Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Center KU

ท่ามกลางป่าพรุน้ำกรดและออกซิเจนต่ำ "ปลาดุกลำพัน" เอาตัวรอดและซ่อนร่องรอยวิวัฒนาการอันน่าทึ่งไว้อย่างไร? มาร่วมไขปริศนาเรื่องลี้ลับของสัตว์โลกดึกดำบรรพ์นี้ไปพร้อมกัน

#สาระสัตว์ #ปลาดุกลำพัน #วิวัฒนาการ #สาระสัตว์

Now available in Scientific African

Systematic review and meta-analysis of parasitic infections in clariid catfish (Clarias spp.): African dominance, prevalence trends, and emerging patterns

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03550

Abstract
Clariid catfish (Clarias spp.) are among the most widely cultured freshwater fish in Africa and Asia, yet consolidated evidence regarding parasitic infections and prevalence trends remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized cross-sectional studies reporting infections in clariid catfish identified through literature searches conducted between 2005 and 2024, with eligible studies published from 2008 to 2024. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251120588) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Nineteen eligible studies comprising 2878 examined fish were included. Six major parasite groups were identified, with cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes predominating across regions, whereas acanthocephalans and crustacean ectoparasites were reported infrequently. Mixed helminth infections were frequently reported, particularly in African freshwater systems, reflecting both the strong concentration of studies in Africa and recurrent reports of diverse parasite assemblages in these environments. Protozoan infections were nearly absent from the literature (1/19 studies), and no eligible studies documented bacterial, viral, or fungal prevalence, highlighting substantial gaps in pathogen surveillance. Meta-analysis of comparable datasets involving parasitic helminths and arthropods, while excluding protozoa because of insufficient data, yielded an overall pooled prevalence of 34.7% (95% CI: 24.1–46.0). Cestodes exhibited the highest pooled prevalence (41.2%; 95% CI: 22.2–61.7), followed by nematodes and trematodes, whereas crustacean ectoparasites consistently showed lower prevalence. High between-study heterogeneity (I² > 96%) reflected substantial geographic, ecological, and methodological variability. These findings highlight the strong African concentration of the available evidence base, substantial heterogeneity in reported prevalence that precludes simple generalizations across studies, and important gaps in pathogen surveillance, particularly for protozoan, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Strengthening parasite surveillance and integrated health management strategies will be essential for improving fish health, aquaculture productivity, and food security in Africa and other regions practicing clariid aquaculture.

Prof. Kornsorn Srikulnath was invited as a Guest Speaker at the 3rd Seminar of the “Frontiers in Data-Driven Environmental Solutions and Technology” series, hosted by the Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), Hong Kong, on August 8, 2026.

He delivered a talk entitled “Genomics, AI, and the Future of Sustainable Biodiversity: From Crocodile Conservation to Catfish Resources,” highlighting the integration of genomics, AI, and data-driven approaches for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

Now available in Genes

Purifying Selection and Interspecific Differentiation at the Myf5 Locus Inform Hybrid Identification and Genetic Management of Thai Clariid Resources

https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17080920

Abstract
Background/Objectives: Clariid catfishes are a cornerstone of Southeast Asian aquaculture, where intensive breeding and interspecific hybridization have significantly decreased genetic diversity. To address the limited understanding of growth-governing molecular determinants, we characterized the genomic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of the myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) gene, a master regulator of myogenesis, in 511 individuals from 17 catfish populations in Thailand. Methods: A total of 511 individuals representing 17 catfish populations were analyzed. A 334-bp fragment of exon 1 of the Myf5 gene was sequenced using Illumina short-read technology. Genetic diversity indices were calculated to evaluate sequence variation, population structure, and selective constraints acting on the locus. Results: Sequence analysis of a 334-bp segment of exon 1 using Illumina short-read technology identified 17 haplotypes and 92 variable sites, which revealed moderate allelic richness despite low overall nucleotide diversity (π ≈ 0.008). Evolutionary analyses indicated that the Myf5 locus is governed by stringent purifying selection (ω = 0.063), wherein site-specific constraints preserve the stability of the α-helix folding architecture, which is essential for myogenic regulation. Population genetic analyses revealed substantial differentiation among taxa (56% among-population variation), while Bayesian clustering successfully resolved a hierarchical structure (K = 2) that distinguished Clarias gariepinus, Clarias macrocephalus, and Clarias batrachus. These findings demonstrate that species-specific Myf5 haplotypes serve as diagnostic markers for identifying parental species and assisting in the identification of F1 hybrid stocks. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides the molecular markers for species identification, broodstock authentication, hybrid detection, and sustainable genetic management of Thai Clariid resources, which are critical for balancing production efficiency with the conservation of native biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

Available now in Poultry Science
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2026.106940

Adaptive signatures in Vietnamese chickens reveal a Southeast Asian reservoir for climate resilience and meat quality

Abstract
Vietnamese indigenous chickens and their wild progenitors represent a critical but under-characterized reservoir of avian genetic diversity. This study used a multi-locus approach, incorporating 28 neutral microsatellite markers and candidate functional genes (HSP70, HSP90, and ADSL). We successfully delineated the genetic structure and adaptive potential of 12 native Vietnamese indigenous chicken populations and red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). Microsatellite analysis revealed high genetic diversity (411 alleles) and significant regional structuring into three primary groups, suggesting extensive historical gene flow and shared ancestral heritage with Thai indigenous breeds. High-throughput sequencing of functional loci identified five novel HSP70, 10 novel HSP90, and five novel ADSL alleles, underscoring the unique genetic heritage of Vietnamese avian resources. Selective signature analyses confirmed that, while purifying selection maintains core protein stability, specific codons, notably in HSP70 (18, 33, 41, and 42) and HSP90 (7), exhibit putative signals of positive selection. These loci emerge as compelling candidates for functional studies underlying thermal adaptation. Moreover, the meat quality gene ADSL exhibited diversifying selection at codon 58, highlighting a candidate molecular marker for the potential enhancement of savoriness and inosine monophosphate content. These findings, which reconcile neutral population structure with candidate signals of localized adaptive divergence, address a critical regional knowledge gap and provide a scientific foundation for future marker-assisted selection programs. By integrating these results into the Siam Chicken Bioresource Project, this study promotes transboundary conservation and the sustainable development of climate-resilient poultry systems in a warming world.

International Summer Course (ISC) BIOTROP 2026

น.ส.กานต์พิชชา เอี่ยมสุวรรณ
นิสิตปริญญาโท หลักสูตรวิทยาศาสตร์ชีวภาพ (นานาชาติ)
โดยได้รับทุนสนับสนุนจากคณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์
ร่วมกับ Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

เข้าร่วมหลักสูตรนานาชาติ ณ Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), ประเทศอินโดนีเซีย ภายใต้หัวข้อ

“From Ecosystems to Repositories: Data-Driven Insights into Tropical Biodiversity”

ตลอด 10 วันของการเรียนรู้ ได้ฝึกทั้งภาคสนามและห้องปฏิบัติการ ตั้งแต่การเก็บตัวอย่างความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพ การสกัดและวิเคราะห์ DNA การทำ Genomics และ DNA Sequencing ไปจนถึงการวิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วย Bioinformatics และ QGIS เพื่อประยุกต์ใช้ในการอนุรักษ์และการจัดการความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพ

นอกจากนี้ยังได้แลกเปลี่ยนองค์ความรู้และนำเสนอผลงานร่วมกับนักศึกษาและนักวิจัยจากนานาประเทศ ซึ่งเป็นประสบการณ์ที่ช่วยเปิดมุมมองด้านงานวิจัยและสร้างเครือข่ายความร่วมมือในระดับนานาชาติ

🐓 Kai Lae Pa Koi Chicken: A Native Genetic Heritage Driving Sustainable Bioeconomy Development

Conserving native animal genetic resources is not only about preserving biodiversity—it also creates opportunities to strengthen local economies, add value to indigenous products, and improve the quality of life for local communities.

The Kai Lae Pa Koi chicken is an outstanding example of how genetics, biological resource management, and local wisdom can be integrated to promote sustainable development. This unique native breed reflects the successful combination of scientific innovation and traditional knowledge, creating long-term economic, social, and environmental value.

Research generates knowledge. Innovation creates value. Communities are at the heart of conservation.



Read more at: https://www.nstda.or.th/sci2pub/the-lao-pa-koi-chicken/

Prof. Dr. Kornsorn Srikulnath, was invited to present his research at the 26th International Colloquium on Animal Cytogenetics and Genomics (ICACG 2026) in Vila Real, Portugal.

The presentation, "From Rearrangements to Resilience: Deciphering Chromosome Evolution and Genomic Diversity in Clarias Catfish," showcased recent discoveries in chromosome evolution and genomic diversity of Clarias catfish, highlighting the contribution of AGB's research to the global scientific community.

We thank the ICACG 2026 organizing committee for the invitation and the opportunity to exchange knowledge with researchers from around the world.