The genetic researchers at Reprogen use an extensive range of animal models (e.g., sheep, cattle, horse, pig, mouse and their relatives) to map and characterize genes influencing economically important traits (e.g., meat, wool, milk and other aspects of performance). Genes which have an effect on biomedical conditions (e.g., zinc transport, dwarfism, blood clotting and heart development) and genes responsible for inherited disorders (e.g., Batten disease, chondrodysplasia and zinc deficiency).
Other areas of genetic research include the evolutionary origin and phylogeny of domesticated animals, the conservation and management of Australia?s native fauna (e.g., marsupials and monotremes), building comparative genomic maps between diverse animals species (e.g., kangaroo, human, mouse and bird) and the prospects of safely using animal cells and tissues for treatment of human diseases.
A broad range of molecular biological techniques, including DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, genetic marker analysis (e.g., STRs, SNPs, and microarray analysis), gene expression analysis and sophisticated statistical and bioinformatic methodology are routinely applied in achieving these objectives. Much of the work lies at the interface of molecular and quantitative genetics and the group maintains strong quantitative skills relevant to the discovery and application of molecular findings as well as to basic genetic improvement, extending even to genetic improvement in the crocodile industry.