Chytrid resistance

Chytrid fungus has been linked to the population declines of over 500 amphibian species, and at least 90 extinctions worldwide. We aim to protect threatened species, and preserve ecosystems by engineering a universal transgene to render amphibians resistant to chytrid. 

Through the  generation and sequencing of immunological molecules specific to chytrid, we aim to engineer a transgene which enables amphibians to naturally produce these molecules, conferring resistance to chytrid fungus. This transgene will then be inserted into the genome of endangered amphibian species in captivity, which could then be re-wilded allowing the immunity to spread via natural selection. In essence, these animals will be ‘born vaccinated’ to chytrid fungus. This technology, if successful, would have broad-reaching applications both in conservation science and in the agricultural sector.