The genome assembly of the westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus lewisi, reveals interspecific chromosomal rearrangements with the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Abstract

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are popular among anglers throughout their native range along the West Coast and interior of North America. As they colonized the interior of North America, cutthroat trout diverged into several genetically distinct groups. Many of these groups are now threatened by habitat destruction, hybridization with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and competition from introduced species. These groups were previously classified as subspecies, but recent research suggests that they may represent distinct species. In this study, we produced a chromosomal-level genome assembly and a genetic map for one of the species in the cutthroat trout species complex, the westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus lewisi-formerly Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi). We also constructed haplotype-resolved assemblies from a westslope cutthroat-rainbow trout F1 hybrid. We used the new genome assemblies to identify major interspecific chromosomal rearrangements between the 2 sister species, including fusions, fissions, and inversions. These genome assemblies and chromosome data provide valuable insights regarding genetic variation within cutthroat trout and in hybrids between rainbow and cutthroat trout.