Finding the Genes Expressed in Female Reproductive Tissues in Pigs

A molecular understanding of porcine reproduction is of biological interest and economic importance. Our Midwest Consortium has produced cDNA libraries containing the majority of genes expressed in major female reproductive tissues, and we have deposited into public databases 21,499 expressed sequence tag (EST) gene sequences from the 3\u27 end of clones from these libraries. These sequences represent 10,574 different genes, based on sequence comparison among these data, and comparison to existing porcine genes indicate as many as 4,652 are novel. Computer analysis identified sequences that are expressed in specific pig tissues or organs, and confirmed the broad expression in pig for many genes ubiquitously expressed in human tissues. Furthermore, we have developed computer software to identify sequence similarity of these pig genes with their human counterparts, and to extract the mapping information of these human homologues from genome databases. We used this software to localize 61 genes on the porcine physical map of chromosomes 5, 10, and 14. Thus our sequence data is useful in accelerating mapping studies and will be useful in understanding pig reproductive biology

Heat Stress during Pig Oocyte In Vitro Maturation Impacts Embryonic Development and Gene Expression

Gene expression of heat stressed oocytes matured in vitro was evaluated for potential markers which could be used to characterize the effects of heat stress on developing oocytes in the pig. Three heat stress scenarios were administered during in vitro oocyte maturation. Heat stressed oocytes had reduced maturation rates, decreased developmental competency, and altered expression of heat stress and developmental competency markers

Genetic markers for improved disease resistance in animals (BPI)

A method for determining improved disease resistance in animals is disclosed. The method assays for a novel genetic alleles of the BPI gene of the animal. The alleles are correlated with superior disease resistance. Novel nucleotide sequences, assays and primers are disclosed for the methods of the invention

Genetic markers for screening animals for improved disease resistance (NRAMP)

A method for determining improved innate immunity, disease resistance or performance in animals is disclosed. The method involves assays for a genetic differences in the NRAMP1 gene of the animal which is associated with superior disease resistance. Novel NRAMP1 sequence, assays, and compositions for identifying the presence of absence of these alleles are provided