About The Project
Decoding the Transcriptomics of Channa striata for Aquaculture Innovation
Project Title
Investigation of key transcripts and regulatory network associated with reproductive biology and medical value of striped murrel (Channa striata) using omics approaches.
Project Overview
Funded by the ICAR-Centre of Agriculture Bioinformatics (CABin), this project (running from July 2021 to March 2026) employs advanced transcriptomics frameworks to decode the molecular and metabolic intricacies of the striped murrel (Channa striata). The research uncovers the genetic drivers behind the species' reproductive biology, nutritional value, and environmental adaptability.
This web platform serves as the central transcriptomics resource generated from these extensive studies, providing researchers with accessible data on reproductive, productive, and disease-associated genes.
Core Scientific Objectives
1. Reproductive Mechanism
To understand the molecular mechanisms of reproduction in Channa striata through comprehensive transcriptome profiling.
2. PUFA Synthesis
To decipher the molecular mechanism of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) synthesis in Channa striata.
3. Genomic Resources
To develop web genomic resources of productive, reproductive and disease associated genes.
Key Scientific Achievements
Sex-Specific Microbiome Dynamics
During the spawning season, female C. striata exhibit higher gut microbial diversity, heavily enriched in energy metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, and xenobiotic degradation pathways. Male microbiomes are enriched in nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. Beneficial taxa in females (such as M. organophilum and P. stutzeri) actively contribute to PUFA synthesis and antioxidant activity.
Wild vs. Captive Adaptations
Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses reveal that wild females possess enhanced antioxidant defense and immune functions (elevated SOD and AKP activities), supported by active PUFA metabolism. Captive females exhibit adaptations to energy-rich diets, showing elevated gut lipase activity, enhanced lipid biosynthesis, and activation of neurodevelopmental pathways to manage environmental stress.
Dietary Interventions & Lipid Metabolism
Feeding trials demonstrated that replacing mustard oil with fish oil significantly improves gut health by enriching probiotic species like Bifidobacterium longum. This dietary substitution upregulated key lipid metabolism genes (including ELOVL6, ACAT2, and Elovl5), directly enhancing fatty acid biosynthesis.
Future Directions (2026–2031)
Building on current findings, the next phase will focus on a "Comprehensive Multi-Omics Framework for Developing Metabolite-Microbiome Synergistic Dietary Interventions". A major computational goal is the construction of a Genome-Scale Metabolic Model (GSMM) for C. striata. By integrating machine learning and constraint-based metabolic modeling (utilizing tools like COBRApy), the project will simulate and analyze cellular metabolism to predict how specific nutrients influence growth, immunity, and reproduction.
Project Investigators
The research is led by a collaborative team of scientists across ICAR institutes:
Dr. J. K. Sundaray
ICAR-CIFA (Principal Investigator)
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
ICAR-CIFA (Co-PI)
Dr. Lakshman Sahoo
ICAR-CIFA (Co-PI)
Mr. Jackson Debbarma
ICAR-CIFA (Co-PI)
Dr. Dinesh Kumar
ICAR-IASRI (Co-PI)
Dr. Sarika
ICAR-IASRI (Co-CC-PI)
Research Scholars
Dr. Madhusmita Mohapatra
ICAR-CIFA (YP-II)
Iyyappan Somasundharam
ICAR-CIFA (YP-II)
Suvadip Ghara
ICAR-CIFA (YP-II)
Get In Touch
Address
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA)
Kausalyaganga
Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023
India
Phone & Email
Phone: +91-674-2305407
Fax: +91-674-2305329
Email: director@cifa.res.in
For Inquiries
For research collaboration, data access, or technical support, please reach out to us. We are committed to supporting high-quality aquaculture research.
About CST-Hub
The Channa striata Transcriptomics Hub (CST-Hub) is a comprehensive, freely accessible transcriptomics resource developed to facilitate functional and applied genomics studies. Researchers and scientists can search, browse, and query transcriptome data to support their research on reproductive biology, growth physiology, nutrient metabolism, and disease management in striped murrel.