The Laboratory of genetics and applied genomics is a research, innovation and consulting laboratory of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile. Our objective is to increase the competitiveness of Ibero-American aquaculture by developing and promoting the use and application of genetic and genomic technologies.
The research lines of the laboratory are the following:
1.- Selection and domestication of aquatic organisms: In this area we work on the genetic and genomic analysis of traits of economic importance, inbreeding and breeding management, and optimization of genetic improvement programs.
How do we do it: we designed DNA CHIP (SNP array), performed genomic association studies (GWAS, Genome-wide association study) using Illumina’s BeadChip array and Thermofisher’s Axiom Genotyping Arrays (Ex – Affymetrix’s GeneChip arrays). We also perform Whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies, analysis of population genetic diversity and structure, and reproductive genomic selection.
2.- Genetic resistance to fish pathogens: In this area we are interested in evaluating different quantitative traits of resistance and tolerance to pathogens. Furthermore, we are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that explain this defensive response of the hosts against their pathogens.
How do we do it: we perform challenges of controlled pathogen infection, survival studies, vaccine efficacy evaluation, and global gene expression analysis (RNAseq, RNA Sequencing). Further, we regularly use classical recombinant DNA technologies and explore new technologies such as epigenetics and genomic editing.
Consulting services
Aquaculture production decisions must be based on evidence, but sometimes it is not clear how to design and evaluate the performance of new biotechnologies like QTLs, biomarkers, vaccines, additives or immunostimulants. Further, data wrangling and biostatistical analysis are challenging for companies because they do not have specialized personnel. Thus, we can help you interpret and understand what you need to know.
Are you interested in consulting service? – Write us: genomica.aplicada@pucv.cl
International grants
PCI Chile – Sweden NºCS2018 -7993. Genomics of Coinfection of Pathogens in Salmonid Fish. 2019-2023. Principal investigator (PI).
OCDE CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMME. Disease Resistance in Atlantic salmon: Analysis of immune responses to coinfection of the sea lice Caligus rogercresseyi and the bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis using RNAseq technology (2015). Principal investigator (PI).
CYTED Nº 111RT0420. Ibero-american network of genetics and immunology to control pathogens in aquaculture. (2011-2014). Principal investigator (PI).
National grants
Proyecto Fondecyt postdoctorado Nº 3240697. Tolerancia a la hipoxia en salmón del Atlántico: Caracterización sanguínea de familias tolerantes y susceptibles a la hipoxia. Nicolás Salinas: Investigador principal; José Gallardo Matus: Patrocinante. ANID. 2024-2026
Proyecto Fondecyt regular (Nº 1231206). Gill immunity under hypoxia conditions in Salmo salar. 2023-2026. Luis Mercado: Investigador principal; José Gallardo Matus: Coinvestigador.
Proyecto tesis de doctorado en el sector productivo 2022 (Nº TDP220008). Producción de una vacuna en base a nanoproteínas quiméricas altamente antigénicas para combatir brotes de Piscirickettsia salmonis. ANID 2022-2024
Proyecto Fondecyt postdoctorado Nº 3210502. Cuerpos de inclusión como inmunoestimulantes de administración oral para el control de Piscirickettsia salmonis en Salmón del Atlántico. José Gallardo Matus (Advisor of Dra. Débora Torrealba). ANID. 2021-2024
Proyecto súmate a innovar Código Nº 20SN-151304. Producción de proteínas nanoestructuradas como inmunoestimulantes contra Piscirickettsiosis. José Gallardo Matus (Coinvestigador), Luis Mercado, Claudia Altamirano. INNOVA CORFO. 2021-2021
FIC ATACAMA Nº40013444-0. ConCiencia Lab Caldera: Innovación, Desarrollo Local y Productividad. Ettienne Choupay Magna, Alejandra Tapia Avalos, Claudia Zuleta Peralta, Dra. Gabriele Lara, Dra. Silvia Gómez. 2019-2021.
Proyecto FONDEQUIP (EQM170214). OCEANO: Plataforma de Alto desempeño computacional para la sostenibilidad de los ecosistemas acuáticos y sus recursos. (2017-2019). Principal investigator (PI).
Proyecto FONDECYT POSTDOCTORADO (3170744). Disease Resistance in Atlantic Salmon: Understanding mechanisms that explain resistance and tolerance to co-infection of the Sea Lice Caligus rogercresseyi and the bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis. (Advisor of Dra. Carolina Figueroa). Anid 2017-2019).
FONDECYT. Disease Resistance in Salmonids: Genetic analysis of co-infection of the Sea Lice Caligus rogercresseyi and the bacteria Piscirickettsia salmonis. (2014-2017). Principal investigator (PI).
FIC-R. Marine Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture: Innovation for sustainable development of Valparaíso. (2013-2014). Principal investigator (PI).
INNOVA-CORFO. Nº 07CN13PBT-61. Development of a new methodology for the identification and selection of salmonids genetically resistant to the ectoparasite Caligus rogercresseyi. Principal investigator (PI).
INNOVA-CORFO. Nº 206-5047. Business consortium of genetics and biotechnology development for the salmon industry. Coinvestigator.
University grants
PUCV. N°39.365/2023. Immunity and stress: Risk assessment and adaptability of farmed salmon to hypoxia / Inmunidad y estrés Principal investigator (PI).
PUCV. Postdoc project. Efecto inmunomodulador de citoquinas recombinantes nanoestructuradas de Salmo salar sobre cultivo primario y línea celular de macrófagos de salmónidos desafiados contra dos patógenos bacterianos de salmón. Advisor of Dr. Nicolas Salinas.
PUCV. Nº 037.472/2013. Generation of a marker-assisted selection related to sex in Atlantic salmon. Principal investigator (PI).
PUCV Nº02/2013. Study of patentability «Method for identifying and selecting fish resistant / susceptible to parasites of fish. Principal investigator (PI).
PUCV 037.358/2011. Generation of antibodies for detection, quantification and regulation of molecular markers in aquaculture production Systems. Coinvestigator.
PUCV 037.101/2008. Biotechnology applied to the development of oral vaccines for salmon. Coinvestigator.
Publications
Otras publicaciones