Tuoyu (Leo) Geng
Visiting Scientist
Research summary
For over ten years, my research has been focusing on the detection of molecular markers and the identification and characterization of genes associated with economically important traits in poultry. Another interest of research is the evaluation, conservation and utilization of genetic biodiversity in poultry, especially in Chinese indigenous chickens, which are popularly accepted for their outstanding flavor both of the meat and eggs in China . However, lower growth rate, reproduction, and disease resistance are some of the known problems, which have hampered their conservation and utilization. So I have been making efforts to solve the problems through these two aspects of my research. My previous research included estimation on genetic distance among native breeds of chickens by analysis of protein- and DNA-based polymorphism and detection of genetic markers associated with disease resistance, meat quality and special traits. So far I have participated in several projects at national, ministerial and provincial levels in China and have made some valuable achievements. However, my research is restricted too much due to the shortage of my knowledge in genomics.
Advances in modern molecular biology, especially in genomics provide a new package of effective methods, tools and important information for my research field, therefore I have been longing for an opportunity to learn and do research in genomics so that I have a chance to make breakthrough in the dilemma of my research. In 2002 my government and Dr. Edward J. Smith provided me this kind of opportunity. Since I came to USA, I have been working on two projects, which are both involved in the detection of SNPs, EST sequencing, development of SSR and comparative genomics. One is about chicken immune response, another is about budgie aging. In the former project, we have found more than 4 line-specific markers associated with immune response and characterized them. In the latter, our goal is to identify and characterize genetic markers and genes associated with aging. We have known the differences among several groups of budgie based on genomic DNA analysis. The knowledge will be useful for setting up resource population for further research. Also, the development of budgie EST and SSR has partly been done. They will be used for QTL mapping and finding new genes as important genomic reagents. In addition, we are going to employ comparative genomics tools to validate some suggestive genes from human and chicken that are probably associated with aging. These genomics-based activities will help narrow the gap in my knowledge of genomics and subsequently will contribute to the long-term research plans of my home institute.
Education
- B.S. 1985-1989: Animal science - University of Yangzhou, China
- M.S. 1989-1992: Animal breeding and genetics - University of Yangzhou, China
Professional experience
- 1992-1993: research assistant - Jiangsu Poultry Research Institute, China
- 1993-1995: research associate - Jiangsu Poultry Research Institute, China
- 1995-2001: research assistant professor - Jiangsu Poultry Research Institute, China
- 2001-2002: research associate professor - Jiangsu Poultry Research Institute, China
- 2002-present: visiting scientist - Comparative Genomics Lab, Virginia Tech, US
Research Publications
- T.Y. Geng , K.W. Cheng, X.Y. Zhang (2001) Molecular markers to the trait of blackness in Silky Fowl. In: Research advance of animal genetics and breeding in China. Chinese Agricultural Science and Technology Publishing Com., Beijing,pp103-105
- T.Y. Geng , H.D. Yang (2001) Research advances of poultry stress. Animal science and veterinary medicine 18(4)35-37
- T.Y. Geng , X.Y. Zhang, K.W. Cheng (2000) Pigmentation of melanin in the embryonic Silky Fowl. Journal of China Poultry 4(1)18-20
- T.Y. Geng , X.Y. Zhang, K.W. Cheng (2000) Pigmentation of melanin in Silky Fowl after birth. China Poultry 22(7)10-12
- T.Y. Geng , X.Y. Zhang, Z.L. Gu (1999) Preliminary studies on some genetic factors associated with resistance of disease in new Langshan and Gushi chickens. China Poultry 21(9)5-6
- H.J. Zhou, K.W. Cheng, T.Y. Geng (1999) Genetic analysis of some Chinese native breeds of chickens using probe from M13. Proceedings of the 8th national symposium on poultry science.
- H.J. Zhou, K.W. Cheng, X.Y. Zhang, T.Y. Geng (1997) Genetic information among some Chinese indigenous chickens of population estimated from random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Proceedings of international conference on animal biotechnology. 230
- T.Y. Geng (1997) Research advances of poultry disease resistance. Proceedings of the 7th national symposium on poultry science.
Contact Information
E-mail : tygeng@vt.edu
Phone: (540) 231-9189
Fax: (540) 231-3010
