Working groups

Lead

Dr Trudee Fair

Deputy-Lead

Dr Alfonso Gutierrez

Aims

To identify the state of the art molecular and imaging techniques for both large scale and focused screening of epigenetic modifications in developing gametes and embryos of livestock species.

To develop an epigenomic toolbox, including screening technologies, protocols for sample preparation and best practice experimental design and statistical analysis procedures for the study of epigenetic changes in gametes and embryos.

To establish a species specific ‘blueprint’ of the epigenetic profile of livestock embryos from the gamete to implantation stages.

To develop in vivo and in vitro methods for epigenetic intervention during embryo development.

To disseminate the knowledge acquired through peer reviewed publications, workshops and summerschools.

Lead

Prof Kevin Sinclair

Deputy-Lead

Dr Anne Navarrete-Santos

Aims

To identify environmental factors that can lead to epigenetic modifications in gametes and pre-implantation mammalian embryos:

• Parental diet

• Environmental chemicals

• Physical/emotional stressors

• Parental health

• Seasonal factors (eg photoperiod)

• Gamete/embryo manipulations associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART)

To identify stages of development during the periconceptional period that are particularly sensitive to epigenetic modifications:

• Germ-cell specification

• Spermatogenesis/spermiogenesis

• Oocyte growth/maturation

• Fertilisation

• Preimplantation development

• Gastrulation

To characterise the nature of epigenetic modifications induced to:

• DNA

• RNA

• DNA associated proteins

To understand the long-term developmental consequences of periconceptional epigenetic modifications:

• Fetal development

• Neonatal viability

• Offspring growth and long-term health

• Sexual dimorphic effects

• Persistency and epigenetic inheritance

• Ageing

Lead

Dr Amos Tandler

Deputy-Lead

Prof Pascale Chavatte-Palmer

Aims

To establish the inter-specific differences in their epigenetic response to environmental and nutritional cues and how subsequent environment and nutrition affects long term responses such as sex control, growth, malformations, metabolism, etc.

To compare the potential of animals whose fertilization and embryonic development is external such as fish, limited by a shell such as birds and that of mammalians whose fertilization and embryonic development are internal, in order to develop model species.

To identify and evaluate the use of factors that promote epigenetic response in lower vertebrates such as fish for improved growth and health and quality in fish and farm animals.

To establish protocols for in vitro models for testing of epigenetic responses to chemical (pollutants) and nutritional factors.

Lead

Professor Tiziana Brevini

Deputy-Lead

Professor Anita Franczak

Aims

To translate research activities into a dissemination strategy.

To fill the gap between researchers and non specialized people, in an attempt to more closely connect science to general public.

To identify “target audiences” that may benefit from the dissemination of the results obtained within this Action.

To generate awareness on the potential impact of scientific networks on society, derive recommendations in decisional area where science and technology play an important role, increase efficiency and productivity sharing the generated data with industry.

To circulate scientific information implementing collaborations and synergies, to encourage exchange and discussion through traditional approaches, to develop fast, real time, low cost dissemination/discussion through social networking.