Increase understanding tissue development to improve production and health
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: The Roslin Institute
Abstract
The genetic diversity of livestock species provides a valuable resource for understanding basic developmental processes. We will investigate the developmental systems that underlie traits of economic importance in animal production; the musculoskeletal system, adipose tissue, limb polarity and feather production. To inform breeding strategies, improve animal health and also provide basic knowledge relevant to human health, we need to understand the mechanisms that are disrupted when normal development goes wrong, We will use specific mutants and appropriate genetic variation for the problems we will study, together with classical rodent models. This is particularly the case in animals genetically selected for rapid growth, which can develop muscle and bone pathologies. Birds and mammals carry feathers or hairs of different shapes and sizes on different parts of the body and these traits are linked to animal health and productivity, particularly related to climate and season. In a similar way as limb polarity in the developing embryo, these traits are underpinned by embryonic patterning which is governed by a network of developmental signals. The molecular dissection of how these key interacting networks regulate tissue assembly during development is a key objective of this theme. This new knowledge will be used to inform breeding strategies, production systems and improvements to animal health and welfare.
Organisations
- University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- Granada University (Collaboration)
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children Edinburgh (Collaboration)
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (Collaboration)
- Agricultural University Plovdiv (Collaboration)
- Wageningen University, Netherlands (Collaboration)
- Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH (Collaboration)
- Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics (Collaboration)
- University of Bern (Collaboration)
- Aarhus University, Denmark (Collaboration)
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) (Collaboration)
- Fight for Sight, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sci, Sweden (Collaboration)
- Institut de Sélection Animale BV (Collaboration)
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) (Collaboration)
- Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Collaboration)
- Nordic Cilia and Centrosome Network (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen Sang (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Adhikari K
(2015)
A genome-wide association study identifies multiple loci for variation in human ear morphology.
in Nature communications
Adhikari K
(2016)
A genome-wide association scan in admixed Latin Americans identifies loci influencing facial and scalp hair features.
in Nature communications
Al-Jazzar A
(2016)
Dmp1 Promoter-Driven Diphtheria Toxin Receptor Transgene Expression Directs Unforeseen Effects in Multiple Tissues.
in International journal of molecular sciences
Anderson C
(2016)
A strategy to discover new organizers identifies a putative heart organizer.
in Nature communications
Balic A
(2014)
Visualisation of chicken macrophages using transgenic reporter genes: insights into the development of the avian macrophage lineage.
in Development (Cambridge, England)
Berry RL
(2015)
Deducing the stage of origin of Wilms' tumours from a developmental series of Wt1-mutant mice.
in Disease models & mechanisms
Boyde A
(2017)
A distinctive patchy osteomalacia characterises Phospho1-deficient mice.
in Journal of anatomy
Bravo Y
(2014)
Design, synthesis and evaluation of benzoisothiazolones as selective inhibitors of PHOSPHO1.
in Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters
| Title | Photography |
| Description | Photographs for the new website of The Genetics Society from 2016 to present. |
| Type Of Art | Image |
| Year Produced | 2016 |
| Impact | Impact through all members of the Genetics Society, its website and social media. Also, conference photos. see: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/files/47857104/GS_Conference_DougV.jpg |
| URL | http://www.genetics.org.uk |
| Title | Posters: Chromatin, Epigenetics, and Transcriptional Regulation Meeting - UoE Network |
| Description | Poster for each meeting since 2014 |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2013 |
| Impact | Our network across five campuses (Roslin, IGMM, SCRM/QMRI, KB, BMS) connects more than 150 scientists working on related topics within the UoE, with the aim of promoting a strong research community. Meetings take place three times a year and are an opportunity for students, postdocs and PIs to present their work to a specialised audience for feedback and discussion. The meetings aim to foster dialogue between scientists of all levels and promote collaborations between the Edinburgh labs and Institutes. Network interaction between PIs, postdocs and PhD students will take place at the social after the talks (note to late-comers: HRB card entry is required after 6pm). Please see our posters on the notice boards. |
| URL | https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/files/52878194/Poster_Douglas_Vernimmen_21_Feb_2018.jpg |
| Title | Promotional video for The Genetics Society |
| Description | Welcome to the Genetics Society! Our Learned Society acts to support and promote research and teaching of genetics in the UK. It covers the study of genomes, genes and gene action, and embraces scales ranging from the molecular and cellular to the population and ecosystem level. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | The Genetics Society runs two scientific meetings a year, and provide funding for undergraduate summer projects, fieldwork, training, specialist interest groups, scientific meeting organisation, conference attendance and travel. We also award a number of named Medals and Prize Lectures to outstanding and distinguished geneticists each year. Our members come both from the UK and overseas: we maintain links with several genetics societies in other countries. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in genetics research or teaching. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN3RIf2Aydk |
| Description | Biomineralisation of the skeleton is indispensable for vertebrate health and wellbeing throughout life. Bone mineralisation is orchestrated by osteoblasts and occurs via a series of physicochemical and biochemical processes that together facilitate the deposition of complex calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite mineral crystals within an organic collagenous matrix. Phosphatases are essential for promoting biomineralisation but their identities and functions remain unclear. We have shown that complete bone and tooth mineralisation requires both PHOSPHO1 and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity and that there is functional co-operativity between both phosphatases during the initiation of skeletal mineralisation. Specifically, mineralisation involves the convergence of two independent biochemical pathways: intravesicular phosphate generation by PHOSPHO1 and the influx of phosphate, generated in the perivesicular space by alkaline phosphatase, via phosphate transporters. Furthermore, our studies have shown the expression of PHOSPHO1 and alkaline phosphatase is coordinately regulated by PTH exposure in mineralising osteoblast cultures. The ablation of the matrix protein osteopontin also prevents the skeletal deformities in Phospho1-/- mice. Deviations from optimal bone structure and biomechanical properties involving modifications to the intricate structure of the collagen-mineral composite are likely to be detrimental to bone's mechanical integrity. Indeed, bones from Phospho1-/- mice have smaller apatite crystals, lower mineral:matrix ratios, and are physically tougher. They also have impaired load-bearing characteristics and delayed fracture repair. Recent studies have also shown that PHOSPHO1, through its ability to liberate choline from membrane bound phosphocholine, is able to influence insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and obesity development. The ability to influence the phosphocholine content of membranes has also implicated PHOSPHO1 activity in terminal erythropoiesis. The emergence of bone as an endocrine regulator has prompted a re-evaluation of the role of bone mineralisation factors in the development of metabolic disease. We have investigated the metabolic phenotype associated with impaired bone metabolism in mice lacking the gene that encodes NPP1 (Enpp1). Enpp1-/- mice exhibited mildly improved glucose homeostasis on a normal diet but showed a pronounced resistance to obesity and insulin resistance in response to chronic high-fat feeding. Enpp1-/- mice also had increased levels of the insulin-sensitising bone-derived hormone osteocalcin. A fuller understanding of the pathways of NPP1 could inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating insulin resistance. Additionally, we have studied the impact of a number of novel calcification regulators on vascular smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation and calcification. We have found both BMP9 and IGF2 to be upregulated during this process, and have demonstrated that treatment with mineralocorticoids and testosterone can accelerate the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore we have shown inhibition of VSMC calcification by extracellular nucleotides. Mechanistic studies in valve interstitial cells have also revealed a role for Annexin VI enrichment of derived-matrix vesicles in the calcification process. These data may have potentially important implications for the treatment of pathological mineralisation. Genotype differences in activity and muscle development exist in sheep foetuses and lambs. Suffolk foetuses were less active in utero, and had a lower proportion of slow twitch fibres and higher proportions of fast-oxidative glycolytic fibres in the soleus (postural muscle) than Scottish Blackface foetuses. Modest (~75%) maternal undernutrition altered foetal and lamb muscle fibre numbers, types and proportions. A relationship between foetal muscle fibre characteristics and lamb activity and behaviour was discovered. An increased proportion of slow oxidative fibres in foetal soleus muscles was associated with increased activity in new-born lambs. More active lambs are more likely to survive. We have made important contributions to the normal control of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), how this is deregulated as a result of mutations in Wilms' tumour genes, and on the further development of nephrons. We have identified PI3K signalling as a potential point of convergence for different signals, including the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. We also showed that Wt1, one of the Wilms' tumour genes, has multiple roles in nephron development by knocking it out with different stage-specific Cre drivers. This included a pre-MET driver which resulted in a block of the MET at the NPC stage. Interestingly, in these mutant kidneys we could identify an early muscle differentiation programme. This is highly relevant as specifically WT1-mutant Wilms' tumours show the ectopic development of striated muscle. These data suggest that this is a direct effect of WT1 loss rather than an indirect or bystander effect due to additional mutations We also identified a beta-catenin activity gradient along the proximal-distal of the post-MET nephron that drives the patterning of this structure. Beta-catenin is the driving force of this patterning, which is further fine-tuned through crosstalk with BMP, PTEN and Notch signalling. We also were involved in the identification of a new mechanism that controls the spatial distribution of bud branches called 'node retraction') and in the identification of the role of RhoK in nephron polarity. We expressed recombinant CSF1 of pigs and chickens as Fc fusion proteins, and used these proteins to explore the role of CSF1 in homeostasis. The outcomes confirmed that the biology of CSF1 is conserved between birds and mammals. The recombinant mammalian protein was shown to promote the growth of the liver. This led us to a paradigm shift in understanding the homeostatic control of hepatocyte renewal. In birds, we have produced antibodies against CSF1 and the CSF1 receptor. These reagents led us to identify novel subsets of macrophages in immune organs, and novel site of expression of the receptor in immune sampling cells. Ongoing studies of Fibrillin-1 identified a key role in adipogenesis. We showed that the level of body fat in humans and mice is correlated with expression of Fibrillin-1 mRNA. In addition, Fibrillin-1 protein is present early in adipogenesis but declines rapidly as differentiation proceeds. The C-terminal fragment of this extracellular matrix protein was independently shown to act as a glucogenic hormone, synthesised in adipose tissue and targeting the liver, which supports our results indicating the importance of this protein in determining fat levels. Since fat is an important production trait, these results have implications both for formation of mesenchymal tissues and for reduction of fat in livestock animals to produce lean meat and hence reduce obesity. We have shown that TALPID3, an essential gene for development in model animals and first identified by us in the chicken, is a key locus in Joubert Syndrome- a human developmental disorder characterised by abnormal cerebellum development. Furthermore our work on the pathology of the developing embryo, particularly the loss of viability, fibrosis of the liver and loss of lung development and proteomic interactions with TALPID3, have shown and informed other clinicians that mutations in TALPID3 are causative loci for human Jeunes syndrome, short-rib polydactyly and retinal degeneration. Through comparative