Genomic research leads to animal health discoveries

(PhysOrg.com) -- Every day researchers in the Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science take another step toward controlling some of the most economically damaging animal diseases, thanks in large part to the MSU Center for Animal Functional Genomics.

The CAFG, established in 2002, provides animal science researchers the technology to observe animal physiological changes, down to the cellular level.

“Functional genomics provides a peek into the ‘DNA black box’ by linking a trait or characteristic, such as disease resistance or milk production, with specific genes. These findings yield new knowledge about physiological functions such as milk secretion, immune response, digestion and metabolism at the cell level,” said Paul Coussens, director of the CAFG. “This is done by determining which genes are turned on or off in specific types of cells as a result of treatments, physiological changes or environmental conditions.”

Since its beginning, the CAFG has been at the center of several critical research projects, including the landmark sequencing of the domestic cattle genome, released in April 2009. MSU researchers were among the 300-member worldwide team working together to annotate and analyze the bovine genome sequence.

That opens the door to new discoveries in both animal and human health. The bovine genome was found to include 22,000 genes, 80 percent of which are shared with humans. Thus, researchers conclude, cattle are much more similar to humans than humans are to rats. Yet 98 percent of biomedical research is conducted using mice.

MSU researchers have also helped to catalog and map genes in the pig genome. Having access to the genome of these species gives researchers the template to gauge benchmark changes in a species’ genetic make-up.

Collaborating and sharing discoveries with other scientists from around the world adds to the vast collection of genomic data housed at MSU and other universities.

“We work with researchers in several U.S. states and seven other countries conducting research on gene manipulation to see the various gene expressions in given situations,” Coussens said. “Being able to transfer data in from other countries allows Michigan researchers to study diseases here without bringing the pathogen into the state.”

Center-associated research on Johne’s disease in cattle, with an estimated $200 million annual impact on the U.S. dairy industry, has generated millions of dollars worth of federal grants and produced more than 15 peer-reviewed papers.

The most revolutionary work on Johne’s disease is just reaching the completion stage: developing a vaccine. Through a grant from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Johne’s Disease Integrated Program, several potential vaccines are being tested using, in part, gene expression to determine the vaccine’s effectiveness.

“We have made a big leap in knowledge through the use of genomics. We now have a much higher plane of knowledge,” Coussens said. “This center has advanced our ability to analyze data. We are world renowned for our ability to produce and analyze microarrays.”

Other MSU animal researchers have access to the CAFG’s technology, allowing them to include a genomic component in their research projects.

“We are involved in research projects across the department and across campus,” Coussens said. “Having access to bio-information through the CAFG has helped researchers attract millions of dollars in research grant funding.”

Though the majority of work conducted at the MSU CAFG is largely focused on animal health, many times there is a link to human health.

“It is very rewarding work knowing that we have an impact not only on animal agriculture, but also on human medicine,” Coussens said. “Most of our current research projects parallel and support work being done in the human medical field.”

Provided by Michigan State University