Utilizing the salmon genome to develop bioinformatics and analysis methodologies for Atlantic salmon nutritional research.

A genome is an incredibly powerful resource for biologists, linking the biology of an organism to its genetic sequence. But the power of a genome is only as good as its annotation. The genomes of model organisms such as mice and zebrafish have been extensively developed into the comprehensive and detailed resource that has facilitated countless scientific and commercial discoveries. A salmon reference genome has only recently been developed and similarly has the potential to be a tremendous resource for aquaculture. But due to its newly developed status, additional care must be taken when using it. National Institute for Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) is currently developing a research project to examine the "Epigenetic and transcriptional effects of optimizing 1-C nutrients to improve healthy growth in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)" (NutrEpi NRC 267787). The salmon genome will be central to this project, with the outcomes of this project dependent on the comprehensiveness of annotation of this genome as well as our ability to effectively utilize the genome. In the proposed work of the present application I will collaborate with researchers at the Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI) at Griffith University, Australia, to analyze sequence data from NIFES NutrEpi project, utilizing the most recent salmon reference genome. My area of expertise is epigenetics and transcriptomics using model organisms. EFRI specialize in genome development and 'omics' of non-model organisms. In particular I will be working with Dr Ido Bar, who has extensive experience in the genomics of aquaculture species. By combining my expertise with EFRI and Dr Bar's, this will accomplish several goals - improve the quality and accuracy of the results for NIFES NutrEpi project, develop analysis tools and methodologies for aquaculture species, develop research linkages between Norway and Australia and add to the Norwegian knowledge base in the field of aquaculture genetics.