genomic, developmental analysis quantitative proteomics and manipulation of the SHH signaling pathway during the limb development in different chicken breeds and other avian species we have determined positive and negative feedbacks on the enhancer which controls SHH expression during development. This work has been of particular interest to specialists in congenital limb abnormalities as a primary locus for polydactyly and other congenital limb abnormalities in humans. We have identified the scaleless mutation in featherless chickens as being in FGF20 and gone on to define the interactions between FGF20, BMP, WNT and EDA signalling in feather development. Using time-lapse imaging we have demonstrated that extensive cell movement occurs simultaneously with, and interacts with, these intercellular signals during feather patterning and derived a new mathematical model to describe and interrogate this developmental process. We have identified genetic loci associated with wool shedding in British sheep breeds and defined the transcriptional profile of moulting and non-moulting skin. Together these approaches have identified specific candidate genes that control the process of moulting in sheep and that have been selectively bred during sheep domestication and identified seasonally regulated genes in ovine skin. Using systems biology approaches we have determined the expression signature of different organizer tissues during development and contributed to identification of a new heart organizer in Anterior Intestinal Portal. The effect of exercise and genetics were examined on the composition of bone in laying hens. Whilst the well-known differences in genetic lines for mechanical and bone histomorphological measurements were confirmed the cortical and medullary bone material properties; degree of mineralization, carbonate substitution in the mineral (type B), mineral crystallinity, collagen cross-linking, degree of alignment of apatite crystals were indistinguishable between bird lines. The type of housing and therefore physical activity, however, did have a large influence on bone material. Cortical bone is thinner and has more and larger resorption cavities in caged versus aviary birds. Cortical bone in aviary birds, has a lower degree of mineralization, a lesser amount of carbonate type B substitution and a lower crystallinity than caged birds. This suggests that cortical bone in aviary hens is more metabolically active and has a faster turnover rate, so that bone tissue is continuously being renewed and does not become fully mineralized. Medullary bone mineral was less mature in aviary than in caged hens and therefore a more rapid rate of medullary bone formation and turnover. |
| Exploitation Route | Our fundamental research on a range of developmental systems will inform development of treatments and novel pharmaceuticals. Our cross-programme interactions applying knowledge of developing systems to understanding the basis of genetic abnormalities in livestock will inform breeding strategies and development of genetic tests and provide novel targets for genome engineering. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | We have begun to engage with producers, advisors and policy-makers regarding the optimal nutritional management of pregnant sheep of different breeds. We have engaged with producers of insecticides as experts on the effects of bioactive pathway inhibitors on embryogenesis. A gene test for PRICKLE1 mutation in sheep to identify and eliminate carriers from the breeding pool for sheep farmers has been developed in a cross-programme initiative. This is now available as a commercial test to farmers. In addition, we are engaged with sheep farming groups about the potential for breeding for wool shedding in their flocks. We have identified EDA pathway-induced biomarkers for clinical trials of recombinant EDA for Edimer Pharmaceuticals. We have engaged extensively with specific clinical groups, particularly surgeons specialising in congenital hand and foot disorders, which has created collaborative projects utilising novel transgenic chicken flocks to fully map the anatomy of the developing limb and explore the cellular and genetic basis of human congenital malformations with unknown etiology. The finding that recombinant mammalian CSF1 promotes liver growth was patented, and CSF1-Fc is being explored as a candidate therapeutic in liver disease. We have designed, synthesised and evaluated new selective inhibitors of PHOSPHO1 (benzoisothiazolones) and used them to show that pharmacological inhibition of PHOSPHO1 suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell calcification This has potentially important implication for the treatment of pathological mineralisation. Also in in the human health arena we have demonstrated that Phospho1 ablation improves metabolic profile and confers resistance to obesity and diabetes, most likely through a primary effect on bone metabolism or turnover. This is consistent with several recent reports indicating that DNA methylation of loci within PHOSPHO1 in blood DNA is associated with future type 2 diabetes risk. The understanding of the physical parameters leading to stronger bones in laying hens is helping us shape the selection of alternative methods to phenotype laying hens to improve bone health and fracture, especially in aviary systems. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Member of Arthritis Research UK studentship and fellowship committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Society for Endocrinology Bone and Calcium Network Group |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
| Description | ANIHWA call 2: Better bone quality in laying hens |
| Amount | £836,262 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/M028291/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 10/2018 |
| Description | Accelerating advances in animal welfare |
| Amount | $486,594 (USD) |
| Funding ID | 550396 |
| Organisation | Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2022 |
| Description | BBSRC - Industrial CASE |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 09/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC Response Mode |
| Amount | £561,754 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2015 |
| End | 02/2017 |
| Description | BBSRC Sparking Impact Award |
| Amount | £22,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2014 |
| End | 02/2015 |
| Description | BBSRC-DTP |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2012 |
| End | 09/2016 |
| Description | BBSRC-EASTBIO DTP |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | British Society for Developmental Biology PI Award |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Developmental Biology |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 04/2017 |
| Description | British Society for Developmental Biology Studentship |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Developmental Biology |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2015 |
| End | 09/2015 |
