Biodiv Sci ›› 2023, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (4): 22391.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2022391

• Original Papers: Genetic Diversity •     Next Articles

Population genetic structure of Pelteobagrus vachelli in the upper Yangtze River based on genome re-sequencing

Fei Xiong1,2, Hongyan Liu1,2,*(), Dongdong Zhai1,2, Xinbin Duan3,*(), Huiwu Tian3, Daqing Chen3   

  1. 1. School of Life Sciences, Jianghan University, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Hanjiang River Basin, Wuhan 430056
    2. Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056
    3. Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan 430223
  • Received:2022-07-09 Accepted:2022-11-14 Online:2023-04-20 Published:2023-04-20
  • Contact: *E-mail: lhy9603@126.com; duan@yfi.ac.cn

Abstract:

Aims: Pelteobagrus vachelli is an important economic fish in the Yangtze River. Nevertheless, it shows a trend of younger age and miniaturization, and the number of reproductive population above the third age was small, which is not benefit to the long-term maintenance of its resources. Therefore, more attention and conservation measure are needed for this species. The aim of this study is to clarify genetic diversity and genetic structure of P. vachelli.

Methods: We collected 136 samples of eight different river sections (Taipingxi, Banan, Hechuan, Minjiangkou, Yibin, Shaonüping, Huixi, Fengjiaping) from the Three Gorges Dam to Baihetan Dam in the upper Yangtze River. High-throughput SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers through genome re-sequencing method was used to study genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of P. vachellipopulations.

Results: The number of SNP and nucleotide diversity of Taipingxi and Banan populations in the Three Gorges Reservoir region were significantly higher than those in the other populations, and there were three genetic branches and abundant genetic sources in the two populations. However, there was only one genetic branch and single genetic source in Minjiangkou, Yibin, Shaonüping and Fengjiaping populations. The populations could be divided into three distinct genetic groups with great genetic differentiation. All individuals in Fengjiaping and Minjiangkou belonged to group 1, all individuals in Shaonüping and Yibin belonged to group 2, Huixi and Hechuan populations had two genetic branches (group 1 and group 2), and Banan and Taipingxi populations had three genetic branches (group 1, group 2 and group 3). The SNP number and nucleotide diversity were significantly affected by channel slope. The genetic differentiation was not related to geographical distance and isolated time.

Conclusion: The upstream populations with lower genetic diversity are more prone to genetic drift and thus need more attention in the fish protection. There are three distinct genetic structures in the upper Yangtze River, which can be regarded as three different genetic units for management of germplasm resource.

Key words: Pelteobagrus vachelli, the upper Yangtze River, genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, genome re-sequencing