Know more

Functional annotation allows identifying the transcripts and  the regulating elements present in the genomes, depending on the developmental stages and tissues, and in response to environmental disturbances. In coordination and in synergy with world efforts and projects currently underway within the "Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes" (FAANG) community, we will characterize the "Switch" dynamics of these regulating elements of the genome from embryos (in chickens) and foetuses (in pigs) to adults in a panel of important tissues in order to perform annotations and improve the sustainability of farming systems. From these data, new predictive genomic models will be developed, by integrating the genetic information contained in the functional annotations. These models will then be validated using the production of new QTL expression data in pigs and the existing QTL high-resolution data in chickens, then in commercial pig and poultry populations. In addition, epigenetic data in relation with feeding will help evaluate the influence of the mother's diet on the epigenome of the pig fetus, and to determine whether such effects persist after weaning. These open data will comply with FAANG standards and will provide the community with precious knowledge on genetic and epigenetic variations of functional elements. An important programme for the dissemination and awareness-raising of actors will be implemented. The GENE-SWICH consortium, in a real co-creation effort, includes partners that represent European excellence (including FAANG pioneer academic institutions) and world industrial leaders of breeding and biotechnology sectors. As a consequence, GENE-SWITCH will make a considerable contribution to the global effort of the FAANG project, underlying how functional annotation of genomes can promote genomic selection, immediately benefiting breeding sectors and for the develoment of new sustainable animal production strategies.