Prof. Zhanjiang 'John' Liu, vice president of Syracuse University in the USA, visited IHB on December 6, 2018. 

Prof. Zhanjiang 'John' Liu, vice president of Syracuse University in the USA, was invited to visit Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences on December 6, 2018. During his visit, he gave a presentation entitled "Catfish genome biology and aquaculture applications"  

In the presentation, Prof. Liu reviewed the development of fish genome sequencing and introduced the sequencing of the channel catfish genome and the genomics study of channel catfish in terms of scale loss, tentacles development and environmental adaptability. 

Prof. Liu also presented the research results on anti-column disease, anti-intestinal sepsis, resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila and head length, hypoxia tolerance, heat stress tolerance, growth and gender in channel catfish using quantitative trait locus (QTL) and genome-wide association study (GWAS).  

He emphasized that despite the genome, everything is just the beginning. How to interpret and apply genomic data is the precondition for breeding and trait improvement. Liu also pointed out that although the gene loci and genotypes associated with the phenotype were found by QTL and GWAS methods, this association does not represent an accurate causal relationship. How to apply the relevant interpretation to production practice still remains difficult. 

After the presentation, the participants had in-depth discussions and interactions with Prof. Liu on specific issues related to the presentation. They further widened the understanding and practical application of fish genetic breeding. 

Prof. Liu has long been engaged in the research of fish genetics and breeding, especially the molecular genetics and genomics of fish. Prof. Liu is an international leader and a world authority in the area of aquaculture genomics and bioinformatics. Prof. Liu is currently serving the Vice President of Syracuse University in the USA and working on the Steering Committee of USDA, responsible for developing the Blueprint for Animal Genomics and Genetics 2018-2027.