Mark Fife
The Pirbright Institute, UK
Biography
QTL and association studies), candidate gene mapping and molecular biology techniques. He has produced over 45 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in this area before becoming a Group Leader at the Institute. His work has been the focus of extensive genome-wide and haplotype analysis using web-based SNP selector software that he has implemented at Pirbright. This work has culminated in the identification and characterization of several causal genes for important immune traits in chickens. His current research found a group of related genes called the interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) genes that are able to prevent viruses from attacking and killing host cells. The aim of his group work is to determine the biology and genetic variation of these and similar immune genes in chickens; specifically, the ability of these genes to protect the host against avian viruses. The output of this work will be in identifying specific gene variants that correlate with resistance to a number of avian viruses, thus allowing poultry breeding programmes to select robust chickens, able to fight viral infections.
Abstract
Abstract : Chicken IFITM gene knockout technology for enhanced vaccine production