UNAB Participates in Landmark Scientific Breakthrough with First Red Cusk-Eel Genome Assembly

The School of Life Sciences at Universidad Andrés Bello, through faculty and researchers affiliated with the Quintay Marine Research Center (CIMARQ), contributed to a major scientific advance for Chilean aquaculture: the first hybrid genome assembly of the red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis), one of the country’s most iconic and commercially important marine species.

The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Universidad Andrés Bello in collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Bernardo O’Higgins University. The project enabled the identification of more than 35,000 protein-coding genes and nearly 14,000 non-coding RNAs associated with key biological processes in the species.

The findings were published in Fishes, a scientific journal specializing in marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries resources.

One of the participating researchers was Juan Antonio Valdés, a CIMARQ faculty member and principal investigator at INCAR², who emphasized that this achievement represents a significant step forward in understanding both the biology and aquaculture potential of the red cusk-eel.

“Having a reference genome allows us to move beyond fragmented information toward a much more comprehensive understanding of this species. It opens new opportunities to study processes related to metabolism, immunity, stress responses, and environmental adaptation,” explained the researcher.

Valdés added that having access to this genetic information is equivalent to possessing the red cusk-eel’s “biological instruction manual,” making it possible to understand with much greater precision the processes involved in the farming and conservation of the species.

“Having this tool today allows us to move toward aquaculture driven by knowledge and data. We can address gaps related to growth, disease, environmental adaptation, and production sustainability,” he said.

The research employed hybrid sequencing technology, combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina platforms to construct a high-quality, highly accurate genetic map. This will enable scientists to develop new tools aimed at strengthening aquaculture programs and supporting species diversification.

Importance of the Research

According to UNAB, research initiatives such as this reinforce the university’s commitment to applied scientific research and the generation of knowledge that contributes to strategic sectors for the country, including aquaculture and marine sustainability.

The red cusk-eel has been prioritized in several aquaculture diversification initiatives because of its gastronomic, commercial, and cultural value. In this context, access to detailed genetic information will support selective breeding programs aimed at improving traits such as growth, disease resistance, and adaptation to different environmental conditions.

The UNAB researcher also noted that one of the major challenges facing Chilean aquaculture is reducing its dependence on salmon production and advancing the cultivation of new species with commercial and sustainable potential.

“Today, Chilean aquaculture is heavily focused on salmon. Expanding the cultivation of red cusk-eel would help diversify national production and reduce the health and production risks associated with concentrating the industry around a small number of species,” he said.

Beyond its relevance to the aquaculture industry, the study also provides new tools for research related to climate change impacts, marine pollution, and the conservation of native species.

Sequencing the red cusk-eel genome will enable scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the species’ adaptation, growth, reproduction, and disease resistance—critical knowledge for advancing more efficient and sustainable production systems.

Valdés also highlighted that the Quintay Marine Research Center has spent more than a decade developing knowledge related to red cusk-eel aquaculture, building scientific capabilities that today position UNAB as a key contributor to aquaculture research and marine biotechnology.