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Issue 52 | May 2009
Tim Doran is leading CSIRO's
proof-of-concept research into developing
avian influenza (AI) resistant chickens
using RNAi and transgenics
CSIRO scientists have led the way in the development of what is being hailed as the next big breakthrough in molecular biology – switching-off genes through RNA interference (RNAi).
The first application of this process, in a project led by CSIRO's Peter Waterhouse, saw the 'vaccination' of crops against viruses in much the same way as humans are protected from diseases like measles.
At the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), the concept of RNAi has evolved into a large research focus on controlling diseases and improving production traits in livestock species.
According to Tim Doran, Leader of CSIRO's proof-of-concept research into developing avian influenza (AI) resistant chickens using RNAi and transgenics, this technology is not limited to one particular livestock species or limited to one particular trait.
'It could be used to control genes important for production traits and as an alternative to traditional breeding including enhanced productivity traits and the trait we are focusing on – resistance to disease', Tim said.
Through a new collaborative agreement with Seoul National University, Korea, scientists at AAHL are developing research plans for the generation of other transgenic livestock, in particular developing transgenic pigs that are resistant to viral diseases using CSIRO's RNAi technology.
According to John Lowenthal, Stream Leader for Innovative Disease Control, this is an area that Professor J-Y Han from Seoul National University is a world leader in.
'This agreement allows exchange visits by research staff and students, cooperation in research and exchange of research materials, publications and other scientific information', John said.
Other RNAi related research that is being undertaken at AAHL includes:
The AAHL research groups, through the Emerging Science Initiative and the Transformational Biology Capability Platform, have ongoing close ties with colleagues at Plant Industry labs at Black Mountain in Canberra. This has generated a core group of scientists with overlapping interests to provide discussion, advice and methodologies.
