Sequencing the Amazing and Enigmatic Alpaca to Understand Colour Genes

By Kylie Munyard BSc (Hons) PhD, Mark F. Richardson, and Terje Raudsepp

Backed by Colourbration Alpaca Show, Carolyn Oddie, Anya Walkington, Cherie Wastle, Andrew Munn, Michelle Malt, Kathryn Keho, Luis Cunha, Andrew Borg, Pureum Kim, and 6 other backers

Genome Galaxy Initiative

Australia

Biology

$1,037

Raised of $5,000 Goal

21%

Ended on 6/02/16

Campaign Ended

$1,037
pledged
21%
funded
Finished
on 6/02/16

?How does this work?

Discussion

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Kylie Munyard BSc (Hons) PhDResearcher

Hi Misha, to a certain extent yes, it would be possible. I'm not aware of any alpaca melanocyte/keratinocyte cell lines, though it would be nice to have them! This would be useful to test the effect of mutations, but would be less useful to find mutations that affect different parts of the body differently.

Apr 17, 20160

Misha Koksharov

I'm curious: is it possible to investigate the genetics of color phenotypes on Alpaca's cells lines?

Apr 15, 20160

Kylie Munyard BSc (Hons) PhDResearcher

In Australia they can be found mostly along the South of the country and up the East coast. We have >100,000 registered alpacas, a growing fibre industry and they are very popular as flock guardians.

Apr 11, 20160

Genome GalaxyBacker

I didn't know there was a huge alpaca population in Australia! Where would you find them?

Apr 11, 20160

Ken Rosenfeld

I'm a big fan! Love the work that you've been doing.

Apr 11, 20160