Project

SelSweep - Molecular characterization of genetic factors in the pig under selection during speciation, domestication and breeding

Within the SelSweep project the genes and genomic regions that are and have been under strong selection during speciation, early domestication and during subsequent development of specific breeds in the pig will be explored. The results of the project will substantially advance the knowledge of evolutionary biology at the molecular level. Moreover, knowledge about the genes affected by selection opens up new directions for further improvement of this important livestock species.

The origin of new species has intrigued scientists ever since Darwin's time. Within the research project 'Molecular characterization of genetic factors in the pig under selection during speciation, domestication and breeding', funded by the European Research Council (ERC) we aim to gain more insight into the way in which new species arise.

Aims

In this respect, Suids offer unique opportunities to address these questions because of the availability of 12 closely related pig species that have diverged over a time span of 1 to 10 million years. We will compare the genome of the modern pig with that of a number of closely related species such as the warthog from Java, the bearded pig from Borneo and the Sulawesi warthog. Recent technological developments now make it possible to sequence the whole genome of a large number of individuals. By comparing the genomes of individuals from various pig breeds, our research team aims to obtain detailed insight into the changes in the genome since the pig was domesticated around 9000 years ago. We will also investigate more recent changes that have taken place as a result of selection by breeding in the pig sector.

Results

The new insights provide information about evolution and may also help to make selection in pig breeding more specific. The direct sequencing of individuals from a variety of populations using next generation sequencing enables an unbiased capture of the full breadth of genetic variation in the porcine genome addressing both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as CNVs.

More information

For more information please visit the EU projectsite.