| Description | British Society for Developmental Biology Travel Award |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Developmental Biology |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 04/2017 |
| Description | British Society for Developmental Biology Travel Award |
| Amount | £500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Developmental Biology |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2017 |
| End | 04/2017 |
| Description | British Society for Surgery of the Hand Pume Priming |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2015 |
| End | 08/2015 |
| Description | British Society for Surgery of the Hand Research Grant |
| Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2016 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | COST Action |
| Amount | € 3,000 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | CA15224 |
| Organisation | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 04/2016 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | Chromatin, Epigenetics and Transcriptional Regulation - UoE Network 2018 |
| Amount | £1,100 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2017 |
| End | 07/2018 |
| Description | Clinical Research Training Fellowship |
| Amount | £277,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2016 |
| End | 02/2020 |
| Description | Coming of Age: The Legacy of Dolly at 20 |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Genetics Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2016 |
| Description | Company of Biologist Small Meeting Grant |
| Amount | £3,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Company of Biologists |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2017 |
| End | 07/2017 |
| Description | DTP Studentship |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | Dogs Trust Bateson Canaine Welfare Grant |
| Amount | £103,114 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Dogs Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2014 |
| End | 06/2016 |
| Description | ECAT clinical PhD studentship |
| Amount | £298,095 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 103000/Z/13/Z |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2013 |
| End | 07/2016 |
| Description | Edinburgh Haematopoiesis Network (EHN) |
| Amount | £1,300 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2015 |
| End | 02/2016 |
| Description | Fellowship |
| Amount | £129,999 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Society for Haematology |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2013 |
| End | 08/2017 |
| Description | MRS Studentship |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Scotland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2015 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | Marie Sklodowska Curie fellowship |
| Amount | € 195,455 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2018 |
| Description | PhD student funded from MSc biomedical sciences |
| Amount | £18,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2014 |
| End | 10/2017 |
| Description | Private company |
| Amount | £28,800 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Edimer Pharmaceuticals |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 03/2015 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | Research Grant |
| Amount | £198,991 (GBP) |
| Organisation | The Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2017 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | Research Grant |
| Amount | £823,605 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/M010341/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2015 |
| End | 07/2018 |
| Description | Response Mode grant |
| Amount | £147,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Scotland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2012 |
| End | 07/2014 |
| Description | Response Mode grant |
| Amount | £180,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Versus Arthritis |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2014 |
| End | 01/2024 |
| Description | Response mode |
| Amount | £372,405 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/J017183/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2013 |
| End | 01/2016 |
| Description | Response mode |
| Amount | £811,087 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/N008545/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2016 |
| End | 03/2019 |
| Description | Response mode |
| Amount | £819,290 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2015 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | Rooney Foundation Grant |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | William Rooney Plastic Surgery & Burns Research Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2016 |
| End | 08/2016 |
| Description | Self funding |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | Global Fund |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2014 |
| End | 12/2016 |
| Description | Society Development Biology Meeting Award |
| Amount | $4,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Society-Developmental Biology |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 07/2017 |
| End | 07/2017 |
| Description | UKIERI (UK-India partnership) |
| Amount | £28,305 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Council |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2013 |
| End | 01/2015 |
| Description | Whitaker International Program |
| Amount | $100,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Whitaker International Program |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 05/2016 |
| End | 04/2018 |
| Description | nGUDMAP |
| Amount | £135,354 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 1U01DK101037-01 |
| Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 01/2014 |
| End | 12/2015 |
| Title | Isolation and Characterization of Primary Rat Valve Interstitial Cells: A New Model to Study Aortic Valve Calcification. |
| Description | We have developed a new method of isolating primary rat valve interstitial cells |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - in vitro |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | online video available for researchers to view. |
| Title | Metatarsal culture |
| Description | Modified a culturing protocol of embryonic murine metatarsal bones to allow the assessment of matrix mineralisation. This procedure can also impact on 3Rs as from 1 embryonic mice we can get 6 cultures and thus 6 readouts. One litter of mice is sufficient to get enough data for 1 experiment |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - in vitro |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This in vitro model has been used in several publications |
| Title | OCN - E11 conditional knock-out mice |
| Description | Mice were generated that had E11 protein knocked out in ells expressing osteocalcin (bone cells) |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - mammalian in vivo |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | These mice have just been generated and are now just revealing data |
