Project Number: 6402-21310-001-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2002
End Date: Sep 30, 2005

Objective:
Broad objectives of this research project are to develop bioinformatics and genomics tools/databases to support genomics research primarily on catfish, cotton, and soybeans. The MSA Genomics Laboratory also makes available facilities, instrumentation, and trained personnel for supporting other genomics research, particulary in the MSA, as part of the overall ARS Genomics Program. The utilization of information derived from genomics research requires the design and implementation of effective bioinformatics and genomics tools (e.g. microarrays, biophotonics, DNA sequencing, genotyping) and infrastructure for the collection, storage, analysis, visualization, and public dissemination of information derived from studies of species of agricultural importance. In addition to research activities, this project also includes coordinating interactions with other key collaborating sites involved in agricultural bioinformatics (e.g. Beltsville, Maryland; Clay Center, Nebraska; Ft. Pierce, Florida; Cornell, New York; Mississippi State University, Mississippi; Iowa State University, Iowa).

Approach:
All activities conducted under this project will support basic and applied genomics and bioinformatics problems limiting production primarily of catfish, cotton and soybeans. Supported research projects will be conducted by scientists in multiple research units throughout the Mid South Area. Approaches will support technical and operational responsibility for genomics and bioinformatics aspects of Area research; provide input into the initial planning and design of experiments to facilitate genomic and statistical analyses and development of data by the project scientists; and identify, evaluate and install a variety of highly specialized genomics and bioinformatics equipment and computer programs. As part of this project, novel technologies that utilize non-invasive technologies (e.g. biophotonics) for visualization (imaging at the molecular level using light, heat, and/or fluorescing signatures) of gene expression, invasiveness of bacteria or hormone-receptor interactions in living livestock will be developed.

Project Team

Scheffler, Brian Waldbieser, Geoffrey - Geoff

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Aquaculture (106)   Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)

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