The goal of the Operational Genomics group (WP08) was to integrate main inputs/outcomes from the Joint Programme of Activities of EADGENE’s structural, functional and population genomics work packages (WPs 5, 6 and 7) and also inputs from industry with regard to host-pathogen interactions in farm animals in order to develop plans and tools for the application of the results (e.g. improved monitoring and surveillance, new breeding and intervention strategies, vaccination and drugs).

The scientific focus was to apply a “Genetical Genomics” strategy to gene expression data, DNA mapping data and comparative genomics approaches using meta-analysis tools and to extrapolate the genetical components of the host’s innate immunity common and specific to pathogens.

WP Objectives:

• To finalise an efficient agreement and an operative procedure for sharing of data results and knowledge
• To carry out specific tasks of meta-analysis at the intra- and inter-specific level, and to set up missing experiments

WP Achievements:

• Target disease selected : mastitis  
• Integration and meta-analysis of gene expression data
• Presentations at EADGENE conferences in 2008, 2009
• Workshop on the meta-analysis of the mastitis data in October 2009

To read more about the meta-analysis of the mastitis data please click here to visit the Meta-analysis of Mastitis Data page.

WP Leader:  Dr Elisabetta Giuffra (PTP, Italy)

Partners involved:

• Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France
• Wageningen University (WUR), NL
• Animal Sciene Group Lelystad, (ASG-Lelystad), NL
• Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh (UEDIN), UK
• Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NSVS), Norway
• Research Institute for the Biology of Farm Animals (RIBFA), Germany
• Parco Tecnologico Padano (PTP), Italy 
• European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB), NL