Grants and Contracts per year
Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Salamanders are important vertebrate model organisms in several areas of human health and disease
research, including spinal cord and limb regeneration, post-embryonic development, toxicology, vision,
olfaction, heart development, renal function, and neural transmission. We initiated the Salamander Genome
Project (SGP) to develope the first genomic and bioinformatic resources for research using ambystomatid
salamanders. During the last grant period, we created the first comprehensive amphibian genetic map,
several annotated molecular databases, a community web-portal (www.ambystoma.org), and identified a
large number of unique sequences that correspond to different genes in the Ambystoma genome. We
propose three Specific Aims to further increase the utility of salamanders in biomedical research. First, we
will increase the number of genes identified from Ambystoma mexicanum whose functions are known in
humans. This will increase the number of probes for molecular studies, microarray analysis, and gene
mapping. More generally, it will allow a greater amount of genetic and genomic information to be crossreferenced
from salamander to other vertebrate model organisms (Zebrafish, Xenopus, Chick, Mouse, Rat,
HOman, etc). Second, we will design a microarray gene chip and use it to identify genes that are differentially
expressed during natural spinal cord regeneration and thyroid hormone induced metamorphosis. To better
enable the research community, we will make the microarray design freely available. This aim will provide a
powerful new tool for salamander researchers and a means for non-salamander researchers to rapidly
screen the salamander for candidate genes and gene networks. Third, we will develop a large interspecific
mapping panel and use it to identify markers and candidate genes for important A mexicanum mutants and
the sex- determining locus. Gene markers will increase the efficiency of managing a federally funded
laboratory stock that provides salamander material to researchers from around the world. With respect to
longer-term goals, the proposed project will spur development of additional resources that will facilitate
identification of salamander genes of biomedical significance.
PERFORMANCE SITE(S) (organization, city, state)
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
PHS 398 (Rev. 09/04) Page £ Form Page 2
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 10/1/01 → 7/22/12 |
Funding
- National Center for Research Resources: $1,496,046.00
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Projects
- 1 Finished
-
Genome Resources for Model Amphibians - Supplement
National Center for Research Resources
9/23/08 → 3/31/11
Project: Research project