The Canine Phenome Project
Canine Phenome Project’s Research Strives to Breed Healthier Dogs
Jun 5, 2008
There is a “phenome” for every physical aspect of the dog --from anatomy to temperament. About two and a half years ago, Dr. Gary S. Johnson, Associate Professor of Pathobiology at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine initiated the Canine Phenome Project (CPP). The comprehensive research clearinghouse stores DNA samples and additional phenotypical information from enrolled dogs within each participating breed.
The Canine Phenome Project’s goal is to develop the means to test individual dogs for particular traits or predisposition to disease. Owners add information to the initial banked DNA blood samples, including illnesses, breeding records, vaccinations, and necropsy findings. Only owners can access an individual dog’s information. However, general statistical information on enrolled breeds is available to anyone logging into their site.
This enhances researchers’ ability to home in on the phenome descriptors that lead to discovering genetic markers of prevalent canine disorders, mutations, and other health information.
Unlocking the mystery of the more-than-30,000 genes in a dog, seems daunting, but technological progress and research techniques have increased exponentially as more of the puzzle comes together.
Sharing its banked DNA and information with other research entities works facilitates solving the mysteries of canine disease. By housing DNA and ancillary information indefinitely, other research groups can access it.
For example, Dr. Roe Froman DVM, President of the Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation, is excited about the Project’s data collection. It has proved invaluable--not only to the work of the Clumber Spaniel Club of America--but to other researchers tackling the same issues. For instance, Dr. Lorna Kennedy heads the University of Manchester’s similar research and has received the precise DNA sample from the CPP, mutually supporting each other’s common goals when information banked in a participating breed’s database becomes accessible.
The Canine Genome Project, the Precursor
The Canine Phenome Project dovetails with the completion of the Canine Genome Project which, in 2004, successfully mapped nearly all the genes of a Boxer bitch named Tasha. Comparisons among the Boxer’s DNA sequence and other dogs have provided clues to over two million sequential differences in dogs.
Because dogs and humans share many genetic similarities, the National Institute of Health’s helped sponsor the Canine Genome Project. This project and its offshoots provide important information toward the eradication of mutual disorders.
Basenjis, the Pilot Project
In its two-and-a-half years, seven breeds have enrolled in the Canine Phenome Project. Identifying the genetic markers for Fanconi Syndrome, a renal disorder that affects 15% of all Basenjis, was Canine Phenome Project’s pilot project. Fourteen years ago Dr. Gary Johnson and his research team’s work at the University of Missouri yielded, in 2007, a useful blood test, approximately 95%-99% accurate to determine whether a dog is clear, affected, or a carrier of the syndrome.
This genetic disorder occurs in both humans and dogs involving the kidneys, part of whose function is to reabsorb electrolytes and nutrients back into the body. Instead they are excreted in the urine.
Current Canine Phenome Project research includes developing tests to identify two serious conditions affecting the Clumber Spaniel, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) and Hemangisarcoma, a deadly and aggressive cancer.
The project is also studying various disorders affecting Collies, Kerry Blue terriers, Soft-Coated Wheaten terriers, and Coton de Tulears.
Scientists’ ability to discern genetic markers has improved exponentially to potentially eliminate lethal and disorders from purebred pets and breeding stock.
Strong Commitment
Participation in the Canine Phenome project requires a breed club’s earnest involvement. To add a breed to the CPP, breed parent clubs and associated health foundations must propose to Dr. Johnson a need to address breed-specific phenotypical problem.
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