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1 min read Grant Period: March 1, 2009 - February 28, 2010 Closed Grant

01235-A: Genome Wide Association Mapping to Identify Genes Associated with Hypoadrenocorticism in the Bearded Collie

Hypoadrenocorticism (canine Addison’s disease) is a late onset disorder caused by deterioration of the adrenal gland cortex and insufficient production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids normally produced by that tissue; it is believed to represent an autoimmune condition. Evidence from the human literature pertaining to autoimmune diseases suggest a set of susceptibility genes that express differentially depending upon environmental triggers. The twelve month acorn grant examined the entire canine genome using SNP microarrays to search for chromosomal regions associated with hypoadrenocorticism in the Bearded Collie. Four distinct chromosomes were significantly associated with hypoadrenocorticism, two having been suggested in the past (CFA 12 and another that is the subject of ongoing collaboration), one that was also detected when categorizing hypothyroid and hypoadrenocorticism dogs together as a generalized immune condition, and a fourth that has not been previously implicated and is currently being fine mapped. Taken together, the data would suggest that a set of susceptibility genes common to autoimmune disease exists and a second set of genes is more specific for the development of hypoadrenocorticism in the Bearded Collie.