Identifying Species from a Single Caviar Egg
News Jun 02, 2017 | Original story from Hokkaido University

The fish species Beluga sturgeon is known to produce the best caviar, large eggs with a delicious taste, and are therefore traded at high prices. The number of Beluga sturgeons plunged over the past century due to overfishing and deterioration of their natural habitat. They are listed as critically endangered species and international trade is strictly controlled under the Washington Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
The decline in the natural population of Beluga has led to the development of various sturgeon cultures across the world. In particular, Bester (a hybrid between a Beluga and a Sterlet) is considered suitable for culturing to produce caviar. It is, however, virtually impossible to identify the species of eggs by merely looking at their appearance.
Hokkaido University researchers, in collaboration with the Czech Republic’s University of South Bohemia, have now identified DNA sequences that distinguish Beluga and Sterlet from eight other sturgeon species. Using the modern method of molecular genetics, the team identified species-specific variants in the genome of Beluga and Sterlet sturgeons. Taking advantage of these variants, they have developed a simple method using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which detects targeted variants, enabling Beluga caviar to be identified and distinguished from Bester and other species.
“The new tool developed in our research can accurately and swiftly identify Beluga caviar at a low cost, which will help international trade of this gourmet food to be conducted fairly. It should also help manage sturgeons as a resource, thereby protecting the diversity of the species,” says Miloš Havelka at Hokkaido University.
This article has been republished from materials provided by Hokkaido University. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.
Reference:
Havelka, M., Fujimoto, T., Hagihara, S., Adachi, S., & Arai, K. (2017). Nuclear DNA markers for identification of Beluga and Sterlet sturgeons and their interspecific Bester hybrid. Scientific Reports, 7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-01768-3
RELATED ARTICLES
CRISPR Diagnostics Could Detect Any Disease on a Paper Strip
NewsA nucleic acid-detecting diagnostics platform that harnesses the gene editing technology CRISPR was announced today by the newly-launched Mammoth Biosciences, which says the technology could change how we diagnose disease.
READ MORECan Genetics Help Explain Teen Drug Use?
NewsCommonly, environmental factors such as peer pressure are blamed for teenage substance abuse. A new study suggests that to fully understand the problem, we have to look at genetic factors as well.
READ MOREMy Milkshake Brings All the Lipids to My Heart
NewsAn unorthodox study challenged volunteers with consuming a high-fat milkshake meal. A subsequent genetic analysis illuminated how genes affect our risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
READ MOREComments | 0 ADD COMMENT
Like what you just read? You can find similar content on the communities below.
Genomics ResearchTo personalize the content you see on Technology Networks homepage, Log In or Subscribe for Free
LOGIN SUBSCRIBE FOR FREEWorld Congress on Advanced Structural and Molecular Biology 2018
Aug 22 - Aug 23, 2018
Asia Pacific Congress on Probiotics, Prebiotics and Nutrition
Oct 15 - Oct 16, 2018
Login
You must be logged in to post a comment.