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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #279899
Title: Identification of genes conferring genetic resistance to Marek’s disease

Author
item Cheng, Hans
item PERUMBAKKAM, SUDEEP - Purdue University
item Black Pyrkosz, Alexis
item SUBRAMANIAM, SUGALESHINI - Michigan State University
item MUIR, WILLIAM - Purdue University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/24/2012
Publication Date: 6/24/2012
Citation: Cheng, H.H., Perumbakkam, S., Black Pyrkosz, A.A., Subramaniam, S., Muir, W.M. 2012. Identification of genes conferring genetic resistance to Marek’s disease [abstract]. 9th International Symposium on Marek's Disease and Avian Herpesviruses, June 24-28, 2012, Freie Universitat Berlin. p. 25.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Genetic resistance to Marek’s disease (MD) is complex and controlled by many genes with the majority having small effect making them difficult to detect. Thus, to identify specific genes, we have been employing and integrating a variety of genomic and functional genomic approaches that capitalize on the power of next generation sequencing. Key approaches include (1) whole genome sequencing of chicken lines with known MD resistance status to identify polymorphisms and regions under selection, (2) allele-specific expression screens in response to Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infection to identify specific genetic markers and genes, and (3) ChIP seq using antibodies directed against MDV Meq and chicken c-Jun to get identify genes directly regulated by Meq and insights on MDV pathology. As a result, the combined results yield specific genes and genetic markers of high confidence for MD genetic resistance as well as the ability to predict and model MD pathology. Furthermore, the wealth of genomic and transcriptomic information can be mined that provide additional insights, e.g., alternative splice variants in response to MDV infection. The latest results using experimental layers and commercial broilers will be discussed.