Research at the Section of Molecular Genetics

The purpose of molecular genetic research is to understand how the various components of the genome work at the molecular level (DNA and RNA levels) and how the genome structure is regulated through epigenetic changes.

Increased knowledge about the structure and function of the genome is central to understanding basic biological mechanisms. By isolating and studying genes and their function, we can increase our knowledge of how different genetic variants affect important traits such as the risk of developing disease, morphology, performance and production characteristics of domestic animals. In order to achieve these goals, we map traits by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole-genome sequencing.

We also investigate how genetic variation at the DNA level affects gene expression in different cell types or tissues Humans and domestic animals are affected by similar diseases and our research is therefore important for both animal and human health and welfare.