QAAFI Early Career, Research Fellow
Overview
Dr. Forutan is an internationally recognized Researcher. Her research area includes understanding the bovine genome and epigenome, discovering causative mutation underlying economic important traits such as fertility, understanding the way genes turn on and off, investigating different methodologies to improve the accuracy of genomic prediction, and optimizing methods for predicting genetic diversity and inbreeding. Her future research career vision is to make a significant contribution to creating new knowledge in the field of quantitative genetics that can help to improve efficiency and resilience in Livestock.
Research Interests
- Quantitative Genetics
- Computational Biology
- Bioinformatic
- Genomic selection
- epigenomics
Publications
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Journal Article: Genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci in cattle reveals common genes regulating mammalian fertility
Forutan, Mehrnush, Engle, Bailey N., Chamberlain, Amanda J., Ross, Elizabeth M., Nguyen, Loan T., D’Occhio, Michael J., Snr, Alf Collins, Kho, Elise A., Fordyce, Geoffry, Speight, Shannon, Goddard, Michael E. and Hayes, Ben J. (2024). Genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci in cattle reveals common genes regulating mammalian fertility. Communications Biology, 7 (1) 724, 724. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06403-2
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Conference Publication: Characterisation of reproductive tract microbiome profile of healthy, Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis infected cattle
Juli, M.S.B., Forutan, M., Raza, A., Boe-Hansen, G. and Tabor, A.E. (2023). Characterisation of reproductive tract microbiome profile of healthy, Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis infected cattle. 11th International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium (IRRS 2023), Galway, Ireland, 28 May-1 June 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.03.164
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Journal Article: Predicting phenotypes of beef eating quality traits
Forutan, Mehrnush, Lynn, Andrew, Aliloo, Hassan, Clark, Samuel A., McGilchrist, Peter, Polkinghorne, Rod and Hayes, Ben J. (2023). Predicting phenotypes of beef eating quality traits. Frontiers in Genetics, 14 1089490, 1089490. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1089490
Supervision
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Campylobacter fetus genomics and host biomarkers for bovine genital campylobacteriosis immunity.
Doctor Philosophy
Available Projects
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Cross-Species Comparative Genomic Analysis: Exploring SNP Variants in Humans and Cows
This research project aims to conduct a comparative genomic analysis between humans and cows to understand the genetic basis of different traits. Through sophisticated bioinformatics approaches and comparative analysis, we aim to uncover similarities and differences in the genetic architecture underlying traits across species. This research not only provides valuable insights into the evolutionary and genetic mechanisms shaping different trait variations but also sheds light on the potential applications in agricultural practices, such as selective breeding strategies for improving livestock.
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Opportunities for Masters, Honours, and Undergraduate Research Projects
Our team has diverse research project opportunities, at various academic levels. While a preference is given to projects spanning 8 units or more, we remain open to shorter projects for exceptionally qualified applicants. Our projects encompass a wide range of techniques and focal points, providing a rich landscape for academic exploration.
To access information on available projects, kindly email me, and I will promptly reply. To be considered for a project, applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcript, and a sample of their technical writing. This sample could be a laboratory report from a previous class or an academic assignment.
For further inquiries or to initiate the application process, please don't hesitate to contact me.
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Understanding genetic variation in the Bos taurus indicus genome
By leveraging genomic data and advanced analytical techniques, we seek to identify, characterize, and interpret the diverse array of genetic variants within this cattle species. Through comparative analysis with related species and within-individual populations, we aim to uncover insights into the evolutionary history, population structure, and functional implications of genetic variation in Bos taurus indicus. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of important traits and adaptation mechanisms in Bos taurus indicus populations, with implications for breeding, conservation, and agricultural practices.
Publications
Journal Article
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Forutan, Mehrnush, Engle, Bailey N., Chamberlain, Amanda J., Ross, Elizabeth M., Nguyen, Loan T., D’Occhio, Michael J., Snr, Alf Collins, Kho, Elise A., Fordyce, Geoffry, Speight, Shannon, Goddard, Michael E. and Hayes, Ben J. (2024). Genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci in cattle reveals common genes regulating mammalian fertility. Communications Biology, 7 (1) 724, 724. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-06403-2
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Predicting phenotypes of beef eating quality traits
Forutan, Mehrnush, Lynn, Andrew, Aliloo, Hassan, Clark, Samuel A., McGilchrist, Peter, Polkinghorne, Rod and Hayes, Ben J. (2023). Predicting phenotypes of beef eating quality traits. Frontiers in Genetics, 14 1089490, 1089490. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1089490
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An Epigenetic Aging Clock for Cattle Using Portable Sequencing Technology
Hayes, Ben J., Nguyen, Loan T., Forutan, Mehrnush, Engle, Bailey N., Lamb, Harrison J., Copley, James P., Randhawa, Imtiaz A. S. and Ross, Elizabeth M. (2021). An Epigenetic Aging Clock for Cattle Using Portable Sequencing Technology. Frontiers in Genetics, 12 760450, 760450. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.760450
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Evolution of tissue and developmental specificity of transcription start sites in Bos taurus indicus
Forutan, Mehrnush, Ross, Elizabeth, Chamberlain, Amanda J., Nguyen, Loan, Mason, Brett, Moore, Stephen, Garner, Josie B., Xiang, Ruidong and Hayes, Ben J. (2021). Evolution of tissue and developmental specificity of transcription start sites in Bos taurus indicus. Communications Biology, 4 (1) 829, 1-14. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02340-6
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Ansari-Mahyari, Saeid, Ojali, Mohammad Reza, Forutan, Mehrnush, Riasi, Ahmad and Brito, Luiz F. (2019). Investigating the genetic architecture of conception and non-return rates in Holstein cattle under heat stress conditions. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 51 (7), 1847-1853. doi: 10.1007/s11250-019-01875-5
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Forutan, Mehrnush, Ansari Mahyari, Saeid, Baes, Christine, Melzer, Nina, Schenkel, Flavio Schramm and Sargolzaei, Mehdi (2018). Inbreeding and runs of homozygosity before and after genomic selection in North American Holstein cattle. BMC Genomics, 19 (1) 98, 98. doi: 10.1186/s12864-018-4453-z
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Improving genomic evaluation of Holstein cattle using a haplotype-based relationship matrix
Forutan, Mehrnush , Mahyari, Saeid Ansari, Schenkel, Flavio and Sargolzaei, Mehdi (2018). Improving genomic evaluation of Holstein cattle using a haplotype-based relationship matrix. Iranian Journal of Animal Science Research , 10 (3), 393-402. doi: 10.22067/ijasr.v10i3.66156
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Forutan, M., Ansari-Mahyari, S. and Edriss, M. A. (2016). Genetic analysis of postnatal mortality and calving traits in Iranian Holstein herds using threshold-linear models. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 18 (4), 961-973.
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Forutan, M., Ansari Mahyari, S. and Sargolzaei, M. (2014). Genetic evaluation of calf and heifer survival in Iranian Holstein cattle using linear and threshold models. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 132 (1), 51-58. doi: 10.1111/jbg.12115
Conference Publication
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Juli, M.S.B., Forutan, M., Raza, A., Boe-Hansen, G. and Tabor, A.E. (2023). Characterisation of reproductive tract microbiome profile of healthy, Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis infected cattle. 11th International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium (IRRS 2023), Galway, Ireland, 28 May-1 June 2023. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2023.03.164
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A conditional multi‑trait sequence GWAS of heifer fertility in tropically adapted beef cattle
Forutan, M., Engle, B., Goddard, M. E. and Hayes, B. J. (2022). A conditional multi‑trait sequence GWAS of heifer fertility in tropically adapted beef cattle. World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 3 July-8 July 2022.
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Genome wide analysis of bovine enhancers and promoters across developmental stages in liver
Forutan, M., Vander Jagt, C.J., Ross, E., Chamberlain, A. J., Mason, B., Nguyen, L., Moore, S., Garner, J. B., Xiang, R. and Hayes, B. J. (2021). Genome wide analysis of bovine enhancers and promoters across developmental stages in liver. 24th Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics Conference, On-line with local hubs in Australia, 2-4 November 2021. Armidale, NSW Australia: Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
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Genome-wide analysis of transcription start sites across Bos indicus tissues
Forutan, Mehrnush, Ross, Elizabeth, Nguyen, Loan and Hayes, Ben (2021). Genome-wide analysis of transcription start sites across Bos indicus tissues. 38th International Conference on Animal Genetics, Online, 26 - 30 July 2021.
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A Bos indicus epigenetic clock predicts age from tail hair
Nguyen, Loan T., Forutan, Mehrnush, Hayes, Ben J. and Ross, Elizabeth M. (2021). A Bos indicus epigenetic clock predicts age from tail hair. 38th International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG), Virtual, 26 - 30 July 2021.
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Genomic selection and inbreeding in North American Holstein cattle
Forutan, Mehrnush, Mahyari, Saeid Ansari, Baes, Christine, Melzer, Nina, Schenkel, Flavio and Sargolzaei, Mehdi (2017). Genomic selection and inbreeding in North American Holstein cattle. 68th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production, Tallinn, Estonia , 2017.
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Investigating runs of homozygosity in dairy cattle using imputed genomic information
Fleming, Allison, Forutan, Mehrnush, Makanjuola, B., Melzer, Nina, Schenkel, Flavio , Sargolzaei, Mehdi and Baes, Christine (2017). Investigating runs of homozygosity in dairy cattle using imputed genomic information. 68th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production, Tallinn, Estonia , 2017.
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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Campylobacter fetus genomics and host biomarkers for bovine genital campylobacteriosis immunity.
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Possible Research Projects
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
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Cross-Species Comparative Genomic Analysis: Exploring SNP Variants in Humans and Cows
This research project aims to conduct a comparative genomic analysis between humans and cows to understand the genetic basis of different traits. Through sophisticated bioinformatics approaches and comparative analysis, we aim to uncover similarities and differences in the genetic architecture underlying traits across species. This research not only provides valuable insights into the evolutionary and genetic mechanisms shaping different trait variations but also sheds light on the potential applications in agricultural practices, such as selective breeding strategies for improving livestock.
-
Opportunities for Masters, Honours, and Undergraduate Research Projects
Our team has diverse research project opportunities, at various academic levels. While a preference is given to projects spanning 8 units or more, we remain open to shorter projects for exceptionally qualified applicants. Our projects encompass a wide range of techniques and focal points, providing a rich landscape for academic exploration.
To access information on available projects, kindly email me, and I will promptly reply. To be considered for a project, applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcript, and a sample of their technical writing. This sample could be a laboratory report from a previous class or an academic assignment.
For further inquiries or to initiate the application process, please don't hesitate to contact me.
-
Understanding genetic variation in the Bos taurus indicus genome
By leveraging genomic data and advanced analytical techniques, we seek to identify, characterize, and interpret the diverse array of genetic variants within this cattle species. Through comparative analysis with related species and within-individual populations, we aim to uncover insights into the evolutionary history, population structure, and functional implications of genetic variation in Bos taurus indicus. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of important traits and adaptation mechanisms in Bos taurus indicus populations, with implications for breeding, conservation, and agricultural practices.
