InDel DNA Markers Potentially Unique to Kaluga Sturgeon Huso dauricus Based on Whole-Genome Resequencing Data

Abstract

Sturgeons are ancient and endangered species whose populations have been greatly reduced over the past few centuries due to habitat destruction and overfishing for the production of expensive caviar. All sturgeon species are listed in CITES Appendix II to limit their trade; therefore, accurate species identification is crucial. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of five sturgeon species, including Kaluga sturgeon (H. dauricus), Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii), Sterlet sturgeon (A. ruthenus), Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedtii), and Amur sturgeon (A. schrenckii), to obtain species-specific InDel-based nucleotide sequences for Kaluga sturgeon. Through whole-genome screening within these five sturgeon species, we developed methods for the rapid identification of Kaluga sturgeon germplasm. Using dominant/co-dominant molecular markers designed for Huso dauricus, purebred or hybrid samples can be identified through a PCR reaction. These markers allow for the precise identification of Kaluga sturgeon lineages from at least seven sturgeon species (H. dauricus, A. schrenckii, A. ruthenus, A. baerii, A. gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus, and H. huso) and their hybrids. This development is expected to have a positive effect on both the sturgeon trade and the conservation of sturgeon germplasm resources.