Upotreba cijelog genoma mitohondrijske DNA u oplemenjivanju i konzervacijskoj genetici goveda
Acronym: mitoTAUROmics
Competition title: Istraživački projekti
Funding: Croatian science foundation
AFZ role: coordinator
Total value: HRK 912,378.00
Funded amount: HRK 912,378.00
Start date: 2014/07/01
End date: 2018/06/30
Abstract
The main goal of this proposal is to sequence mitochondrial whole genome (mtWGS) in a 500 to 600 bulls or cows (440 to 540 belonging to Istrian cattle, Busha cattle, Slavonian-Syrmian Podolian cattle and Holstein population in Croatia) in order to: 1). identify polymorphic sites within mtWGS in genetically small populations and to analyse (confirm) the presence of selection for the whole mitochondrial genome as well as for each single gene (comparison of non-synonymous versus synonymous mutations); 2). Identify potentially detrimental mutations and to estimate detrimental load in all analysed populations; 3.) develop computerised approach (set of algorithms) that will, in terms of probability or likelihood, enable imputation of sequenced mtWGS haplotypes for other pedigree members as well as to point to animals that are wrongly assigned to the pedigree, 4.) Identify mutations that are associated with phenotypic variability of milk production and fertility traits and to estimate the magnitude of the mtWGS effects (haplotypes) in terms of variance components and 5.) Identify private (specific) mutations that can be used in traceability or genetic bar-coding of species and breeds (this is of particular interest for endangered populations). In performing these comprehensive analyses we will use newly developed methodologies of high-throughput sequencing and complex computing analyses. We believe that this research will stimulate other researchers involved in animal genetics and breeding of other species (dog, horse, swine, rabbit, etc…) for similar researches. Furthermore, results of the project will be economically utilised in cattle breeding as well as conservation management of endangered Croatian breeds. At the same time, we hope that innovative and technologically advanced component of this research will result in good publication record for all scientists involved which will further increase our competitiveness to approach to EU funded projects.
Leaders
PhD. H Ino Čurik
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Associates
Assoc. Prof. Dragica Šalamon, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet
Dinko Novosel, dr. med. vet., PhD
Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet
Vladimir Brajković, mag. ing. agr., MSc. agr.
Sveučilište u Zagrebu Agronomski fakultet
Prof. Antun Kostelić, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Prof. Vlatka Čubrić Čurik, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Assoc. Prof. Maja Ferenčaković, PhD
University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture