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Increase understanding tissue development to improve production and health

Reference	BBS/E/D/20221657
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Helen Sang
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	The Roslin Institute
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	4,134,646
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2012
End date	31/03/2017
Duration	59 months

Abstract

The genetic diversity of livestock species provides a valuable resource for understanding basic developmental processes. We will investigate the developmental systems that underlie traits of economic importance in animal production; the musculoskeletal system, adipose tissue, limb polarity and feather production. To inform breeding strategies, improve animal health and also provide basic knowledge relevant to human health, we need to understand the mechanisms that are disrupted when normal development goes wrong, We will use specific mutants and appropriate genetic variation for the problems we will study, together with classical rodent models. This is particularly the case in animals genetically selected for rapid growth, which can develop muscle and bone pathologies. Birds and mammals carry feathers or hairs of different shapes and sizes on different parts of the body and these traits are linked to animal health and productivity, particularly related to climate and season. In a similar way as limb polarity in the developing embryo, these traits are underpinned by embryonic patterning which is governed by a network of developmental signals. The molecular dissection of how these key interacting networks regulate tissue assembly during development is a key objective of this theme. This new knowledge will be used to inform breeding strategies, production systems and improvements to animal health and welfare.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health, Animal Welfare
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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