MHC Genetic Typing Core

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY - Core C: MHC Genetic Typing Core Genetically well-characterized animal models are critical for the success of HIV/AIDS research, including t h e characterization of MHC genotype, calculated ancestry admixture, and pedigree relationships. In particular, comprehensive and accurate MHC genotyping procedures are essential due to the complexity of the MHC class I loci in macaques and influence of haplotypes on disease progression. Maximizing breeding colony efficiency to increase the production of genetically well-characterized animal models for H I V / A I D S research must be balanced against the need to preserve genetic diversity within the colony. This is required to not only to promote long-term colony health, but to ensure the relevance of experimental findings to human disease which rely on genetic variance within the study population. The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) has led the development of many of the currently recommended colony management approaches and technologies used for the genetic typing and management of NHP colonies. Thus, the aims of the Genetics Core for this project are to, 1) use state-of-the-art genetic testing to characterize all ONPRC Indian-origin rhesus macaques in the SPF4 colony for MHC genotype, and 2) to maximize the genetic diversity of the ONPRC breeding colony while producing optimal numbers of generically characterized and relevant Indian-origin rhesus macaques to meet research need. To achieve these aims, we will conduct MHC Class I genotyping of an additional 740 SPF4 Indian-origin rhesus macaques to support continued research and will develop new or improved approaches to the genetic NHP management. Innovative approaches include the modification of single target SNP-based assays to take advantage of high throughput sequencing technologies, expanding the panel of standard genetic variants genotyped and the incorporation of modern genomic data resources into the colony management decision making process. These advances should allow for a cost- effective means to produce more targeted and relevant genetic data which will be used to preserve genetic variation, increase colony fitness through informed breeding pair management, and better characterize NHPs for HIV/AIDS research.