The Division of Genome Biology aims to address biological questions on a spectrum of domesticated animal species, from livestock and companion animals to cultured fish and shellfish, using in vivo and in vitro approaches. We work closely with other groups across the Institute to provide expertise and support in bioinformatics, advanced computing and single cell omics. Sustainable Agriculture We aim to empower farmed animal breeding by creating datasets and methodologies to reveal how genomic variation impacts animal health, welfare and productivity. We aim to contribute to the conservation of genetic diversity in both large commercial and small local populations of farmed animals. Infectious Diseases The complex traits we study include resistance to infectious diseases, and those important for sustainability of production and animal welfare, in addition to traits of commercial and evolutionary importance. We exploit functional genomics to understand normal development, cell-type specification and differentiation and molecular responses to stressors including pathogens. We study the microbiome to build a picture of the diversity and complexity of host-microbe-environment interactions and understand the role of microbes in animal health and disease. Enhancing Health We leverage genomics and high-throughput sequencing to decode functions within animal genomes and reveal the genetic and epigenetic basis for complex traits. We employ comparative (epi)genomics to understand how genomes evolve and to reveal genomic variants underlying differences in key traits among species. Learn more about our Challenge ThemesSustainable AgricultureInfectious DiseasesEnhancing Health MacQueen Lab Our lab is addressing fundamental and applied research problems at the intersection of genomics, physiology and evolutionary biology. Nick Wade Understanding the functional regulation of traits such as growth, colouration or reproduction, and particularly how they are influenced by nutrition Our staff Division of Genome Biology staff This article was published on 2024-09-02
