Projects / Programmes
Primerjalna genomika in genomska biodiverziteta (Slovene)
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.02.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Animal production |
|
| 4.06.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
|
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| 3.05.00 |
Medical sciences |
Human reproduction |
|
Researchers (38)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Genomic revolution characterized significantly development of basic and applied biological sciences during the last decade. Application of modern methods in genetics, molecular and cell biology and immunology combined with high throughput genomic techniques opened a new horizon for acquisition of knowledge about structure and function of complex genomes. The programme is modular with an accent on the study of natural and breeding populations and comparative approach for study of genetic determination of traits related to health and production traits. The module dealing with the biology of lactation is focused on the regulation of lactoprotein expression in the mammary gland of different species in different physiological conditions. In addition to genes which play an important role in the regulation of milk composition and technological properties of milk is module focused on genes regulating development of the mammary gland and immune response during infections. Due to its cyclic character is mammary gland an ideal model for developmental studies including mammary gland involution. For the study of gene function we apply in vitro systems which enable analysis of gene function under controlled conditions and a wide range of experimental approaches. An important aspect of the module is study of post transcriptional processing of mRNA and modulation of gene expression by RNA interference. The cyclic development of the mammary gland enables study of the role of stem cells in mammary gland development and tumourigenesis. Detection of candidate genes and development of animal models is the focus of the module dealing with QTL mapping for traits related with energy metabolism and fat deposition. Identification of candidate loci is performed in different steps including QTL mapping, development of informative markers and selection of candidate genes according to their physiological role and genetic variation in the population. The effect of genetic variants of selected candidate genes is verified by association studies in selected populations, however, we are also developing transgenic mouse model for in vivo study of target genomic regions. In addition to factors affecting energy metabolism, the special focus of the programme is on biogenesis of mitochondria and interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial genome. The study of molecular basis of antigenic variation in avian mycoplasmas reveals molecular mechanisms which allow successful escape of the host immune system and survival of avian mycoplasmas in immunocompetent host. Study of immune response is an overriding topic of the programme connecting different modules of the programme in the search for novel solutions in the fight against infections. The module focused on population aspect of free living and bred populations enables survey of populations, establishment of relationships between populations and their history. In addition, the module elucidates the taxonomic position of rare and endangered species and contributes to appropriate management of those populations. Development of cytogenetic methods for diagnostic purposes in human medicine is methodologically connected with other modules and opens a comparative aspect into the medical research.
Significance for science
The programme is focused on comparative genomics and genomic biodiversity. Using comparative approach, the programme facilitates exploitation of permanently growing amount of publicly available genomic inofrmation in different species and contributes to the more rational use of genomic inofrmation. In the last period, the programme contributed a new, from leptin independent mouse model for obesity studies, which enables comparative approach to the study of leptin independent obesity in man. Using the transgenic mouse model, we described the role of the Raidd gene during the embyonic development and in apoptosis. The association of polymorphisms in the candidate genes (Tfam, Polrmt, Pgc1) and molecular markers with production traits enables the development of marker assisted selection and opens horizont for comparative study of genetic causes for some defects associated with obesity in humans. Our research in the field of Salmonid phylogeography are inportant contribution to better understanding of Salmonid phylogeny and offer also the base for designing preservation plans for endangered species. In the field of lactation genomics we contributed to better understanding of splicing processes in the mammary gland and identified the important role of miRNA in lactoprotein gene expression. the most important contribution in the field of immunology is definition of the role of AIRE in recognition of own antigens and host reaction during infection with avian mycoplasmas. We also showed for the first time that avian mycoplasmas express neurominidase.
Significance for the country
The main goal of the programme is to connect genomic research in different species and to enable more efficient use of biological and technological resources for research purposes. The special focus is given to the connection to the research trends in human genetics, which is supported also by the institutional structure of the programme. The most important mission of the programme at the national level is transfer of new technologies into the national environment and in focusing on important national topics (preservation of biodiversity, development of national genetic resources). At the national level, the programme is and important promoter of genetic/genomic education and with its pareticipation in educational programmes atall three levels importantly contributes to bettwe quality of education. Development of new molecular markers, exploitation of bioinofrmatic resources and identification of associations between genetic polymorphisms and phenotypic traits represents relevant support to domestic agriculture and enables, in addition to fast transfer of basic knowledge into breeding practice, also permanent contact with the international research trends. Taking inot account also wide spread expertise of the group is an important goal of the programme also integration of different approaches (molecular-, population- and cytogenetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics) into a functional research system, which is capable to keep contact with similar groups abroad.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
