Chick flicks aid foetus research

The images will show how genes ensure healthy development

Scientists are to take 3D images of chickens as they develop in the egg in a bid to learn more about disease and birth defects in humans.

The Edinburgh University team will use sophisticated gene mapping techniques to study foetal development.

Thousands of 3D images of chicks taken during the first 10 days of their development will be catalogued.

The research could increase understanding of why conditions like spina bifida and cancer develop.

Images from the so-called "chick atlas" will show not only where genes key to our biological make-up are switched on, but also when they are turned on and off to ensure healthy development.

By understanding what happens we can also understand why things may go wrong Prof Dave Burt Roslin Institute

The images will be stored in an online database, which can be accessed and added to by scientists from across the world.

The £2.6m project will be co-ordinated by the university's Roslin Institute in collaboration with the Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit, University College London, University of Bath and Trinity College Dublin.

It is being funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council.

Professor Dave Burt, of the Roslin Institute, said: "The chick atlas has the benefit of looking at how genes relate to development in both time and space, letting us know when and where genes make an impact.

"These early stages of a chick embryo are essential in the development of the nervous system, heart and limbs and by understanding what happens we can also understand why things may go wrong."

'Important resource'

In the initial stages the chick atlas will look at mapping 1,000 of about 18,000 chick genes predicted from the chicken genome sequence.

By cross-referencing similarities with a similar mouse atlas, scientists can identify the most relevant genes in human development.

Professor Richard Baldock, of the MRC, added: "The mouse atlas team will contribute their expertise in atlas databases to deliver this important resource.

"The ability to capture and compare data between species will provide critical clues to how embryogenesis is controlled by gene activity. As a physicist and computer scientist this is an exciting time to be in biomedical research."