Veterinary Oncology Fellowship-University of Missouri

Shirley Chu, DVM; University of Missouri

Dr. Chu of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is a veterinary oncology resident and graduate student pursuing her PhD. Dr. Jeffrey Bryan serves as Dr. Chu’s mentor for her project on “Examination of the Methylome of Golden Retriever B cell lymphoma”.

Project Abstract: Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in people and in dogs, and Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive lymphoma in these species. Dr. Chu’s project is to further understand the effect of DNA methylation on cancer, using epigenetics, the study of potentially reversible changes to nuclear material that ultimately determine DNA expression.

DNA methylation is the most permanent epigenetic mark and has been the most widely studied. DLBCL is the subject of this \study to elucidate the first methylome in the canine species (specifically in Golden Retrievers). MIRAseq (methylated CpG island recovery assay) is an enrichment technique that was used to collect genome wide DNA methylation informion. The methylomes will be analyzed to determine if a distinct fingerprint can be seen in DLBCL in Golden Retrievers, if this fingerprint models human DLBCL, and if a diagnostic panel can be produced for early diagnosis and aid in prognostication.

Other future projects to understand the genetic landscape of cancer in dogs include a parallel whole genome, exome and RNA‐sequencing of DLBCL for the identification of actionable somatic mutations, biomarkers of minimal residual disease, sub-typing, tumor heterogeneity, structural variants and breed related susceptibility.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation

RESEARCHERS

Dr. Shirley Chu DVM (mentored by Dr. Jeffrey Bryan)
University of Missouri
Amount: $1,000