NRGene, in cooperation with scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and the University of Illinois, has mapped the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) genome using its DeNovoMAGICTM big data genome assembly tool.

“Aquaculture breeding was previously done with hands tied behind backs, as the most basic genetic infrastructure such as a reference genome and genomic diversity databases were absent even for the key commercial species,” said Dr. Gil Rone, CEO of NRGene.

NRGene’s DeNovoMAGICTM tool assembled short DNA reads delivered by the USDA and University of Illinois into a complete genome map of 2.17 G bp made of very long DNA scaffolds, within three weeks.

“Our group at the USDA is now using the new genome scaffolds to generate an improved reference genome before releasing it to the public,” said Dr. Yniv Palti, PhD, of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service.