Researchers at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, have found that certain breeds of dogs are susceptible to certain brain tumors, called gliomas. Identical to that found in humans, this particularly aggressive form of brain tumor grows rapidly and is rarely curable. Brachycephalic dog breeds (boxers, Boston terriers, bulldogs, etc.) are known to have a high risk of glioma.
However, Swedish researchers have discovered that the cell structure of the tumor in dogs was substantially identical to that of humans. They therefore suggest carrying out a form of mapping of the disease from the dog’s genetic tree. “in order to isolate the genes which could be responsible for certain gliomas”.
“In our study, we hypothesized that since the brachycephalic dog breeds with a high tumor risk are similar, we may be able to identify a genomic region shared by these breeds.” says Dr. Katarina Truve, lead author of the study.
In total, the team studied the genomes of 25 dog breeds. Blood was drawn from 39 dogs diagnosed with glioma and 141 control dogs. The results, published this week in the journal PLoS Genetics have three genes that are thought to be associated with tumor sensitivity (CaMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR). For the moment, their exact role is not known. New research will be conducted on their role in the development of glioma.
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