| Title | PRSS53 |
| Description | Gene edited PRSS53 mouse models for human skin structure |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - mammalian in vivo |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Unpublished to date |
| Title | Better bones |
| Description | Phenotyped laying hen population with/without DNA for bone quality |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Collaboration with colleagues in Germany, Sweden and Spain has resulted in GWAS and other publications |
| Title | Chicken bone RNAseq data used to annotate genome |
| Description | Chicken bone RNAseq data used to annotate genome |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Used for annotation and is available in public database |
| Title | Dogslife, a longitudinal study of Labrador Retrievers |
| Description | This database collects life information for Labrador Retrievers from early life onwards. The information is based on owner recording rather than veterinary or insurance records and therefore captures minor illnesses and issues that would not present to the veterinary practice. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2010 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | There have been a number of research publications about the data, the design of the collection method and more generally about the utility of cohort studies particularly in the dog, and the dog as a model for human and other animal conditions. |
| URL | http://www.dogslife.ac.uk |
| Description | Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health |
| Organisation | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | This project formed part of the establishment of a joint centre with ILRI to develop new approaches to improving the productivity of African Livestock |
| Collaborator Contribution | There is a formal joint venture |
| Impact | The Centre attracted funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is too early to identify outcomes, but the centre is fully functional and pursuing multiple collaborative projects |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Developmental basis of Radial Aplasia |
| Organisation | Royal Hospital for Sick Children Edinburgh |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | My research team at The Roslin Institute are developing an animal model of radial aplasia. We provide unique transgenic animal facilities, specialist skills in embryonic manipulation and the majority of intellectual contribution, understanding the developmental basis of congential radial aplasia. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Mr W L Lam provides the insight of human congenital limb abnormalities |
| Impact | As a result of this collaboration I have be invited to speak at several major limb surgical conferences, which has improved the communication between the clinical and scientific fields. Following this Mr WL Lam (consultant plastic surgeon, limb surgery) and myself (lead scientist) organised the first 'Clinical Workshop' at the 14th International Conference on Limb Development and Regeneration Meeting 2017 to formalize the links between the Developmental biology and Clinical Limb Surgery fields. We have established that the Clinical field lacks understanding of genetic diagnosis and fundamental biology underpinning congenital limb malformations so at this conference we including world leading leading speakers on genetic diagnosis of human congenital diseases. We have obtained funding from the British Society for Developmental Biology, The British Society for Surgery of the Hand and The Rooney Foundation to develop this project. This is a reflection on the increasing importance this collaboration has for clinical understanding of congenital disorders. We have joint published a book chapter on limb development. We have published a joint paper proposing a model to explain the developmental basis of radial aplasia. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Elucidating the mechanisms of optic fissure closure and human coloboma with Joe Rainger, Fight for Sight Fellow |
| Organisation | Fight for Sight |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Dr Joe Rainger developed this project in collaboration with the Davey Lab, moving from understanding the mechanisms of optic fissure closure in mammals to chicken. Dr Rainger has undertaken the fellowship with the Davey group and with technical and intellectual support from Megan Davey, who also provides training for Dr Rainger and his student as well as providing space and equipment. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Rainger brings expertise in mechanism of embryonic eye growth and development, elucidation of novel loci causing coloboma and knowledge of the Actin cytoskeleton. Dr Davey provides mentoring, training in chicken developmental techniques and |
| Impact | • Rainger J, Williamson KA, Soares DC, Truch J, Kurian D, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Seawright A, Prendergast J, Halachev M, Wheeler A, McTeir L, Gill AC, van Heyningen V, Davey MG; UK10K, FitzPatrick DR.(2017) A recurrent de novo mutation in ACTG1 causes isolated ocular coloboma. Hum Mutat. PMID: 28493397. We have secured funding for a joint PhD student. We have co-organised an international developmental biology meeting (Joint BSDB/Nordic Conference on Developmental Biology and Regeneration 2017). |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | EuroSoftCalc European COST action |
| Organisation | European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) |
| Department | COST Action |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | UK representative to the Management Committee and Working Group Leader (scientific exchanges and training) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Clinical, research and training expertise in rare diseases of calcification. |
| Impact | N/A |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | FTMA |
| Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | This award has funded a number of exchanges between Roslin and Lohmann Tierzucht (LTZ) . We have made good contacts with a new member of staff at LTZ which will lead to new data and publications on bone strength and it will facilitate 2 PhD projects in that area. We have also started a new area of work on hen welfare which we have submitted grant applications and studentships, |
| Collaborator Contribution | We have visited sites and had meetings to understand the problems and have been given assurances of financial support to undertake grant applications. |
| Impact | Grant application Studentship application and studentship Involves animal breeding and developmental biology |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Genetics of laying hen welfare traits |
