Source: MEATINGPLACE, 11/125/11

Scottish researchers have identified a gene that makes chickens more susceptible to Marek’s disease, making it possible to breed birds with greater resistance to the virus estimated to cost the global poultry industry billions of dollars annually.

The researchers identified a gene called IRG1 that is thought to cause the death of cells, which can lead to diseases including cancer. They also found how the Marek’s disease virus may encourage tumor growth.
The study, conducted by the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and the Institute for Animal Health, found the Marek’s disease virus switches off the genes controlled by an anti-tumor gene called HIC1.

 Those genes also work to block tumors in people.

“Marek’s disease is highly contagious and chickens are becoming increasingly resistant to vaccination. Identifying a gene that increases the risk of Marek’s disease could help us breed chickens that are less susceptible to infection,” said Roslin Institute professor Pete Kaiser, who led the research.

For more on the study, click here.   
 

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