene editing to remove intramuscular bones could make the fish more competitive and open up more commercial opportunities.
The research team at the Heilongjiang Fisheries Research Institute embarked on the project in 2009 and identified the key gene regulating the development of intramuscular bones in carp – bmp6. Biologists were able to successfully remove this gene without observing negative impacts on the fish's reproduction and growth rates.
"In 2020, we successfully bred the first generation of crucian carp without intramuscular bones, with a success rate of 12.96%. The second generation in 2021 had a success rate of 19%," said Kuang Youyi, a researcher on the team. "In early 2022, we released approximately 20,000 third-generation fish at our experimental facility in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, and began large-scale breeding.
"The fish developed well and were indistinguishable in appearance from normal crucian carp," he said.
"The results of an inspection conducted in August showed that the success rate had reached 100%."
Although this breakthrough is a welcome advancement, the research team emphasizes that the science still needs to undergo safety regulations and mass production. While there is still a long way to go before widespread adoption, they remain very excited.
Li Shaowu, head of the research team, stated: “People will no longer have to pick out small fish bones.” "This could significantly change global fish-eating culture and habits and have a profound impact on promoting the consumption of aquatic products in the future.
Li said: “The genetic improvement of crucian carp without intramuscular bones is a bold innovation in the breeding industry with Chinese characteristics.” "It is an effective way to address the problem of large-scale but low-efficiency crucian carp production, which will rapidly improve the core competitiveness of our breeding industry and lead the reform of China's aquaculture."
The research team emphasizes that they adhere to biosecurity protocols and ensure that the gene-edited fish do not interact with wild carp populations.
Kuang stated: “Since the beginning of the year, we have conducted ecological security assessments, including their swimming ability, frost resistance, and reproduction, as well as the risk of predation.”
"We are in the process of developing a sterile strain, which could help eliminate potential impacts from gene-edited fish in the wild."
The team expects to complete the project by 2025.
according to Thefishsite
