Warren E. Johnson, PhD
D02LA-18,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
An Integrated Radiation Hybrid Map of the Alpaca
Completed: December 2006
First Year Cost of Project - $95,000
ARF Contribution - $95,000
Description:
Genetic maps are useful in studying which genes are linked to inherited traits
and related topics such as infectious diseases, reproduction physiology,
behavior, nutrition and evolutionary history. Genetic maps for humans, dogs and
mice have increased the knowledge of these species; however, few genetic
resources have been developed for camelids. This study
is developing a map of the alpaca genome, which will help investigators identify
inherited traits in these animals. A better understanding of these traits will
immediately provide a benefit to the health of individual animals and entire
herd management. A genetic map also opens the doors for future studies that will
increase the knowledge of camelids.
Results:
Researchers developed several molecular genetic tools that will be used to
further alpaca research. These included development of a radiation hybrid panel
for mapping of genetic markers, which provides a preliminary map for analyzing
relationships between alpaca, human and cow genomes, and development of probes
for comparative cytogenetic analyses. These tools led to the alpaca being chosen
by the National Cancer Institute for whole genome sequencing, a process that
will be completed in 2007. This has led to the commitment of additional
resources for alpaca research and has increased the number of researchers
embarking on camelid research projects worldwide. Future identification of genes
and mutations will be critically important to alpaca breeders and researchers.