Location: Plant Genetics Research
Project Number: 5070-31320-001-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 20, 2020
End Date: Jul 19, 2024
Objective:
Objective 1: Using gene editing techniques, systematically alter DNA sequence predicted to cause beneficial changes in livestock production and test these changes in vitro and in vivo where warranted.
Objective 2: Comprehensively test effects of sequence modifications for on and off target effects.
Approach:
Using gene editing techniques, we will systematically alter DNA sequence predicted to cause beneficial changes in livestock production and test these changes in vitro and in vivo where warranted. In addition, we will comprehensively test effects of sequence modifications for on and off target effects. Gene editing and other technologies will be used to systematically alter DNA sequence in ways that are predicted to improve traits to (1) determine whether the sequence variation is causal for the change in the trait, and (2) determine any other changes in traits that might simultaneously occur through pleiotropy effects. The research will focus on livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry), and the goal will be to develop livestock with improved traits of interest, without having deleterious effects. The work may take the form of improving the understanding of relationships between genes and various physiological functions in livestock, to develop gene targets and modifications that are likely to improve livestock production. This information may also be valuable to both humans and other livestock species.
