2264: Whole Genome Screens Using Microsatellite Markers in Genetic Analyses of Hereditary Deafness in the Dalmatian and English Setter

Abstract

Hereditary deafness has been reported for approximately 60 breeds, and can potentially appear in any breed. The disorder is often associated with pigmentation patterns, with increasing amounts of white in the hair coat increasing the likelihood of deafness. Pigment-associated inheritance of deafness is not restricted to dogs. Similar defects have been reported for mouse, mink, pig, horse, cattle, cat and human. High incidences of deafness are found in the Dalmatian and English Setter. Deafness in these breeds presents unilaterally (with no preference for either ear) or bilaterally and recent research suggests that more than one gene is involved. Therefore, in an effort to identify such genes, we will carry out analysis of the entire genome rather than restricting studies to one or two genes. By using this approach, termed linkage analysis, we hope to identify markers present in affected dogs. Informative markers will allow selection and subsequent examination of candidate genes for mutations that play roles in deafness of the aforementioned breeds. The long-term objectives of this work are to 1) develop marker or gene-based tests to identify carriers and to reduce the incidence of deafness, and 2) understand the etiology of deafness in the Dalmatian and English Setter.

Publication(s)

Cargill, E. J. (2004). Heritability and Segregation Analysis of Deafness in U.S. Dalmatians. Genetics, 166(3), 1385–1393. https://doi.org/10.1534/genetics.166.3.1385

Cargill, Edward J, Famula, T. R., Schnabel, R. D., Strain, G. M., & Murphy, K. E. (2005). The color of a Dalmatian’s spots: Linkage evidence to support the TYRP1 gene. BMC Veterinary Research, 1(1), 3.

Cargill, E.J., Schnabel, R. D., & Murphy, K. E. (2004). Assignment of Canine MSS1 Microsatellite Markers to Chromosomes by Linkage Data. DNA Sequence, 15(3), 209–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/10425170410001704490