We are a leading group on miRNA regulation of immune responses in Atlantic salmon. We are now investigating the small RNAs (miRNAs) that regulate particular key genes in the immune system in response to viral and bacterial infections. We have developed methods to experimentally identify host target genes of particular miRNAs by CLIP methods. Furthermore, luciferase assays developed for use in fish cell lines is applied to study the regulatory effect from a miRNA targeting an immune system gene. Through further studies we aim to disclose whether these can be used as biomarkers, to better control and balance immune responses (therapeutic use) and whether delivery of custom designed miRNAs targeting fish virus can protect from severe infection. Although these studies are in Atlantic salmon we anticipate that results would have transfer value to all aquaculture species. Our expertise would be in priority area OO7-2: Develop and apply tools and models (experimental farms, in vivo/in vitro/in silico infection models) to test efficacy and safety of new therapeutics including vaccines and delivery systems, with reduced reliance on animal testing. Create bioinformatic pipelines for microbiome and pathogen data analysis.

OsloMet has all laboratory facilities for genomics research: DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning and cell-assay studies, in-house developed experimental methods for miRNA research, pipelines for bioinformatics analysis of different kinds of genomics or transcriptomics data.
We seek collaborators in priority area OO7-2, possibly OO7-3.