Digest: Large-effect loci involved in maturation timing affect the early survival of Atlantic salmon.

Abstract

How might variations in genomic regions that impact many traits modulate fitness across different life stages? Aykanat et al. (2024) show that two large-effect loci associated with age at maturity, six6 and vgll3, impact the survival of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) through nutrient-dependent, indirect genetic effects. Specifically, the late maturation allele in parental vgll3, and the early maturation allele in maternal six6, increase survival in early life under high nutrient conditions.