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Food & Agri

Genomic Data Analysis Opens the Future of Aquaculture

Together with FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES, the operator of Sushiro, Marine Birth, and Hiroshima University, we are pursuing data-driven selective breeding through genomic analysis to develop superior yellowtail seedlings and other species and achieve sustainable aquaculture.

Genomic Data Analysis Opens the Future of Aquaculture

Project Vision

PtBio uses genomic analysis to deliver new value to the aquaculture industry. Our goal is to establish a sustainable and efficient aquaculture system through the science-based selection of superior breeds and the development of seedlings with targeted traits.

By combining the principles of natural selection with our proprietary bioinformatics technology, “Bio-DX” (Bio-Digital Transformation), in a unique approach we call digital breeding, we achieve breeding that draws on the inherent genetic diversity of aquatic organisms, without genetic modification.

This project is being advanced as a new model of industry-academia collaboration, with the following partners:

  • FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES Inc. (FLC): the food service operator that runs Sushiro
  • Marine Birth Inc.: an R&D organization jointly established by FLC and Takuyo Corporation
  • Hiroshima University: an academic institution conducting genomic research
  • Aquaculture partner companies: experts in aquaculture technology

PtBio’s Approach

  1. Building a reference genome and comparative genomic analysis
    • Using sequencing, de novo assembly, and annotation analysis, we decode the complete genome sequence of the target fish species (yellowtail)
    • Integrating genomic information on diverse traits to build a foundation for breeding
    • Efficiently detecting genetic variation between individuals and lineages, and applying it to breeding
  2. Optimizing breeding conditions
    • Analyzing in detail the interaction between environmental factors and gene expression
    • Scientifically deriving breeding conditions suited to the aquaculture environment
  3. Data-driven selective breeding
    • Fusing on-site aquaculture know-how with genomic analysis to derive a breeding strategy that fits the goal
    • Drawing on the inherent genetic diversity of aquatic organisms, without genetic modification
    • Selecting individuals based on genomic information, and using artificially produced seedlings as the next generation of breeding stock

Background: Challenges Facing the Aquaculture Industry

  1. Climate change and the instability of food resources: rising seawater temperatures and ocean acidification are making stable supply difficult under conventional aquaculture methods
  2. The limits of traditional breed-improvement methods: adapting to changing environmental conditions is becoming increasingly difficult, requiring supplementation with scientific methods
  3. Heavy reliance on wild seedlings: many farmed fish species depend on wild juveniles, making stable production difficult

Project Outcomes and Social Impact

  1. Establishing selective-breeding methods and developing seedlings with targeted traits
    • Selection of superior individuals using genomic analysis
    • Efficient production of seedlings with targeted traits such as growth rate
  2. Securing sustainable food resources
    • Reducing reliance on natural resources and lowering environmental impact
    • Building an aquaculture production system that is sustainable for both people and the environment
  3. Realizing aquaculture that can adapt to environmental change
    • Developing seedlings resilient to environmental changes such as climate change through data-driven breeding
    • Improving the stability and productivity of aquaculture
  4. Expansion to a wide range of sushi ingredients
    • Applying the technology to a variety of other fish species, building on our success with representative species
    • Enabling food service operators and trading companies to reliably source high-quality sushi ingredients

Through this project, PtBio is establishing a new approach to seedling development and superior-breed selection in aquaculture, contributing to the realization of sustainable, science-based aquaculture. We are confident that our technology opens a new path for the future of the fisheries industry and represents a significant step toward solving the world’s food challenges.

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