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GH1 gene polymorphisms reveal population-level allele variation in North African (Clarias gariepinus) and bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus)

Thammachak, Phonemany, Chalermwong, Piangjai, Patta, Chananya, Jaito, Wattanawan, Singchat, Worapong, Panthum, Thitipong, Budi, Trifan, Sriphairoj, Kednapat, Hatachote, Sittichai, Srisapoome, Prapansak, and others. (2025) GH1 gene polymorphisms reveal population-level allele variation in North African (Clarias gariepinus) and bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus). Genes, 16 (11). Article Number 1266. ISSN 2073-4425. (doi:10.3390/genes16111266) (KAR id:112257)

Abstract

Background/Objectives: North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) play crucial roles in Thai aquaculture. Although significant growth disparities exist among these species, the genetic factors underlying these differences are still unknown. This study aimed to identify GH1 gene polymorphisms, in North African and bighead catfish populations across Thailand and Laos. Methods: Sequencing, phylogenetic, and clustering analyses were performed to assess genetic diversity, selection patterns, and lineage differentiation of catfish partial GH1 fragment. Results: Six alleles of the studied fragment of GH1 gene were identified; they differed at 33 variable sites within intron 2, located between the conserved regions at the 3′ end of exon 2 and the 5′ end of exon 3. At the population-level, GH1 exhibited low heterozygosity (mean Ho = 0.043 ± 0.023; He = 0.059 ± 0.028). Bayesian clustering analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, corresponding to North African and bighead catfish, apart from the bighead population in Laos, indicating their distinct genetic origins. Evidence of purifying selection was observed in both species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of lineage-specific alleles in the GH1 gene. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into GH1 polymorphisms in commercially important catfish species and may help to develop future breeding programs aimed at enhancing aquaculture productivity.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.3390/genes16111266
Uncontrolled keywords: Allele, Purifying Selection, Gh1 Gene, Bighead Catfish, North African Catfish, Animals, Catfishes, Growth Hormone, Fish Proteins, Phylogeny, Polymorphism, Genetic, Alleles, Laos, Thailand
Subjects: Q Science
Institutional Unit: Schools > School of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Former Institutional Unit:
There are no former institutional units.
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 27 Jan 2026 15:42 UTC
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2026 12:13 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/112257 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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