| Organisation | Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Measuring new phenotypes related to bone quality and egg quality related to preventing pathogen transfer, developing new methods of preventing injurious feather pecking. Calculating genetic parameters and establishing genetic loci underlying the trait. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Access to large populations, logistic help, pedigree information. Collaborative discussion. Making measurements, financial support. |
| Impact | New phenotypes, support from BBSRC flexible talent mobility award, New grants from the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research on bone phenotyping and a PhD student on beak morphology. |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Aarhus University |
| Country | Denmark |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Agricultural University Plovdiv |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Friedrich Loeffler Institute |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Institut de Sélection Animale BV |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics |
| Country | Slovakia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
| Country | Sweden |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | University of Bern |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | University of Granada |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Keel bone damage COST action |
| Organisation | University of Wageningen |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Ian Dunn is a work group leader and contributed to writing the proposal. We have hosted a number of visits under the scheme and ourselves have taken part in meetings workshops and training activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A large number of contributors across Europe with different expertise form the collaboration on keel bone damage. Veterinarians, companies, behaviour specialists and those skilled in measuring damage. |
| Impact | Standardised methodologies, new collaborations, spread of good practice, successful funding applications |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Nordic Centrosome and Cilia Network |
| Organisation | Nordic Cilia and Centrosome Network |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Training partnerships, conferences |
| Collaborator Contribution | Training partnerships, conferences |
| Impact | Training[ proteomics |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Title | CSF1-based therapeutics |
| Description | We developed a novel form of the growth factor, and demonstrated an ability to promote extensive growth of the liver and recovery from acute liver failure. |
| IP Reference | GB1303537.3 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2013 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | NA |
| Description | "Determining the Interacting Network of TALPID3 through Proteomic Studies" Cold Spring Harbour Centrosome Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A description of work discovering the fundamental proteins involved in action of the centrosome via chicken mutants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | "Fate mapping the limb using Chameleon"- Julia Oh 14th ICLDR |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A talk describing the use of The Roslin Institute transgenic bird lines and their uses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | "Spots, Stripes and Rainbows" Avian Systems Meeting 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A talk describing the use of The Roslin Institute chicken transgenic lines to a scientific audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | "The Function of TALPID3" University of Copenhagen |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk to scientists and students on the role of chickens in discovering new centrosomal proteins |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | "Walking with the Feet of Dinosaurs" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 40 undergraduate students from the University of Edinburgh Zoological Club attended the talk. Subsequently students came to undertake research at The Roslin Institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | "Where did the 5th Toe Go" University of Basel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A talk describing the use of The Roslin Institute transgenic bird lines and their uses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | "Where did the 5th Toe Go?" 14th ICLDR |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A talk describing the use of The Roslin Institute transgenic bird lines and their uses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | 7th course Developmental Biology, Institute Curie, Paris |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk at the 7th international course for developmental biology, organised by the Institue Curiein Paris |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | ABC Radio Interview- emu work |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ABC interview on developmental biology and comparative genomics in avians |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-15/rural-nsw-genetics-1208/5666148 |
| Description | Blog post NC3Rs |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Wrote blogpost about how transgenic technologies can help the 3Rs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/news/when-3rs-and-transgenic-technologies-meet |
| Description | Coming of Age: The Legacy of Dolly at 20 public lecture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | At a series of public lectures to celebrate the 20th birthday of Dolly the Sheep I discussed kidney research with the public |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Conference Organiser- The 14th Limb Development and Regeneration Meeting Clinical Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | As an addition to the 14th Limb Development and Regeneration Conference, I organised a Clinical Workshop to engage the specialist discipline of congenital hand/foot surgeons, to better integrate the clinical aspects of limb development with the developmental biology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.ed.ac.uk/igmm/news-and-events/events/latest-events/limb-development-2017 |
| Description | Consensus Meeting on Renal Progenitors and Kidney Regeneration |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk at this meeting organised to discuss the many different views in the field about renal progenitor cells. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Exploiting the genome: How far can we go? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Curiosity is part of human nature. We learn from experience and when the knowledge is acquired, we try to exploit it, for good...or evil! In 1953, Watson and Crick revealed the structure of DNA and fifty years later the entire human genome was sequenced. Since then we have sequenced the genomes of over 10 other species and many more are on their way to being completed. Together with the power of molecular cloning technology, it is now possible to genetically modify organisms with a particular purpose, such as increasing resistance to a particular disease, or to generate new bio-products. This public lecture was organised by the British Science Association. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCSj5lTslbU |
