Whole Genome Sequencing (Animals)



Whole Genome Sequencing (Animals)

The introduction of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in animal studies has brought about a transformative era in genetics and biology, enabling researchers to decode the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. This breakthrough technology has had a profound impact on various aspects of animal science, including evolutionary studies, biomedical research, conservation, and agriculture.

Here are some key applications of whole genome sequencing in various aspects of animal studies:

  • Biomedical Research:
    • Disease Genetics: WGS is used to identify genetic factors associated with diseases in animals. This information is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of inherited disorders, susceptibility to infections, and other health-related conditions.
    • Cancer Genomics: WGS aids in characterizing the genomic alterations in cancer cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development in animals. This information can guide the development of targeted therapies.
  • Evolutionary Biology and Phylogenetics:
    • Phylogenetic Studies: WGS contributes to the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among different animal species. Comparative genomics allows researchers to trace the genetic changes that have occurred over evolutionary time, providing insights into the diversification of species.
    • Population Genetics: WGS helps study genetic diversity within and between animal populations, informing conservation strategies and understanding population dynamics.
  • Conservation Genetics:
    • Population Monitoring: WGS is employed in monitoring the genetic health and diversity of endangered species. This information assists in designing effective conservation strategies, including captive breeding programs and habitat management.
    • Forensic Applications: WGS can be used for forensic purposes in wildlife conservation, such as identifying the origin of illegal wildlife products and investigating cases of poaching.
  • Agriculture and Livestock Improvement:
    • Selective Breeding: WGS aids in identifying genetic markers associated with desirable traits in livestock, such as meat quality, milk production, and disease resistance. This information guides selective breeding programs for improved productivity.
    • Disease Resistance: Understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance in animals through WGS supports efforts to develop breeds with enhanced resistance to infectious diseases.
  • Animal Nutrition and Metabolism:
    • Nutritional Genomics: WGS contributes to understanding the genetic basis of nutrient utilization and metabolism in animals. This knowledge is applied to optimize feeding strategies in livestock for improved growth and production efficiency.
  • Model Organisms in Research:
    • Mouse Models: WGS is widely used in mouse genetics, a crucial model organism in biomedical research. It helps researchers understand the genetic basis of human diseases and test therapeutic interventions before clinical trials.
  • Veterinary Medicine:
    • Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders: WGS assists in diagnosing genetic disorders in animals, providing veterinarians with valuable information for disease management and treatment.
    • Pharmacogenomics: Understanding the genetic basis of drug responses in animals through WGS contributes to personalized veterinary medicine and the development of tailored treatment plans.
  • Zoo and Aquarium Management:
    • Genetic Management of Populations: WGS supports genetic management strategies in captive populations, helping to avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity in zoo and aquarium settings.
  • Infectious Disease Surveillance:
    • Pathogen Genomics: WGS is used to study the genomes of pathogens affecting animals, aiding in the surveillance and monitoring of infectious diseases. This information is crucial for designing effective control and prevention strategies.
  • Biosecurity and Disease Control:
    • Traceability: WGS can be applied to trace the origin and transmission pathways of infectious diseases in animal populations, supporting biosecurity measures and disease control efforts.

The continual advancement of sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools has made WGS more accessible and cost-effective. This has facilitated large-scale genomic studies and contributed to the expansion of genomic research in diverse animal species and understanding the fundamental genetics of species to practical applications in agriculture, conservation, and medicine.

In short, WGS applications enables you to:

  • Detect and identify known and novel mutations
  • Detect and characterize pathogen DNA from infected animal samples
  • Identify alleles or variations in a genome

Getting Started

1. Fill in the enquiry form or contact MGRC at enquiries@mgrc.com.my

2. Tell us about your project and what you would like to achieve.

  • What organism would you like to sequence?
  • Is this a de novo sequencing or resequencing project? If the latter, what reference sequence would you prefer?
  • Do you know the approximate size of the genome?
  • Do you have any information on its genomic content (GC content, repeat regions)?

3. We will contact you to discuss your requirements in greater detail.