Pyrosequencer for genomics and epigenomics research

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A multi-user core facility, Agricultural Genomics and Proteomics Unit (AGP Unit), in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, provides key capacity for researchers employing genomics technologies for technological innovation in food and the bio-economy. These internationally reputed multidisciplinary research programs include The Livestock Gentec (bovine, swine, chicken), meat science and processing, swine nutrition, reproductive physiology, rangeland ecology and management, and collaborating scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Some of the major areas of investigation by these researchers are focused on improving the understanding of genetic and epigenetic changes, impacting complex traits such as feed efficiency, animal and plant health. The epigenetics modifications result in variations of gene expression without any change in the DNA sequence (e.g., the methylation of cytosine, methylation, acetylation etc.). These include feed efficiency, immune response, microbial-host interactions, the role of gut microflora in beef, dairy cattle and pigs related to animal health and meat quality, genetic background/environment associated with microbiome; early-life nutrition and management programs in dairy cows, epigenome of the pancreas, rangeland ecology, biodiversity studies, impact of production practices on meat quality and providing better tools for genetic/epigenetic improvement and gene-assisted management. It is necessary to acquire a pyrosequencer for the AGP unit researchers, to identify the functional single nucleotide polymorphism and epigenetic markers, in addition to the existing genomics and functional genomics researches. The requested Pyrosequencer will be providing further knowledge in genomic response to environment and diet using epigenomics to develop coordinated nutritional and management strategies related to animal production, health, crop sciences, food science and safety, and agri-business. These studies will enhance the development of tools that identify specific performance, quality traits, and value added characteristics in animal and plant systems and facilitate training of highly qualified personnel for industry and academia.