Location: Plant Genetics Research
Project Number: 5070-31320-001-022-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2028
Objective:
Objective 1: Using gene editing techniques, systematically alter the DNA sequence predicted to cause improved animal health and welfare and resistance to diseases like high pathogen avian influence in both pig and poultry. Validate these genetic changes in in vitro models prior to making a genome edited animal.
Objective 2: Improve the efficiency of producing genome edited pigs and cows by improving our in vitro embryo production system and genome editing technology in oocytes and embryos.
Approach:
In order to identify targets to further improve livestock animal health and production, we have identified many genes through 1) genome wide association studies that are associated with positive traits; 2) known genes that are associated with positive traits in other species; and 3) known biological pathways that are associated with positive traits; and 4) evaluate the susceptibility of the gene altered cells to HPAI and common viruses.
Our goal is to first validate the role the gene plays in the cellular phenotype in vitro before producing gene edited animals. In vitro models recapitulating the in vivo environment will be established to validate the beneficial impact of the genome modification. Once validated, genome edited animals will be generated.