Applied translational genetics Research with proven potential to improve livestock industries
Our ability to sequence genomes has delivered critical advances in medical and scientific research. The University of Auckland’s Applied Translational Genetics group (ATG) is taking the next step, using genetic and molecular biology tools to help discover the basis for natural variation in both humans and other species. ATG is working with the New Zealand livestock industries, developing large animal and cell culture models to understand disease mechanisms and treatments. The group uses a collective approach: “Our questions can only be answered by the combined efforts of a multi-disciplinary team,” says Professor Russell Snell, the group’s leader. “We have established a critical mass of genetics expertise through working collaboratively with the dairy industry and together we can tackle some of the major health problems facing the 21st century.” ATG has made, and continues to make, a major contribution to the discovery of important DNA variations used for the selection of superior animals for the dairy industry.
Major projects Dairy industry gene and mutation identification ATG works closely with New Zealand’s Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) and other industry partners with the
aim of contributing to animal selection methodology, including the discovery of causative variations. Another industry-led project aims to identify the genetic path to improving both the quality and production of livestock milk. This collaboration has led to the creation of high-value infant formula that more closely matches human milk.
Industry partners Livestock Improvement Corporation The Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative and the premier supplier of improved germplasm, herd testing, and herd information management services to New Zealand dairy farmers. It is also
one of the largest integrated dairy cattle breeding companies in the world. LIC research includes semen technology, reproduction, genetic selection, genomics, gene discovery, large-scale data analysis and on-farm remote monitoring. AgResearch AgResearch is a Government-owned Crown Research Institute (CRI). Its purpose is to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food and agri-technology sectors. AgResearch scientists work in a large and varied range of science areas and disciplines. This includes farm systems, land and environment, forage improvement, animal nutrition and health, animal productivity and food and bio-based products.
Key investigators Our principal investigators come from the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences, and each brings distinct skillsets that relate to dairy research. Professor Russell Snell Professor Snell leads the Biomedical and Applied research group at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. He is also the founder and leader of this group, and the Founding Director for the University’s Joint Graduate School in Dairy Research and Innovation. He is a pioneering geneticist who was part of the team which first identified the Huntington’s gene more than 20 years ago. His research focuses on gene identification, modelling disease processes, and drug discovery in various genetic disorders. He also transfers this knowledge into the livestock industries. In 2015, Professor Snell and colleagues received a $3.63 million over three years to develop dairy goat milking output to increase production of dairy goat infant formula. Dr Klaus Lehnert Dr Lehnert’s expertise centres on genomics, genetics and data. His specialties include largescale bioinformatics, functional biology, genetics, data analysis, and physical computing. He performed his PhD studies in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the production of the first generation of protein therapeutics in heterologous systems. His academic focus is the discovery of rare genetic effects on human health and survival, and applying insights from this work to identify genetic variants responsible for important production and welfare traits in mammalian livestock. This includes large-scale screening of traits, cause:consequence analysis, and the development of implementation tools and strategies, with integration into day-to-day practice.
The University of Auckland The University supports economic growth locally and nationally by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to create quality jobs and high-value businesses. Our graduates make a significant contribution to our economy and society, to the benefit of all. The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s world-ranked university. It is the leading New Zealand university in the QS World University Rankings 20191 and in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE)2, and is ranked number one in the world in the sustainability-focused inaugural THE Impact Rankings3.
UniServices
UniServices partners with the University of Auckland to: • Support researchers and help them grow their research portfolios, increasing the impact of research on society and expanding the value of research outputs. • Develop mutually-beneficial relationships with research funders and commercial clients, bringing the external worldview into the University research environment. • Identify, protect and develop the intellectual property of the University that arises from world-class research. • Commercialise University-sourced technology and innovations, developing and investing in the commercial potential of new ideas produced by University staff and students. • Deliver social and economic benefits of research outputs to the wider community across New Zealand, and internationally.
CONTACT research@uniservices.co.nz www.uniservices.co.nz | www.auckland.ac.nz Level 10, 49 Symonds Street, Auckland. Private Bag 92019 Victoria St West Auckland 1142 New Zealand 1
http://tiny.cc/QS_UOA
2
http://tiny.cc/Times_Rankings
3
http://tiny.cc/THE_UOA_Impact
4
http://tiny.cc/Reuters_Top75
At UniServices, we bring ideas to life. We partner with the best minds at the University of Auckland to apply intelligent thinking to ideas that have the potential to change the world. Together with our partners, we look to the future, imagine the possibilities, and innovate for public and private good. For over 30 years, we’ve collaborated with hundreds of organisations on thousands of projects in New Zealand and around the world. We are the most innovative university in New Zealand in Reuters’ Top 75: Asia’s Most Innovative Universities rankings.4