The project “Studies on genetic basis of unique dual modes of unisexual and sexual reproduction in polyploid Carassius auratus gibelio”, independently undertaken by Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB), was granted with the second prize of 2011 National Natural Science Award in Beijing, Feb. 14, 2012.  

Gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) is one of ployploid fishes and can reproduce by gynogenesis. In comparison with other unisexual vertebrate species, gibel carp is more interesting and unique. In natural habitats, there exists a minor but significant portion (approx. 1-10%) of males, which make the polyploidy gibel carp an ideal and unique case to solve the evolutionary problems for unisexual vertebrate animals. In this project, IHB researchers firstly reported the discovery of dual reproduction modes of unisexual gynogenesis and sexual reproduction of gibel carp. Secondly, they reported polyploidy origin, diverse karyotypes, and genome reshuffling, chromosome and chromosomal fragment incorporation in gibel carp. Thirdly, they established the study system to screen the reproduction-related genes and identified some significant function genes. This work was primarily achieved by IHB researchers Prof. GUI Jianfang, Prof. ZHOU Li, Dr. YANG Lin, Dr. LIU Jingxia and Dr. ZHU Huaping.

IHB Prof. GUI Jianfang received the Second Prize of 2011 National Natural Science Award in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, Feb. 14, 2012.

In total, 65 papers have been published related to this project, including 37 SCI papers, and 1 monograph.  The major findings have been cited and commented by other scientists in 10 monographs, 16 annual reports and journal reviews, as well as numerous articles. Some new insights have been developed, leading to the follow-up studies by other researchers from more than 30 countries. Based on the main discovery, the criterion procedure of large-scale fry production was proposed and adopted by the national fishery technical extension center, and produced a huge of social and economic benefits. 

The Awards Conference of the 2011 National S&T Awards, a high-profile annual ceremony, was held in the Great Hall of the People to honor excellent scientists and research achievements of the year. On behalf of the project team, IHB Prof. GUI Jianfang, principal investigator of the project, attended the award ceremony and received the prize.