| Description | Glasgow Cafe Scientifique |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | "Genome vs Epigenome: The Clay and the Mould". Since the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 our understanding of how the genetic code influences the development of all living things has made rapid progress, with undoubtedly impressive consequences medical advances. Technology develops alongside our improved knowledge, and our ethical boundaries are constantly being pushed further. But how far can and should we go in exploiting our knowledge? It is thirteen years since The Human Genome project sequenced the entire DNA in a human cell and ever since scientists have been trying to understand the meaning of these three billion letters, which form the human genome. However, it has also become clear that this "Book of Life" can be biologically interpreted in different ways and in this talk, Dr Doug Vernimmen will introduce the meaning of the genome (The Book of Life) and the epigenome (its biological interpretation). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.cafescientifique.org |
| Description | Invited plenary speaker "Congenital anomalies of the forefoot" Paris 2014 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was asked to present a developmental biology based seminar to an international group of medical clinicians (primarily surgeons) as a opening dialogue as to the basic science behind congenital limb abnormalities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Just Festival, Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | " Science, Faith and Society - Ethics Within Genetics ". Just Festival, Edinburgh. Since the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 our understanding of how the genetic code influences the development of all living things has made rapid progress, with undoubtedly impressive consequences medical advances. Technology develops alongside our improved knowledge, and our ethical boundaries are constantly being pushed further. But how far can and should we go in exploiting our knowledge? It is thirteen years since The Human Genome project sequenced the entire DNA in a human cell and ever since scientists have been trying to understand the meaning of these three billion letters, which form the human genome. However, it has also become clear that this "Book of Life" can be biologically interpreted in different ways and in this talk, Dr Doug Vernimmen will introduce the meaning of the genome (The Book of Life) and the epigenome (its biological interpretation). Epigenetics refers to inherited changes in how genes are switched ON and OFF without changing the DNA sequence. It had been thought that inherited characteristics rely only on the genetic information (i.e. the genes) in the DNA, which is packaged as chromosomes inside the nucleus of each cell. Packaging proteins, called nucleosomes, protect the DNA by acting like bubble wrap, packaging and protecting the DNA. If the DNA is well packed by these "bubbles" genes will be switched OFF, while if the DNA is unprotected the genes are more likely to be switched ON. Chemical tags, influenced by the environment, can interact both with the nucleosome bubble wrap and the DNA. This in turn can affect the level of packing by the nucleosomes and the presence (or absence) of these chemicals and thus affecting genes expression. Therefore, the way the genetic information is used does not rely entirely on the sequence of the DNA, but also depends on the environment (e.g. food, stress, physical activity etc.). The most striking example is the case of identical twins (identical DNA sequence), who appear identical during childhood but become more distinct during their adult life, and even developing different diseases. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.humanism.scot/what-we-do/humanitie/genetic-engineering-and-humanist-morals/ |
| Description | Lobbying reception Scottish Parliament |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Kidney research UK organized a lobbyng reception in the Scottish parliament to discuss the importance of kidney research with MSPs, patients and other researchers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Newsletter entries for Self Help Queensland |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Bimonthly newsletter article under the heading "Genetic Matters" for newsletter distributed to members and organisers of support groups; article is often based on questions to the group and is said to be well received. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | Pre-2006,2006,2007,2008, |
| URL | http://www.selfhelpqld.org.au/content/newsletters |
| Description | Organiser and speaker at 3rd international workshop on the biology of WT1 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Organized the 3 international workshop in the biology of WT1 and spoke on the meeting |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Presentation at European Poultry Genetics Symposium (Tuusula, Finland) Bone |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Talk to audience of the majority of Poultry breeders in the world, Interest from breeders and from other scientists in possible application. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | http://www.epgs2015.com/program.html |
| Description | Presentation at IX European Symposium on Poultry Welfare (Uppsala, Sweden) Bone |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Talk on our work to generate markers which improve bone strength to improve welfare. Much interest has resulted from groups working in this field in Europe |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/genetic-markers-for-the-improvement-of-bone-stre... |
| Description | Presentation at World Poultry Science UK spring meeting (Chester) Bone |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Identification of genetic markers for the improvement of bone strength in poultry Interst from industry and welfare organisations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Presentation on research to Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Presented a talk about our research into genetics of glaucoma in the Border Collie. This was to inform people who had donated samples for DNA extraction from their dogs, and to update on progress towards a genetic test. This was followed by extensive questions and answers and continued engagement of dog owners and breeders in our project. It also led to an invitation to speak with the British Veterinary Association Eye Panel. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Presentation to British Veterinary Association Eye Panel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Made a presentation of recent research into the genetics of glaucoma in the Border Collie to veterinary ophthalmologists, Kennel Club and Animal Health Trust. Extensive debate about the results afterwards, with greater understanding of the genetics by the audience and elucidation of the clinical situation by the professionals, which was helpful in further interpretation of the results. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Radio Scotland interview- emu work |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Radio Scotland interview on comparative avian genomics |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Roslin Institute Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was involved in discussion about the use of animals in research as well as presenting the imaging work from my own laboratory. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Roslin Open door day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The public were informed about the use of animals in research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016,2017 |
