Scientists have discovered many ways to treat bacteria, viruses, and parasites in aquaculture; however, there is still an impossibility in finding a permanent solution for all types of diseases. In that case, the CRISPR-Cas genome-editing technique can be the potential solution to preventing diseases for aquaculture sustainability. CRISPR-Cas is cheaper, easier, and more precise than the other existing genome-editing technologies and can be used as a new disease treatment tool to solve the far-reaching challenges in aquaculture. This technique may now be employed in novel ways, such as modifying a single nucleotide base or tagging a location in the DNA with a fluorescent protein. This review paper provides an informative discussion on adopting CRISPR technology in aquaculture disease management. Starting with the basic knowledge of CRISPR technology and phages, this study highlights the development of RNA-guided immunity to combat the Chilodonella protozoan group and nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in marine finfish. Additionally, we highlight the immunological application of CRISPR-Cas against bacterial diseases in channel catfish and the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in shrimp. In addition, the review summarizes a synthesis of bioinformatics tools used for CRISPR-Cas sgRNA design, and acceptable solutions are discussed, considering the limitations.

Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) is linked to severe infections that cause significant financial losses in global aquaculture. ISKNV enters the host cell through its major capsid protein (MCP), and the resulting infection can lead to mass mortality of fish. Even though several drugs and vaccines are at various stages of clinical testing, none are currently available. Thus, we sought to assess the potential of seaweed compounds to block viral entrance by inhibiting the MCP. The Seaweed Metabolite Database (1110 compounds) was assessed for potential antiviral activity against ISKNV using high throughput virtual screening. Forty compounds with docking scores of ≥8.0 kcal/mol were screened further. The inhibitory molecules BC012, BC014, BS032, and RC009 were predicted by the docking and MD techniques to bind the MCP protein significantly with binding affinities of −9.2, −9.2, −9.9, and −9.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Also, ADMET characteristics of the compounds indicated drug-likeness. According to this study, marine seaweed compounds may operate as viral entrance inhibitors. For their efficacy to be established, in-vitro and in-vivo testing is required.

This study used a comprehensive bioinformatic application to discover the functions of the HP33 protein, which is responsible for the scale drop and muscle necrosis disease (SDMND) in fish. The main objective of the study was to the characterization of the HP33 protein and predict the homo-oligomer models to understand the physical effect of the protein for further research. At first, multiple sequence alignment and sub-cellular localization of the HP33 were predicted by the in-silico approach. The result suggests that this putative protein clustered with another hypothetical protein, Vibrio harveyi, and is an unstable, nonpolar, and outer membrane protein. Functional analysis of the protein by Pfam, InterProScan, and SMART tools predicts that the HP has a single functional domain that may signify a cluster of biosynthetic genes. The prediction of the active site, as well as the protein-protein interaction, were also predicted in this study. Furthermore, a protein-ligand docking investigation revealed two potential therapeutic compounds (Ferroheme C, Valine) that can be effective against HP33 pathogenesis. In conclusion, the homo-oligomers model's predictions and the ab-initio docking findings will offer important information for an additional immunological investigation, which may be beneficial in a future study on SDMND prophylaxis.