April 2, 2003 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia and Genome BC are presenting a public talk by a leading genetic researcher.

William Davidson is a project leader with Genome British Columbia and the Dean of Science at Simon Fraser University. His talk will begin at 2:30pm, on Friday April 4, in Library room 5-136.

Dr Davidson and others are mapping the chromosomes of salmon and plotting genes whose function is already known. This enables the researchers to learn more about the structure and function of a salmon's immune system. They are also comparing specific parts of the Atlantic salmon genome to understand how a duplicated gene reorganizes itself, controls sex-determination, and relates to the genomes of other vertebrates. The team also studies the way salmon tissue responds under different conditions, to identify the function of molecules in response to stress, acclimatization and immunity. This research plays an important role in increasing our understanding of fish growth and reproduction and will assist in salmon husbandry.

The lecture series is helping to develop a partnership between high-level genomics research and the University.