| Description | Roslin open day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A range of activities, including soft play, jigsaws, models and colouring in to understand more about calcification. These activities all sparked questions and discussion with children and parents. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | School visit (Peebles, Scottish Borders) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | As part of Digital Learning Week at Kingsland Primary School, Peebles I spoke to 3 classes of 20-25 Primary 2 pupils about how I use digital technology in my scientific research . There were lots of questions from the children about both technology and working in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Soapbox Science Edinburgh 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Soapbox Science is an informal forum in which female scientists present their work in public using a 'soapbox' format in a public area. The passing public are encouraged to stop and listen and ask questions of the scientists. Social media was used extensively before and after the event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://youtu.be/WEvzU_soOJ4 |
| Description | TEDX Talk-"This is a Golden Age of Science- Grab it with Both hands |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was an invited TEDX talk which has been view online more than 700 times and was the most highly viewed talk of the TEDX event. The talk covered the impacts of genome sequencing technology and open access publication. Subsequently Dr Davey was invited to attend other public engagement events. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://youtu.be/vw7sTgQiltI?list=PL1c4W6FJ_82YOOiJVbZUZlfj2ysg_4aYX |
| Description | Talk at MRC Toxicology Unit, Leicester |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited seminar |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Talk at Nephrotools meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Ta\lk at a meeting of the EU funded Nephrotools consortium |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | The Chromatin Laboratory |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Welcome to the Chromatin Laboratory, run by Dr Douglas Vernimmen and part of the Developmental Biology Division at The Roslin Institute. Dr Vernimmen introduces his laboratory and gives insight into his team's work, before each of his team members gives a brief overview of their position and role. Thanks to Dr Vernimmen and all of his team for taking part and granting access into their laboratory. Thanks also to Professor Mark Stevens for providing the voice over, Patricia Hart and Norrie Russell for technical assistance and Tom Mortimer for the filming and editing. Find out more about Doug and his group on The Roslin Website here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/chromatin-biology-epigenetics Music - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLdpMcpwyFw |
| Description | Times article- emu work |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An interview and article in The Times, based on a press released for Midlothian Science Festival on using comparative avian genomics |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/emu-eggs-may-hold-clue-to-birth-defects-czlrg573frd |
| Description | Visit Kidney research UK delegation to Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A delegation from Kidney research UK visited Edinburgh to discuss renal research with all kidney researchers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Visiting undergrad students Wyoming |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I discussed the effects of Brexit on science funding and networking with visiting undergrad students from Wyoming |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Welcoming committee |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | At the open doors day Roslin Institute I was welcoming visitors to the building, while my lab was demonstrating the culture of embryonic mouse kidneys on our time-lapse imaging system |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | hosting seminar Andy McMahon |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | hosted an external seminar in the institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | hosting seminar Robert Kelsh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | hosted external seminar from Robert Kelsh |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | invited seminar at Crick Institute Mill Hill |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | invited seminar |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | public workshop for Anatomy Nights - matters of the heart |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 20 adults and children attended for a talk, dissection demonstration, and viewing of experimental slides. This sparked questions and discussion throughout the event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | regenerative Medicine Therapy network development meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A meeting to discuss the development of a national network on Renal Regenerative Medicine with the support of Kidney Research UK |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | school visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 15 High school students (from various locations in Scotland) were given a tour of the Easter Bush Campus followed by hands on activities using techniques that are routinely performed by our group in the lab. We focus on cardiovascular research, therefore, we performed alizarin red staining for calcium ions on vascular cell monolayers. They also conducted a colorimetric calcium assay. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | visit Biomed students Wyoming |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A group of undergrad students from Wyoming visited the institute and I gave a talk about 'being a scientist' and our kidney research in particular |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |