Uncovering the cell type specific behavior of immune response in the chicken

This project will allow McGill University to be part of a larger-scale project focusing on the genetic expression variance in chickens, headed by the team at Aarhus University. Previous work has been done to categorize general gene expression across numerous tissues types, with the focus now shifting to better understand the drivers behind gene expression and how they impact various traits. This project will focus on uncovering genetic variants linked to immune response in poultry. Using collected RNA-sequencing data for various tissues and cells, gene expression will be measured for genes related to various immune reactions, and the variants impacting expression will be compared across cells and tissues. By identifying these variants, the biological processes controlling responses can be better understood, for a deeper view of the immune response. In doing so, poultry health and welfare can be better improved as rare variants are identified and understood, which can be used for things like selective breeding, as well as improvement of vaccines and treatments for various viruses and bacteria of concern. The understanding of the poultry genetics will serve as a driver for more sustainable food production in Canada and worldwide.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xin Zhao

Student:

Partner:

Aarhus University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

McGill University

Program: