00373B: Mapping Genes Associated with Osteosarcoma in Large Dog Breeds
Grant Status: Closed
Grant Amount: $105,592
Kenine Comstock, PhD; University of Michigan
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2006
Sponsor(s):
Breed(s): Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Greyhound, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever
Research Program Area: Oncology - Osteosarcoma
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Abstract
Eight thousand to ten thousand cases of osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, are reported in dogs in the United States annually, representing a significant health concern. In the majority of cases, spread of the tumor throughout the body and death follows within a few years. Osteosarcoma affects all dogs, but the disease frequency is considerably higher in large and giant breeds, including the long-limbed hounds (Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Great Pyrenees and Borzoi) and Mastiff-type breeds (Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Saint Bernard, Irish Setter, and Newfoundland). It is clear the genetics play an important role. We propose to identify the genetic risk factors for osteosarcoma in two breeds: Greyhound and Rottweiler. While certain characteristics of these two breeds make them ideal to study, we expect that the genes identified in these breeds may also be associated with osteosarcoma in related breeds. This study should lead to the development of genetic tests for osteosarcoma that could be used to eliminate carriers from breeding populations, eventually reducing the frequency of this devastating cancer. Ultimately, it could also lead to improvements in treatment of osteosarcoma.Publication(s)
None at this time.
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