Award details

Mining genes from rare breeds.

Reference	BBS/E/R/00000544
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Christopher Haley
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Alan Archibald
Institution	The Roslin Institute
Department	The Roslin Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	53,911
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/01/2001
End date	31/12/2002
Duration	24 months

Abstract

A number of diversity studies of livestock species are currently being undertaken. These studies are using DNA markers to characterise average genetic distances between breeds and to provide information on the phylogenetic relationships between breeds. Such studies do not at present allow us to identify the individual genes that contribute to the value of particular breeds or even evaluate how many such genes there are. The main objective of this project is to develop and test methodology needed to identify the `footprint¿ left on the genome by past selection for a gene of value. The project will evaluate the number and type of marker required to be genotyped across the region of a footprint and the best means of analysing the data to visualise the footprint. As a test-bed, the KIT locus in pigs will be studied. It is known that there are three major clades for this locus and it is anticipated that we will identify clear effects of past selection on KIT on the pattern of between and within line variation close to the KIT locus. DNA samples collected as part of an EC pig diversity project will be used in the study. The project will allow us to develop an approach for identifying genomic regions where past selection has contributed to the genetic differences between breeds. This will provide conservation organisations with a tool to help evaluate a range of breeds as well as providing breeding companies with a means of identifying genes of potential commercial using samples from diversity studies.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
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

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search