High density porcine SNP chip
The Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium (SGSC), which is developing a high density(~50K) SNP chip for pigs, is seeking collaboration with, and information from, researchers interested in the technology.
SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphism. An SNP chip is a microscope slide on which DNA sequences are immobilized and is used by researchers to detect the presence of SNPs. It helps detect variation in DNA components between different individuals.
It is envisioned that the chip will be employed widely by the porcine research community to drive gene discovery and associated analyses and eventually whole genome selection. The SNPs included for this project will be selected from those in public databases on February 1, 2008.
The consortium encourages researchers interested in access to the technology to join their group. In addition, investigators possessing SNP information that has not been placed in public databases are encouraged to submit their information as soon as possible so that the most useful set of SNPs can be included in the final product.
At present, neither the cost per chip nor the commercial provider of the technology has been finalized. To help define both, the consortium is seeking to quantify the likely demand for the finished chip. Researchers should contact either Mohammad Koohmaraie, Max Rothschild or Larry Schook if their research program/institution would consider purchasing and employing the 50K pig SNP chip. They should indicate the approximate number of chips required initially and per year, so that they can be included in the mailing list concerning chip production and supply. The consortium aims to achieve the maximum economy of scale across the pig genomic community and in turn achieve the lowest unit cost per chip.
The Swine Genome Sequencing Consortium involves CSREES, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the University of Illinois, Iowa State University, and the National Pork Board. It hopes to complete the chip by mid 2008.
The contacts above can provide additional information to interested parties.
Back to Animal Breeding, Genetics, & Genomics Home Page |
