Building metabolomics capacity in livestock research: focus on cattle and application to reproductive biotechnology

• Grant number: 15/50339-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2016
• End date: January 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Agreement: University of Sydney
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Flávio Vieira Meirelles
• Grantee: Flávio Vieira Meirelles
• Principal researcher abroad: Michael John D'occhio
• Institution abroad: University of Sydney, Australia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/08135-2 - CTC - Center for Cell-Based Therapy, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Metabolomics is the field of science that looks at the spectrum of over 8,000 metabolites (metabolome) present in fluids (e.g. blood) and tissues (e.g. muscle), and which influence most biological processes in animals and plants. It is an emerging field in livestock that promises to revolutionize our understanding of relationships between the metabolic system, growth, and reproduction. One of our core interests is how the metabolome in female cattle influences fertility. More specifically, the function of the ovary and development of oocytes for optimal fertilization and embryonic development. We are particularly interested to know how the metabolome influences the efficiency with which oocytes undergo fertilization in the laboratory and develop into embryos. In the collaboration, Prof Pietro Baruseili, Prof Flavio Meireiles and Prof Marcilio Nichi (USP) will visit USyd and work with Prof Michael D'Occhio (FAE), Dr. Anthony Dona (Kolling Institute) and Dr. Ben Crossett (CPC). Prof Nichi and Dr. Dona are both early career researchers and share a keen interest in metabolomics. The project will produce high-quality scientific information and build longer-term collaboration between USP and USyd in metabolomics. (AU)