Genetic basis of host resistance

We are dissecting the basis of heritable resistance of animals to infection and their ability to withstand disease.

Using animal populations subject to natural or experimental infection, scientists at Roslin are identifying regions of the genome that confer disease resistance and using them to inform selective breeding programmes.

Furthermore, we are defining how this variation contributes to resistance through gene editing or gene silencing and exploring the use of genetic engineering to instil disease resistance in livestock species.

Research Highlights

Examples of previous and current work in this area:

Genome editing and engineering

We have used CRISPR to produce pigs that are potentially resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Oyster farming to benefit from new genetic screening tool

Oyster farmers are set to benefit from a new genetic tool that will help to prevent disease outbreaks and improve yields.

Breeding for tuberculosis resistant cattle

Scientists have identified genetic traits in cattle that might allow farmers to breed livestock with increased resistance to bovine tuberculosis.

Genome editing to prevent bird flu

Gene-editing techniques have been shown to stop the bird flu virus from replicating in chicken cells in the lab.