PROGRESS REPORT ON CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION GRANT DONATIONS AUGUST 1, 2008
This completed CHF Grant has been reviewed, and this summary submitted by Casey Gonda, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LA
It is a fact that approximately one in three dogs will be stricken with some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the case of hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and the incidence in our saluki population, that number may be even higher. It is very likely that if you share your life with salukis long enough, you will loose one or more of your dogs to this deadly and essentially untreatable form of cancer.
Fortunately, there is good news to report Since the completion of the Canine Genome Project in 2004, there has been renewed interest among those in the scientific research community concerning the importance of canine disease research as it applies to genetic studies in human disease. This has lead to an increase in the number and quality of principal investigators seeking funding for their projects.
The SCOA Health and Genetics Committee has received several such proposals over the course of the last few years and carefully reviewed them in regard to giving our financial support. We have attempted to select those which deal with problems specifically affecting our salukis. More information on projects to which SCOA has offered financial support can be found on the SCOA Website at akcchf.php
As contributing saluki fanciers, your ongoing support of these projects is incredibly important. Throughout the year, the SCOA Health and Genetics committee will keep everyone informed of the ongoing status of these projects and report any significant accomplishments generated.
CHF GRANT # 593 A-this grant was supported by the SCOA Health & Genetics Committeee in 2007, this is the year end report as summerized by Dr Gonda representing the SCOA Health & Genetics Committee:
Work continues on the research project, “Mapping Genes Associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma,” Principal researchers: K. Linblad-Toh, PhD and C Azuma, DVM, PhD. The initial phase of the project concentrated on mapping genes associated with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in Golden Retrievers (GR’s) by looking for genetic differences between healthy and sick dogs at the molecular level. The Golden Retriever was chosen for this study based on the high incidence of HSA in this breed and the availability of a large sample population. By carefully examining DNA material from both affected (dogs with tumors) and controls (those dogs free of disease) they have located 7 chromosomal regions associated with HAS.
In the final phases of the research ,which will require additional funding, investigators will look more closely at these 7 genetic “locations” in an effort to find the gene or genes directly responsible for initiating or producing the disease in GR’s. Once suspect genes are identified, researchers will then search for mutations necessary for expression of HSA. (SCOA H&G has committed $5,000 to this grant when it begins in the fall of 2008)
As a result of the work so far, there is evidence to suggest that several other breeds may also share similar genetic risk factors for the disease. Therefore, researches are currently collecting DNA samples from any breed of dog diagnosed with HSA, including salukis.
In the future, characterization of these gene(s) could lead to a carrier test to identify affected dogs before they are used for breeding purposes or to develop non-surgical treatments aimed at preventing or controlling the growth of the tumor(s) in those dogs that already have HSA.
If you have any questions about the above report or how to donate toward research that is saluki specific, please contact Dr Gonda at equinedr@aol.com or Montrue Stoner-Townsend at tmontrue9@aol.com for more detailed information.
We again thank you for your support of the SCOA Health & Genetics Committee.
Active Grant 593A-2007-2008
Active Grant 593 B-2008-2009
It is a fact that approximately one in three dogs will be stricken with some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the case of hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and the incidence in our saluki population, that number may be even higher. It is very likely that if you share your life with salukis long enough, you will loose one or more of your dogs to this deadly and essentially untreatable form of cancer.
Fortunately, there is good news to report Since the completion of the Canine Genome Project in 2004, there has been renewed interest among those in the scientific research community concerning the importance of canine disease research as it applies to genetic studies in human disease. This has lead to an increase in the number and quality of principal investigators seeking funding for their projects.
The SCOA Health and Genetics Committee has received several such proposals over the course of the last few years and carefully reviewed them in regard to giving our financial support. We have attempted to select those which deal with problems specifically affecting our salukis. More information on projects to which SCOA has offered financial support can be found on the SCOA Website at akcchf.php
As contributing saluki fanciers, your ongoing support of these projects is incredibly important. Throughout the year, the SCOA Health and Genetics committee will keep everyone informed of the ongoing status of these projects and report any significant accomplishments generated.
CHF GRANT # 593 A-this grant was supported by the SCOA Health & Genetics Committeee in 2007, this is the year end report as summerized by Dr Gonda representing the SCOA Health & Genetics Committee:
Work continues on the research project, “Mapping Genes Associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma,” Principal researchers: K. Linblad-Toh, PhD and C Azuma, DVM, PhD. The initial phase of the project concentrated on mapping genes associated with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in Golden Retrievers (GR’s) by looking for genetic differences between healthy and sick dogs at the molecular level. The Golden Retriever was chosen for this study based on the high incidence of HSA in this breed and the availability of a large sample population. By carefully examining DNA material from both affected (dogs with tumors) and controls (those dogs free of disease) they have located 7 chromosomal regions associated with HAS.
In the final phases of the research ,which will require additional funding, investigators will look more closely at these 7 genetic “locations” in an effort to find the gene or genes directly responsible for initiating or producing the disease in GR’s. Once suspect genes are identified, researchers will then search for mutations necessary for expression of HSA. (SCOA H&G has committed $5,000 to this grant when it begins in the fall of 2008)
As a result of the work so far, there is evidence to suggest that several other breeds may also share similar genetic risk factors for the disease. Therefore, researches are currently collecting DNA samples from any breed of dog diagnosed with HSA, including salukis.
In the future, characterization of these gene(s) could lead to a carrier test to identify affected dogs before they are used for breeding purposes or to develop non-surgical treatments aimed at preventing or controlling the growth of the tumor(s) in those dogs that already have HSA.
If you have any questions about the above report or how to donate toward research that is saluki specific, please contact Dr Gonda at equinedr@aol.com or Montrue Stoner-Townsend at tmontrue9@aol.com for more detailed information.
We again thank you for your support of the SCOA Health & Genetics Committee.
Active Grant 593A-2007-2008
Active Grant 593 B-2008-2009