The potential for large-scale genome editing in finfish aquaculture via germline stem cell culture and transplantation
- 1The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- 2Institute of Marine Research, Reproduction and Developmental Biology Research Group, Bergen, Norway
- 3Benchmark Genetics Norway AS, Bergen, Norway
Abstract
Genome editing has emerged as a promising tool to complement selective breeding programmes and accelerate genetic gain in aquaculture. Although CRISPR-based genome editing has been successfully applied in several economically important fish species, its application at an industry-relevant scale remains challenging due to limitations of current delivery methods, which primarily rely on manual embryo microinjection. This approach is labour-intensive, technically demanding, and frequently results in high levels of mosaicism in founder individuals, necessitating additional generations of breeding to establish stable genotypes. In this mini review, we discuss the potential of combining germline stem cell (GSC) culture and transplantation approaches as an alternative platform for further improved genome editing in fish. By enabling genetic changes to be introduced, validated, and expanded in vitro prior to germline transmission, this approach has the potential to improve scalability, reduce mosaicism, and shorten breeding timelines. Although several technical challenges remain, continued progress in GSC culture and transplantation methodologies could facilitate the practical implementation of tailored genome editing for improved genetic gain, fish health, and welfare in aquaculture.
Related
- Assessing the relationship between a Neotrypaea californiensis parasite and a potential host for natural biocontrol in shellfish aquaculture
- TIGIT+ B cells: emerging immunoregulatory players in autoimmunity and transplantation tolerance with therapeutic potential
- In Silico Design and Evaluation of CRISPR Cytosine Base Editing Strategy for Potential Correction of the ASPA Variant Associated with Canavan Disease
- From maternal microbial transmission to neonatal gut microbiota restoration: the potential and challenges of maternal fecal microbiota transplantation
- Epigenetic nutrition in aquaculture: The emerging role of Artemia as a bioencapsulation vehicle
BibTeX
@article{raudstein2026potential,
title = {{The potential for large-scale genome editing in finfish aquaculture via germline stem cell culture and transplantation}},
author = {Mari Raudstein and Alex Kojo Datsomor and Robert Stewart and Mike McGrew and Clémence Fraslin and Diego Crespo and Diego Crespo and Lene Kleppe},
journal = {Frontiers in Genetics},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fgene.2026.1924271},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2026.1924271},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The potential for large-scale genome editing in finfish aquaculture via germline stem cell culture and transplantation
AU - Mari Raudstein
AU - Alex Kojo Datsomor
AU - Robert Stewart
AU - Mike McGrew
AU - Clémence Fraslin
AU - Diego Crespo
AU - Diego Crespo
AU - Lene Kleppe
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - Frontiers in Genetics
DO - 10.3389/fgene.2026.1924271
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2026.1924271
AB - Genome editing has emerged as a promising tool to complement selective breeding programmes and accelerate genetic gain in aquaculture. Although CRISPR-based genome editing has been successfully applied in several economically important fish species, its application at an industry-relevant scale remains challenging due to limitations of current delivery methods, which primarily rely on manual embryo microinjection. This approach is labour-intensive, technically demanding, and frequently results in high levels of mosaicism in founder individuals, necessitating additional generations of breeding to establish stable genotypes. In this mini review, we discuss the potential of combining germline stem cell (GSC) culture and transplantation approaches as an alternative platform for further improved genome editing in fish. By enabling genetic changes to be introduced, validated, and expanded in vitro prior to germline transmission, this approach has the potential to improve scalability, reduce mosaicism, and shorten breeding timelines. Although several technical challenges remain, continued progress in GSC culture and transplantation methodologies could facilitate the practical implementation of tailored genome editing for improved genetic gain, fish health, and welfare in aquaculture.
SN - 1664-8021
ER -