2.Functional genomics to understand host-pathogen interactions
- New research strategies employing high-throughput gene expression
analysis are providing novel platforms for more comprehensive
understanding of host—pathogen interactions. In particular,
functional genomics is rapidly revolutionizing the analysis of whole
genome responses of the host to environmental, nutritional, or disease
factors that affect the health of animals.
- Identify research centres that maintain genetically well-defined
animal breeds with different disease phenotypes as a resource for
developing animal disease models.
- Identify breeds that vary in phenotypic expression of health traits
and open these resources to all scientists conducting research in
animal genomics.
- Build specific databases for each target animal species and pathogen
type and establish a systematic programme for training and sharing
predictive tools.
- Establish bioinformatics infrastructure with state-of-the-art genomic
tools and resources that can integrate genotype, phenotype and
functional genomics data for each animal species and priority
diseases.
- Funding agencies should consider funding longer-term projects to
support the infrastructure needed to develop animal populations with
desirable health traits, the extensive phenotyping of these
populations, and genome-wide genotyping of these populations.