Catherine Ernst

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Chairperson
Department of Animal Science

Degrees:
BS, The Ohio State University
MS, Iowa State University
PhD, The Ohio State University
Postdoctoral Research, USDA-ARS US Meat Animal Research Center

Affiliations

USDA National Animal Genome Research Program, Pig Genome Co-Coordinator

Research

Laboratory: Animal Molecular Genetics Laborator y

The Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory focuses on identification and evaluation of genes and genetic markers associated with genetic improvement of production traits in pigs and other meat animal species. Much of our research is at the interface of structural and functional genomics, including a genetical genomics project to integrate genetic marker and gene expression data to identify genes controlling skeletal muscle and fat deposition, and their relationship to growth, carcass composition and meat quality in pigs. This effort applies both RNAseq and miRNAseq approaches in order to reveal gene regulatory networks and pathways. The lab also uses functional genomics approaches including transcriptome sequencing and assessment of DNA methylation patterns to study pig skeletal muscle development, and stress response in pigs. Additional projects include discovery and evaluation of RNA editing sites, and cataloging DNA methylation patterns for various pig tissues.