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Pig Genome Newsletter #023
Pig Genome Update No. 23
March 1, 1997
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The Plant and Animal Genome V meeting was held January 12-16, 1997 in San
Diego, California. The meeting demonstrated that advancements in plant and
animal gene mapping are moving ahead nicely. The meeting was the first time
animal genome researchers joined the plant meeting. Over 850 people
participated and there were over 450 posters and abstracts. In addition,
there were over 100 invited presentations and workshop reports. These
abstracts and other information can be found at the WWW address:
http://probe.nalusda.gov:8000/otherdocs/pg/pg5/allabstracts.html. As part of
the meeting, several animal species groups held workshops including the pig
genome scientists (see below). Invited speakers included reports on the need
for a proactive role by genome scientists in describing their work to law
makers and the public (Bradie Methany) and QTL experiments in several
species including in tomatoes (Steve Tanksley), pigs and pine trees (Chris
Haley), beef cattle (Jay Hetzel), chickens (Martien Groenen), and mice
(Ariel Darvasi). Several talks presented new techniques and information on
comparative genomics for coat color (Leif Andersson) and the X-chromosome in
mammals (Jenny Graves). Transgenic experiments in chickens were also
described (Ann Gibbons). Nearly 100 animal posters and abstracts were
presented.
In addition to the talks and posters, several technique workshops were
presented. These included those on AFLPs and computer graphics. Several
companies also were present to discuss new products. Plant and Animal Genome
VI will be January 18-22, 1998 and again will be in San Diego. Ideas for
workshops and speakers can be directed to any of the planning committee
(Daniel Pomp, Jay Hetzel, Hans Cheng and Max Rothschild).
NRSP-8 met on the second day of PAG V. Business included the supporting of
future additions of the Horse and Aquaculture groups to the overall national
project. Species coordinators presented highlights of their workshops and
the administrative advisors also presented updates. Margaret Dentine (WI)
will be stepping down as chair and Hans Cheng (USDA-ARS) will become next
year's chair. Daniel Pomp (NE) was elected to be the vice chair. The meeting
also discussed the rewrite efforts for NRSP-8. A writing committee of the
officers of NRSP-8, the species committees and the coordinators was
developed and will be chaired by Jerry Dodgson (MI). Any ideas you have on
objectives or support should be addressed to any of the committee members.
As part of NRSP-8, the Swine Species Committee met on January 12. The
day-long Swine Genome Workshop featured reports on PiGMaP (Chris Haley), QTL
analysis (Leif Andersson), growth resource family analyses (Archie Clutter),
embryo development (Rod Geisert), positional cloning (Sara Sunden), QTL
analyses in pigs and pico-pigs (Daniel Pomp), RAPD markers (Bob Park) and
microdissecting of pig chromosomes (Deryl Troyer). Other station reports
were presented by Iowa, Minnesota and USDA-BARC and Administrative advisors,
Dr. Colin Scanes and Dr. Dick Frahm. The committees discussed the recent
revisions to NC-210 and agreed to meet at PAG VI next year. Archie Clutter
(OK) will be chair and Sara Sunden was elected secretary.
The recent PiGMaP meeting in Bologna, Italy on February 2-3, 1997 was
another fine example of international cooperation. Held in a room with 15th
century frescos, the participants from 18 labs presented the latest results
on genetic and physical mapping and QTL analysis. The new PiGMaP genetic
linkage map has over 650 markers of which about 200 are genes. Five U.S.
labs, including Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and USDA-BARC have
included data. QTL analyses from several labs including those of Iowa
reconfirmed evidence of QTL on chromosomes 4, 7 and 13. A joint analysis of
data from several labs is now being prepared on data from chromosome 4. A
major collaborative QTL project with over 2000 animals is well underway. A
diversity pilot project involving several countries and 10 breeds will be
completed soon. Plans to develop new collaborative projects for the EEC are
in development.
The NCR-21 Quantitative Genetics regional project and the Gordon Conference
of Quantitative Genetics met in Ventura, CA from February 9 - February 14.
Reports from several stations highlighted the NCR-21 project. The Gordon
Conference highlighted advances in QTL research and this year's meeting
emphasized aspects of QTLs and epistasis and models to examine gene
interaction.
A second set of fluorescently labeled primers for pig microsatellites is now
available. The second set contains 33 primer pairs bringing the total number
of available fluorescent primers to 96. Information about all the primers
can be found at the U.S. Pig Gene Mapping web site
(http://www.public.iastate.edu/~pigmap). Fluorescent primer set 2 can be
obtained by sending a request to the U.S. Pig Genome Coordinator
(mfrothsc@iastate.edu). Also, a limited number of fluorescent primer set 1
are still available. Funds for these materials are provided by the
USDA-CSREES Pig Genome Coordination Project. Suggestions to produce
additional primer pairs are also welcome. This next year's goal will be to
make at least an additional 50 pairs.
Got an idea to share resources? We are always looking for ideas from pig
gene mappers. In the past, people have suggested sharing primers, DNA and
information about databases and funds for travel. We already have
accomplished many of these suggestions. Other ideas of services that can be
provided as part of the coordination effort are under consideration. Your
thoughts would be appreciated.
Upcoming meetings:
9th International Congress on Genes, Gene Families and Isozymes, San
Antonio, April 9-14, TX; contact: isozyme@darwin.sfbr.org for details.
International Conference on Animal Biotechnology, China Agricultural
University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; June 11-14, 1997; contact
Ning Li, phone 86 10 62633055 or 86 10 62632715, Fax: 86 10 62582332 or 86
10 62582128, email: ninglbau@public3.bta.net.cn.
Transgenic Animals in Agriculture, Granlibakken Conference Center, Tahoe
City, CA, August 24-27, 1997; see
http://pubweb.ucdavis.edu/Documents/BIOTECH/biotech1.htm.
International Course in QTL Detection and Marker-Assisted Selection, Mitzpa
Rachel Convention Center, Jerusalem, Israel, August 24-Sept. 4, 1997 (dates
tentative). Contact: Joel Weller at weller@agri.huji.ac.il.
6th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale,
New South Wales, Australia, January 12-16, 1998. Contact: Dr. Laurie Piper
at 61 67 73-3609, Fax: 61 67 73-3611, email: 6wcgalp@mendel.une.edu.au.
Contributions to Pig Genome Update 24 including short meeting announcements
are always welcome. Please send by April 10.
Max F. Rothschild
U.S. Pig Genome Coordinator
225 Kildee Hall
Department of Animal Science
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: 515-294-6202
Fax: 515-294-2401
mfrothsc@iastate.edu
Paid for by funds from the NRSP-8 USDA/CSREES sponsored pig genome
coordination program
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