CRYOGERM · Biotechnological applications of fish germ cells for reproductive management in Aquaculture

Recently germ cells biotechnology opened a new research line in aquaculture and in the conservation of genetic resources. Spermatogonia transplantation into a host species has been a valuable tool for studying processes related to spermatogenesis and is currently a powerful tool for assisted reproductive strategies. This technique represents an interesting alterative for the reproduction of Senegalese sole and meagre, two important commercial species for European aquaculture diversification. This proposal aims to enhance the production of these species, by overcoming a fundamental constraint, the capacity to successfully control reproduction in captivity. This will be accomplished by three main objectives: i) Development of molecular tools to analyse and modulate cryopreserved germ cells