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Applied Biotechnologies Sections
There are seven sections within the Applied Biotechnologies Centre:
Animal Genomics
This Section utilises its core capabilities in genomics to
identify genes, ultimately aiming to improve the competitiveness of
New Zealand’s sheep, cattle and deer industries. The team is based at three locations –
AgResearch Invermay, near Dunedin, AgResearch Ruakura, and at the
Molecular Biology Unit (MBU) in the Biochemistry Department at the
University of Otago. The section’s skills centre on using industry
and research flocks to identify elite animals carrying desired
traits. The genetics are teased out via extensive field trials that
use the latest genomic technologies and they are subsequently
commercialised through
Genomnz™.
Section Manager: Dr Theresa Wilson
Email: Phone: +64 3 479 3926
Reproductive Technologies
The Ruakura-based Reproductive Technologies section conducts
work on cloning and transgenics and other applied reproductive
technologies. The main aim is to develop advanced technology options
for future farming enterprises. Other activities within this group
include studies on pregnancy establishment and embryology. The group
is also significantly involved in epigenetics research that
determine cell fate, mechanics of re-programming of cells and to
explain the disconnect between genotype and phenotype. As part of
the EPIGEN consortium, one of the drivers is to obtain epigenetic
markers for genotypes that are of interest to the agricultural
sector.
Section Manager:
Dr Vish Vishwanath
Email:
Phone: +64 7 838 5545
Reproductive Biology
The main purpose of research within the Reproductive Biology
Section is to develop new treatments and diagnostics to manage
fertility and develop new products and diagnostics to modify and/or
monitor reproductive systems in farmed animals and wild-life pests.
A major focus is the elucidation of the basic mechanisms involved in
the development, growth, maturation and health of ovarian follicles,
particularly as it relates to the number of eggs released by a
female at each reproductive cycle. This includes developing a
greater understanding of the complex communication between the
pituitary gland and the ovary as well as the local ovarian
regulators of follicular growth. Another area of interest is uterine
function, where the emphasis is on identifying pathways that enhance
embryonic survival during the early stages of pregnancy. Our two
main research animal models are sheep with naturally occurring
genetic mutations affecting reproductive efficiency and the
brushtail possum, which is the number one vertebrate pest in New
Zealand.
Section Manager:
Dr Jenny Juengel
Email: Phone: +64 4 529 0558
Forage Improvement
This section produces high-performance clover and grass
cultivars for both New Zealand farms and international markets, and
also develops selected endophyte strains that add value to elite
grasses. Supporting research is carried out that will lead to new
developments in the future and staff enjoy a close collaboration
with other sections – particularly those in Forage Biotechnology.
The world’s leading team in white clover development can be found
within this section, while other major areas of work include
developing Trifolium hybrids, researching nematode resistance in
clover, the genetic control of root form and toxinology.
Section Manager:
Dr Syd Easton
Email:
Phone:
+64 6 351 8114
Forage Biotechnology
Forage Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary section encompassing
a broad range of capabilities and working in areas from fundamental
to applied research. It aims to develop new tools and technologies
to improve on-farm productivity; enhance the performance of New
Zealand’s pastoral, agricultural and biotechnology industries; and
build on our position at the forefront of these sectors. The
section’s nine teams focus on plant gene discovery and gene
technologies; integrated genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic and
phenomic technologies; protein expression and delivery systems;
control of plant development and longevity; novel fungal
technologies; and biomimetic membrane capabilities.
Section Manager:
Dr Chris Jones
Email:
Phone: +64 6 351 8237
Growth and Development
The Ruakura Muscle and Fibre teams, with the Invermay Deer
Velvet team is developing superior animal genotypes for meat and
wool production and products for human health and wellbeing.
Functional genomic and bioassay technologies are used to identify
candidate genes and bioactives for further development. There is an
overall linking point throughout the section in stem cell biology.
Section Manager:
Dr Allan Pearson
Email:
Phone: +64 7 838 5197
Bioinformatics, Mathematics and Statistics
Application of statistics, mathematics, computer science and
information processing to develop experimental protocols, analyse
and interpret data, and predict responses of biological systems. The
purpose is to improve knowledge and understanding, at various levels
of aggregation, from the genome to the environment.
Section Manager:
Dr Anette Becher
Email:
Phone: +64 3 489 9028
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