Research/RNA interference for genomic studies and therapeutics
From Poultry Hub
Title: RNA interference for genomic studies and therapeutics
Project Leader: Tim Doran at CSIRO funded by Poultry CRC (Project 03-16b)
Duration of Project: 24 December 2003 to 24 December 2009
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Project overview
Triggered by double stranded RNA molecules with sequence specificity to target genes, RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an excellent method for specifically "switching off" genes. RNAi is now widely used in gene function studies and also shows great promise in the development of therapeutics, particularly for viral diseases.
Project objectives
- Develop RNAi as a method to study gene function in chicken cells; and
- Develop RNAi as a therapeutic for poultry diseases.
Project progress
The major progress in this project has been in providing data for the recently filed full patent application for use of RNAi to modulate production traits in ovo. A major trait that we are currently targeting is sex determination, particularly for the layer industry. Increasing the number of female chicks that hatch will be a significant commercial benefit to this industry. It will improve cost/benefit to producers when using innovative in ovo delievered vaccines and for the breeders will help with welfare issues relating to screening and depletion of male chicks. We have also published a paper in Antiviral Research describing the development of therapeutic RNAi molecules to inhibit the replication of chicken anaemia virus.
