An affinity for eggs
(continued)

The chromosome in question includes two important gene complexes: the major histocompatibility complex, which constitutes the immune system, and the ribosomal DNA, which produces ribosomal DNA for protein synthesis.

"We are studying the ribo- somal DNA because in humans its expression changes significantly in some tumors," said Delany. "In fact, this change is used as a prognosticator of progression in dozens of human tumors and has also been used to grade tumors. But the molecular basis for this change is unknown.

"So we set up this study in chickens to ask, first of all, is this a good model for human oncogenesis? Is the same change that we see in human tumor cells visible in the chicken model? And then, if so, what's going on at the rDNA level that would explain things?"

Delany has learned that the chicken tumorigenesis model is indeed relevant for human oncogenesis. Her studies have also shown rDNA genotype differences between the resistant and susceptible groups of birds.

"This grant has opened an area with a lot of promise," said Delany, "and I am optimistic we will be awarded support to continue the work."

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Developmental geneticist Mary Delany uses the chicken to study critical events at the molecular and cellular level in the development of the embryo.