A UQ genetic testing centre is promising if something has DNA, they can test it.
UQ’s Faculty of Science's equine genetics research centre will relaunch today (June 18), after securing funding to expand into further areas of genetics testing and research.
Australian Equine Genetics Research Centre (AEGRC) Director Associate Professor Ann Trezise said 2009 would mark the beginning of a new era for the Centre, with a broader vision to include genetics analysis and research in any species, including humans.
“Relaunching the AEGRC on today will highlight our ability to perform DNA analysis on almost anything. If it’s got DNA, the AEGRC can test it,” she said.
The funding boost will come from the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and the Australian Jockey Club (AJC), over a period of 20 years.
VRC Chairman Rod Fitzroy said as Joint Proprietors of the Australian Stud Book (ASB) with the AJC, the VRC was proud of its long-standing association with the University of Queensland.
“The achievements of Australian Equine Genetics Research Centre in supporting the ASB in maintaining the integrity of the Australian Thoroughbred Breeding industry is without peer in a global context,” he said.
“The Joint Proprietors’ commitment to, and confidence in, the AEGRC has enabled the Centre to expand its genetics testing capabilities to service a broad spectrum of research requirements from its UQ base.”
“Australian Genetics Testing (AGT) will manage the VRC and AJC’s interests in this exciting extension of our partnership with The University of Queensland.”
Dr Trezise said when she took over as Director of the AEGRC in 2006, she realized there was a significant need for expert genotyping services and the Centre had both the infrastructure and expertise to move into this genotyping market.
“For the past 30 years the AEGRC has provided independent confirmation of the pedigree (bloodlines) of all racing Thoroughbreds and many other horse breeds in Australia, including Arabians and Quarter horses,” Dr Trezise said.
“Until 2001, equine pedigree confirmation relied on blood typing.
“The Centre now uses the faster, internationally accepted, technology of DNA profiling to confirm a horse’s identity and pedigree.”
Australian Thoroughbred horses need AEGRC verification before they can be bought, sold or raced.
DNA is extracted from hairs in the horses' manes, with about 50 hairs usually sent for analysis.
“The AEGRC now provides accurate, reliable and rapid genotyping for both research and industry organisations,” Dr Trezise said.
“We’re able to do this cheaper than it costs researchers to do it in their own laboratories, which frees up research assistants to concentrate on what they’re there for – research.”
Media: Ann Trezise (07 3365 3647) or Travis Taylor at the Faculty of Science (07 3365 8598).
