To-date, despite many scientific efforts, little has been known about the genetics of the disease. In their study, researchers from Uppsala University, SLU and Broad Institute, compared DNA samples from a large group of German shepherd dogs affected by atopic dermatitis with DNA coming from healthy dogs to reveal the specific DNA segment associated with the disease.
"With the help of pet owners, we have managed to collect a unique set of DNA samples from sick and healthy dogs which allowed us to gain insight into atopic dermatitis genetics," said first author Katarina Tengvall, Uppsala University.A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified by a team of researchers led by professors Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Uppsala university and Åke Hedhammar, SLU, Sweden. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure, suggesting an aberrant skin barrier as a potential risk factor for atopic dermatitis.These findings will not only lead to better understanding of the disease, which may lead to better treatment strategies long term. It also opens up the possibilities of development of a genetic test for the disease. The finding that certain variants of the PKP-2 gene may increase the risk of developing the disease opens new possibilities in understanding the disease mechanism leading to atopic dermatitis.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509184641.htm
http://www.evolutionsupply.com/blog/page/17/
"With the help of pet owners, we have managed to collect a unique set of DNA samples from sick and healthy dogs which allowed us to gain insight into atopic dermatitis genetics," said first author Katarina Tengvall, Uppsala University.A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified by a team of researchers led by professors Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Uppsala university and Åke Hedhammar, SLU, Sweden. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure, suggesting an aberrant skin barrier as a potential risk factor for atopic dermatitis.These findings will not only lead to better understanding of the disease, which may lead to better treatment strategies long term. It also opens up the possibilities of development of a genetic test for the disease. The finding that certain variants of the PKP-2 gene may increase the risk of developing the disease opens new possibilities in understanding the disease mechanism leading to atopic dermatitis.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509184641.htm
http://www.evolutionsupply.com/blog/page/17/
That's great news that scientist have found a better understanding of this disease. Hopefully soon a genetic test good be used to help prevent this disease from occurring. It is vital they discovered the gene that contains the plakophilin 2 protein.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is sad to see these diseases in animals, especially those that are pets, it is nice to see how far genetics has been able to go in helping the medical industry. Without these advancements, it would not be possible to search for such cures in our furry friends. It is interesting to read on the animal studies of genetics as many of them often find human applications later on.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to read about this as well. My family used to have a boxer with a terrible skin condition, much like the dog pictured above. We tried everything from changing his food to special bathing techniques, but nothing really seemed to make a difference. That all seems to make sense now, since there is a gene controlling this instead of just environmental factors. I hope that this research continues and an adequate treatment can come out of this to help these dogs in need of skin saving.
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