Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group
Introduction
Areas of Research
Current Research
Introduction
The Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group studies the molecular genetics and evolution of gene and genomes of our native wildlife. They are particularly interested in the immune system.
The Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group.
From L-R: Emily Wong, Camilla Whittington, Kathy Belov, Sarah Jobbins, Yuanyuan Cheng, Bridget Murphy, Claire Sanderson, Hannah Siddle.
Photograph provided by the VSF
Areas of Research
- Comparative Genomics
- Immunogenetics
- Molecular Evolution
Current Projects Include:
The Tasmanian Devil
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| Photos of healthy and diseased Tasmanian Devils, courtesy of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries. |
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We are studying the immunogenetics of Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). DFTD has led to the loss of over half our devils and may lead to the extinction of the species. Further information can be found at http://www.tassiedevil.com.au. |
The Tammar Wallaby
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Photo of wallaby courtesy of K. Belov |
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We are studying the genome of the wallaby. Together with Dr Stephan Beck from the Sanger Institute we are sequencing the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). We are also focusing on characterizing antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, NK receptors and other immune genes in wallabies. |
The Koala
 Photo of koala courtesy of C. Herbert |
Together with the Koala Infectious Disease Group we are looking at the role the MHC plays in disease susceptibility of koalas to Chlamydia.
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The Platypus
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Photo of platypus courtesy of A.M. Whittington Together with researchers in Molecular and Microbial Biosciences we are characterizing the molecular composition of platypus venom. |
The Genome Project
The AWGG are working on the Tammar Wallaby, Opossum and Platypus genome projects.
Public Interest
Their work is of great national and international interest, as can be seen from the press releases they have featured in, some of which are linked below.
'Inbred Tassie Devils Face Extinction' covered by ABC news, October 2007.
'Extinction Warning for Tassie Devils' in The Age, October 2007.
Tasmanian Devil ABC radio interview in October 2007.
'Opossum is first marsupial genome sequenced' as covered in Cosmos, May 2007.
'Sympathy for the Devil' in LifeScientist, May 2007.
'Research to provide unparalleled insights into mammalian evolution' from the University News, January 31, 2006.
'Possums key to saving early babies' in the Herald Sun, May 2007.