1. The development of microarrays that will enable comprehensive gene expression profiling in sea bass, sea bream and turbot.
2. Application of common genomic and bioinformatic tools to:
a) Immunology & Disease. To study the genes implicated in fish immune responses against the most important pathogens (disease resistance) for the selected species with the aim of improving existing vaccination and inmunostimulation methods. Pathogens selected are among the most important parasitic, bacterial and viral models. Included in these studies are the identification of candidate virulence genes from the selected pathogenic agents to develop new methods for vaccination and inmunostimulation.
b) Growth, Nutrition & Development. To identify fish genes related to growth, nutrition and larval development which could be used to increase growth and consequently production by being used in traditional genetic selection programs as new molecular markers.
c) Reproduction. To identify genes which control sex determination, differentiation and maturation processes that can be used in broodstock selection, for the establishment of monosex stocks and to control precocious puberty.
3. Development of structural tools for genomic analysis to be used in the selection of broodstocks in turbot: identification of genetic markers; location of QTLs; detection of candidate genes. Progress on genetic maps in turbot by means of EST mapping onto the available microsatellite map and through comparative gene mapping analysis. Development of genetic marker assisted programs in direct relation with industry.
4. To foster the transfer of knowledge between research groups and industry and the training of qualified personnel. Online communications/network creation and presentation of milestones and contributions. Establishment of a training platform at the postdoctoral level and a PhD program on Genomics and Bioinformatics.