4d.Progress report.
This report serves to document research conducted under a NRI-CGP National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 1265-31320-070-00D: Genomic, Proteomic, and Immunological Approaches to Control Avian Coccidian Parasites.

The candidate genes were selected based on their associated biological function, chromosomal location to the QTL and their response in DNA microarray experiments. We will use an integrated approach to continue our search for candidate genetic markers affecting disease resistance, specifically evaluating genes affecting innate immunity against coccidiosis. As new DNA microarray experiments and QTL mapping studies are reported, it is becoming apparent that some genes are responding to more than one disease pathogen. We speculate that some of these genes, such as the transcription factors, G-regulatory proteins and others may be important as genetic markers in a generalized selection program for disease resistance. The SNPs in these genes will be characterized and tested in the coccidiosis resource populations. As the genes are evaluated, pathways for macrophage and T cell activation will be defined in the chicken immune response. Novel chicken genes/alleles may be identified that affect both diseases and thus, they may be used in breeding programs for selection of disease resistance.

Review Publications
Min, W., Lillehoj, H.S., Ashwell, C.M., Van Tassell, C.P., Dalloul, R.A., Matukumalli, L.K., Han, J.Y., Lillehoj, E.P. 2005. Est analysis of Eimeria-stimulated intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in chickens. Molecular Biotechnology. 30:143-150.