Secret decoding of diversity in dogs

What makes a pointy hunting dog point in the direction of the prey, causing the shepherd to pack sheep into herds and make a retriever find and bring the animal back? Why is Yorkshire terrier living longer than Danish Dane Great Dane? How does the petty Chihuahua dog have a relative of the aforementioned Great Dane breed?

Dogs have larger sizes, shapes, colors, fur lengths and actions than any other animal. Now scientists have found a way to determine the genetic basis for diversity in dogs, which may have brought great benefits to the dogs as well as the owners themselves.

On the front page of tomorrow's article published by Genetics, the study revealed locations on a dog's DNA that contain genes that scientists believe contribute to other things. differences in body shape as well as the brain, weight, color and length of feathers, even the action, training ability and life expectancy of dogs.

The co-author of the study Paul G. Jones is also a genetic researcher at the Waltham® Animal Nutrition Center under Mars® Incorporated (the world leader in pet care that has conducted research transmission in dogs over the past 8 years, said:

'This is an exciting and promising breakthrough with the collaboration of the genetic leaders of the dog species, which helps us pair up to answer the genetic puzzle in dogs that brings many benefits. potential benefits for dogs and owners. By applying this method of research, we can decipher how genes contribute to physiological and behavioral traits that affect many different breeds. '

Dogs have larger sizes, shapes, colors, fur lengths and actions than any other animal.Now scientists have found a way to determine the genetic basis for diversity in dogs, which may have brought great benefits to the dogs as well as the owners themselves.(Photo: iStockphoto / Kevin Russ)

Dogs originated from wolves about 15,000 years ago - a period of time considered a blink of an eye in evolution. Selective reproduction has created dogs with physiological and behavioral characteristics that are consistent with the owner's requirements or desires , such as livestock keeping or hunting, feather color, and size. size and shape of head or body. This has formed a large change in over 350 different breeds of dogs that make up the population of dogs today. Until now, the genetic engine of this diversity still appealed to scientists to make them try to explain why and how the difference in physiological characteristics and behavior of the uncle dogs are changing so quickly from their wolf origin.

A group of international researchers, including scientists at the National Institute of Genetic Studies, University of Utah, Sundowners Kennels in Gilroy, California and Waltham Animal Nutrition Center (Mars) in the United Kingdom, studied simple genetic markers named single nucleotit polymorphism SNPs ( Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms ) to search for locations on the dog genome related to reproductive characteristics. Because many traits exist only in certain species, researchers can focus on hot spots to understand which genes in the region contribute to the formation of differences between properties.

Researchers have used 13,000 samples of dogs' genes provided by Mars Veterinary, one of the world's most comprehensive dog DNA banks. The genetic sample collection is also contributed by dog ​​owners when they agree to sample serum and blood samples for data. Mars' DNA bank allows research to be conducted with most of the classified breeds of the American Kennel Club, which has a wide variety of behavioral and physiological characteristics as well as differences in their lifespan.

Jones said: 'Along with more sophisticated techniques as well as additional data sources in the future, this method can be applied to transform products that benefit the health of pets. Owners or veterinarians can also provide better care based on these facilities. In addition, genetic information about behavioral traits, such as training or temperament, will also help veterinarians recognize the breed of animal that is suitable for the owner. '

Research also has many applications for human health because dogs also suffer from many diseases similar to ours.

Mars continues to make a commitment to research genetic characteristics in dogs to better understand their DNA composition to benefit the lives of dogs and their owners. The Wisdom Panel MX ™ mixed-breed analysis test is the first product to use the above-mentioned information in this study.

Reference article:

Jones et al. Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphism-Based Association Mapping of Dog Stereotypes. Genetics, 2008; 179 (2): 1033 DOI: 10.1534 / genetics.108.087866