Integrated Research on Parasitic Disease in Wild Salmonid Fish: Linking Genomes, Physiology and Ecology

Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is an emerging temperature-driven parasitic disease in farmed and wild salmonids in northern hemisphere caused by myxozoan Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae. We present the results of an integrated research program to shed light on genomic, physiological and ecological aspects on this host-parasite system. In particular, we i) apply quantitative genetic approaches in wild pedigrees to understand the genetic architecture of the disease; ii) use genome wide associations for detection of genomic regions linked to resistance and disease severity; iii) estimate the physiological consequences of the disease by measuring host oxygen consumption rates, thermal tolerance, oxidative stress and telomere attrition; iv) characterize simultaneously the transcriptome of the host and parasite parasite using dual RNAseq; v) test the effect of disease on host gut-microbiome; vi) apply longitudinal analysis to quantify the parasite effect on survival and growth; vii) aim to develop novel monitoring approaches of the parasite from water samples (environmental DNA).