2501: Transmission Analysis of Breed Specific Necrotizing Encephalitis in the Pug Dog: Pedigree Collection Phase

Grant Amount: $3,500

Kimberly A Greer, PhD; Texas A&M University

December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2003

Sponsor(s): Pug Dog Club of America, Inc.

Breed(s): Pug

Research Program Area: Neurology

Abstract

The long-term goal of the proposed research is to understand the molecular genetics of breed specific necrotizing meningoencephalitis in the Pug (Pug Dog Encephalitis, or PDE), the etiology of which is currently unknown. However, the breed predilection of PDE strongly suggests a genetic component. A necessary resource for this goal is detailed information regarding the incidence and inheritance of PDE. To this end, we propose collection of pedigree information and biological samples. We will identify informative pedigrees and collect blood/tissue samples, together with extensive laboratory and clinical information, from all available pedigree members. The clinical data are necessary for definitive diagnosis of PDE and analyses of pedigrees will allow determination of the mode of transmission. Once this is known, we will carry out whole genome scans to reveal genetic markers associated with PDE. Identification of markers linked to PDE will 1) allow development of marker-based tests for carrier detection and 2) facilitate positional cloning of the candidate gene, or genes, causative for the disease.

Publication(s)

None at this time.