» »

00812-A: Investigation of the Canine Cathepsin L Gene (CTSL) as a Candidate for Alopecia X in Keeshonden and Pomeranians

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $12,600

Dr. Tosso Leeb, PhD, University of Bern

December 1, 2006 - May 31, 2007

Sponsor(s): Keeshond Club of America, Pomeranian Charitable Trust

Breed(s): Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Keeshond, Pomeranian, Samoyed

Disease(s): Alopecia

Project Summary

Alopecia X is a noninflammatory, progressive, bilateral symmetric alopecia in dogs. The disease is mainly found in Nordic breeds. The breed predisposition and a strong familial accumulation suggest a hereditary background. We analyzed the cathepsin L2 gene (CTSL2) as a candidate for alopecia X. The comparative sequencing of 14 affected and 18 control animals revealed ten polymorphisms; however, none of these polymorphisms affected the coding sequence. Haplotype analysis did not reveal an association of one particular CTSL2 haplotype with the disease phenotype; therefore, we conclude that the CTSL2 gene is probably not the causative gene for alopecia X.

Publication(s)

- Mausberg, Em, Drogemuller, C, Dolf, G, Leeb, T, Rufenacht, S and Welle, M (2007) Evaluation of the CTSL2 Gene as a Candidate Gene For Alopecia X in Pomeranians and Keeshonden. Animal Biotechnology. 18, 291 - 6. - Mausberg, Em, Drogemuller, C, Dolf, G, Rufenacht, S, Welle, M and Leeb, T (2008) Exclusion of patched homolog 2 (PTCH2) as a candidate gene for alopecia X in pomeranians and keeshonden. Veterinary Record. 163, 121-3. 10.1136/vr.163.4.121