678: Generation and Analysis of Canine Bone Marrow Derived Mast Cells
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Disorders of mast cells, particularly mast cell tumors (MCTs), are common in dogs and there is now evidence that many of these exhibit breed specific tendencies, suggesting underlying genetic causes. This is particularly important for MCTs in which certain breeds (e.g., Pugs) develop benign disease while others (e.g., Chinese Shar-Pei) develop malignant disease. In comparison to humans and mice, very little is known about the biology of normal canine mast cells. Such knowledge is critical for understanding how mast cell disorders develop. In other species, large numbers of mast cells can be generated from purified bone marrow cells (termed BMMCs) and these are used to study normal mast cell biology. We have recently been successful in generating canine BMMCs from canine bone marrow. The purpose of this proposal is to fine tune the process of canine BMMC generation and to study the functional properties of mast cells in detail. These studies will supply important new information regarding the biology of normal canine mast cells and provide a platform for future work investigating the genetic basis of mast cell disease in dogs.
Publication(s)
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.