Pooled Association Mapping for Canine Hereditary Disorders

To develop a system that will map genetic traits causing health problems.

More than 450 canine genetic traits are listed on the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals list. These traits affect all body systems in dogs and can cause health problems ranging from mild disease susceptibility to severe illness and death. Researchers will use a genetic tool called the Affymetrix Canine SNP Chip to develop a mapping strategy using pooled DMA samples that will map genes for hereditary canine disorders. This method promises to be 10 times more efficient and cost effective than current methods for analyzing canine inherited traits. Once this method is validated, it will be used to map a series of hereditary retinal disorders affecting multiple breeds.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D07CA-085

RESEARCHERS

Gregory M. Acland, BVSc
Cornell University

Dr. Acland is a professor of medical genetics at Cornell University and an adjunct p of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his veterinary degree from the University and completed a residency and postdoctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania.