Performing Department
ANIMAL SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
This conference identifies the agricultural and biomedical community's needs to develop relevant animal models. The last relevant conference was hosted by the PI at the University of Maryland University College, College Park, MD, October 22-25, 1995 (proceedings published by Plenum Press, Advances in Swine in Biomedical Research, ed. by M.E. Tumbleson and L.B. Schook, 1996). During the past year, the pig was identified through the NIH White paper process as a high priority species for sequencing and the USDA has supported a targeted structural and functional genomics effort. The emergence of genetic information and the tools to target manipulations combined with the ability to clone pigs provides a new and highly relevant animal model. In discussions with NIH and USDA grant staff, this workshop topic was recognized as one of significance. In addition, a recent CRISP search (1999-2003) has indicated that NIH sponsored research (over 20 institute and centers) supported
2,400 separate grants using the pig. Thus, a broad foundation utilizing the pig in biomedical research already exists from which to build future programs. There is considerable energy within the biomedical community with respect to the utilization of pigs.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
100%
Goals / Objectives
The conference goals are to identify areas of study or methodologies that will enhance the utility of pigs as agricultural and biomedical models. The conference will identify resource needs and areas in which new approaches or methodologies are required. The conference also will serve to stimulate interactions between researchers working within swine and human genomics. To date, these are separate research communities and the conference will provide a forum for introductions and to showcase the utility of the pig as an invaluable model. Finally, the conference organizers have integrated a theme focusing on the ethical, public policy and animal welfare issues associated with the use of pigs for biomedical research. The increasing relevance of existing pig models and the emerging ability to capture genomic information to create novel models has stimulated the organization of this conference. The conference will: (1) deliver a summary of the discussions that address the
conference goals; (2) submit a publication-quality document that reaches a broader target audience interested in the use of swine for biomedical research; (3) distribute a CD that contains the speaker presentations; (4) provide a summary of potential new models that should be developed; and (5) identify potential funding needs.
Project Methods
In order to achieve the defined outcomes and deliverables, the conference has been organized to provide significant discussion among the participants. Each of the sessions will have invited speakers selected with respect to their individual expertise and who will provide a summary of the topic or identify opportunities and needs. Poster sessions will provide additional opportunities to showcase existing models, methodologies and experimental approaches. Session Chairs will be responsible for leading discussion towards defined deliverables, ensuring that existing resources are adequately recognized and to assess priorities within the community.