Tomer Ventura

Biography

Dr Tomer Ventura pioneered the application of single gene silencing to induce fully functional sex change in crustaceans. This has wide application for practicing Monosex Population Culture (all-male or all-female), which has tremendous value for the entire aquaculture industry. This is the first application of gene silencing in aquaculture.

Dr Ventura’s molecular expertise is vital in translating novel basic scientific results into applicable biotechnologies. Dr Ventura is leading a group dedicated to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying crustacean masculinity and metamorphosis and is participating in an attempt to understand the genetic cause for vertebrae deformitiesand flesh colour variation in salmon.

Patents and Awards

1. Vice Chancellor and President’s Award for Excellence in Research, University of the Sunshine Coast 2014.

2. Best Early Career Research Presentation Award, University Research Week, University of the Sunshine Coast

2013.

3. A travel grant to the 12th Congress of the International Society of Invertebrate Reproduction and Development,

Prague, Czech Republic 2010.

4. Sagi, A., Aflalo E.D. and Ventura T., 2010 Sex selection and management of prawns and systems and uses

thereof (provisional PCT priority: 29 July 2010).

5. Sagi, A. and Ventura T., 2008. RNA silencing of insulin-like gene in prawn and uses thereof. PCT/IL2009/000127

(priority: 4 February 2008).

Potential Projects (SRP/Honours/HDR)

Spiny Lobster Biotechnology

The Australian spiny lobster aquaculture was provided a government boost of $5 million AUD over the next 5 years to launch a world-first commercial scale production of spiny lobsters from egg to product. Two companies joined ten researchers that lead this venture. Dr Ventura oversees the molecular genetics aspects of this project in collaboration with lead researchers in UTas and the company in Townsville. The project offers diverse opportunities to explore value-adding biotechnologies using cutting-edge molecular biotechnology tools in the space of lobster sexual development/nutrition/health. The students will gain training in molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinfortmatics analysis.

Digital lobster

As part of the effort to value-add the spiny lobster aquaculture industry in Australia, the research led by Dr Ventura generated the most comprehensive database ever to be generated in crustaceans. Skillful computer sciences students will have the opportunity to develop tools to visualize the data and enable quick access to relevant information. The student will be co-supervised by a computer science academic and will benefit from access to this database.

RNAi mechanism

Dr Ventura pioneered the use of gene silencing (RNAi) in aquaculture for commercial benefit and holds a patent for this technology, now commercially available globally. This project provides a unique opportunity to better understand how gene silencing works and develop new ways to enhance it as a promising candidate for non genetically modifying therapy. The project involves bioinformatics analysis, gene silencing, quantitative PCRs, cell culture assays and recombinant protein production.

Neuromodulation of pest insects as an eco-friendly pest management

USC-based research led by Dr Ventura was initiated in crayfishes. This project identified key factors that modulate the crayfish development. Research now focuses on the development of pest management tools based on these findings. The project involves work with insects throughout their life cycle, as well as bioinformatics analysis and molecular biology techniques.

Teaching areas

• Aquaculture
• Genetics
• Invertebrate Biology and Ecology
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Biotechnology

Program coordinator

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Expert media commentary

Dr Tomer Ventura's area of expertise includes Functional Genomics and Biotechnology applied in Aquaculture of decapod crustaceans (crabs, crayfishes, prawns and lobster).