Dog Days of Science ■ 125Golden retrievers are prone to cancers
of the bone marrow. Ostrander’s
research group is analyzing the
genomes of hundreds of goldens with
and without cancer, hoping to identify
the genes responsible.Shadow, a standard poodle, was
the first dog to have its genome
partially (about 80%) sequenced.Tasha, a boxer, was the first dog to
have its complete genome
sequenced. Boxers are vulnerable
to hip, thyroid, and heart problems.
Scientists identified a gene for
cardiomyopathy in boxers, a heart
disorder also found in humans.Pembroke Welsh corgis may develop
a fatal neurodegenerative condition
similar to amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) in humans. The
human gene mutation associated
with ALS was also found in corgis
with the condition.Psychiatric disorders often have a genetic
component. Doberman pinschers are
susceptible to canine compulsive disorder,
similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder in
humans. The responsible gene in Dobermans
has been linked to autism disorders in humans.Figure 7.7
Man’s best friend
The Dog Genome Project has identified the genetic basis of several diseases and conditions in dogs, and in some cases it has been
able to link the gene to a similar gene in humans.
Q1: Boxers are far more inbred than poodles. Why does that inbreeding make the former a better target for genetic
studies of disease than the latter?Q2: Explain why a geneticist interested in finding a gene linked to cancer would want to look at the DNA of senior golden
retrievers with and without cancer?Q3: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior,
such as pacing. Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) is characterized by compulsive behavior such as “flank sucking,”
sometimes seen in Doberman pinschers. Would you predict that the medications given to humans with OCD would
decrease compulsive behaviors in CCD dogs? Why or why not?