Scientists map DNA of mankind's genetic 'cousin' – the humble pig

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 21:23

SCIENTISTS have decoded the DNA of a pig for the first time – meaning even tastier bacon could soon be on the menu.

Experts from the Roslin Institute near Edinburgh are among researchers who have spent years mapping the genome of the domestic pig.

They say the information may help find ways to treat conditions suffered by pigs, and also humans.

They also believe it could pave the way for pigs to be bred that will produce even tastier meat.

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Professor Alan Archibald, a genetics and genomics expert from the Roslin Institute, said using DNA markers could help breeders find out whether particular pigs had a predisposition to a phenomenon known as "boar taint".

"This is an unpleasant smell given off by some meat when you cook it," he said.

He went on: "The breeding companies have scientists who are well versed in understanding modern genetics. They are already using molecular DNA information in their breeding schemes."

Prof Archibald said it was a "great day for the pig research community". He added: "When we launched the international pig gene mapping project almost 20 years ago, few if any of us thought a pig genome sequence was attainable or affordable."

The international team of scientists decoded the genome of a red-haired Duroc pig from Illinois – one of five breeds normally used in pork production.

The team behind the 14 million project said the information would be used for research into human conditions, from obesity and heart disease to skin disorders. Pigs are very similar to humans in their make-up, meaning an insight into diseases that afflict pigs could also help humans.

Professor Allan Bradley, director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridgeshire, which performed most of the sequencing, said: "This sequence provides a tool of real value in helping to better understand human diseases, in particular by facilitating cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and immunological studies."

Professor Larry Schook, biomedical science professor at the University of Illinois, who led the research, said: "The pig is a unique animal that is important for food and that is used as a model for human disease."

He said the new information could also be used to develop a swine flu vaccine for pigs to protect them from the H1N1 virus that is spreading among people.

Researchers are still discussing ways to use the new information.

The draft genome sequence mapped by the team is about 98 per cent complete.

Researchers have previously unravelled the DNA of about two dozen mammals, including dogs, chimps, rats, mice, cows and humans.