02172-MOU: Understanding Hereditary Deafness in Dogs
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Hereditary deafness associated with white pigmentation occurs in numerous dog breeds. The breeds most affected are the Dalmatian (Dal, 22% unilaterally deaf, 8% bilaterally deaf) and the Australian cattle dog (ACD, 11.4% and 3%). The mechanism of inheritance is unknown, and previous studies to determine the mode of inheritance and locate the causative gene(s) have thus far been unsuccessful. Using a modified twin study approach, full-sibling littermates will be clinically and genetically evaluated. Like human twins, full siblings should have very similar DNA, which will reduce the variability of their DNA when compared to studies of unrelated dogs. Using the Illumina CanineHD Beadchip, which contains 172,115 DNA markers (SNPs) spread uniformly across the canine chromosomes, markers will be compared between the sibling pairs, and differences between siblings at individual markers will thus be identified. Using this approach candidate deafness genes can be identified and will advance the current understanding of this heritable disorder.
Funding for the research is provided through the efforts and generosity of the Australian Cattle Dog Health, Education, and Welfare , Australian Cattle Dog Club of America , Dalmatian Club of America, and the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation. The AKC Canine Health Foundation supports this effort and will oversee administration of funds and scientific progress reporting.
Publication(s)
Seddon, J. M., Fortes, M., Kelly-Smith, M., Sommerlad, S. F., Hayward, J. J., Burmeister, L., Risio, L. D., Mellersh, C., Freeman, J., & Strain, G. M. (2021). Deafness in Australian Cattle Dogs associated to QTL on chromosome 20 in genome-wide association study analyses. Animal Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.13115
Kelly-Smith, M., & Strain, G. M. (2020). STRING Data Mining of GWAS Data in Canine Hereditary Pigment-Associated Deafness. Veterinary and Animal Science, 100118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2020.100118
Hayward, J. J., Kelly-Smith, M., Boyko, A. R., Burmeister, L., De Risio, L., Mellersh, C., Freeman, J., & Strain, G. M. (2020). A genome-wide association study of deafness in three canine breeds. PLOS ONE, 15(5), e0232900. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232900
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.
