Research update for Dr. Johnson’s work looking to identify possible genetic risk factors for canine epilepsy.
We proposed to generated and analyze whole genome sequences from 10 epileptic dogs. So far we have used AKC CHF funds to generate whole genome sequences for 8 epileptic dogs
and we have analyzed 5 of these whole genome sequences. By the end of 2016, we expect to have generated and analyzed all 10 of the whole genome sequences. In addition, we have
used funds from other sources to generate and analyze whole genome sequences for 4 additional epileptic dogs and 3 more epileptic dogs are scheduled for sequencing and analysis
before the end of 2016. Once the whole genome sequences of all 17 epileptic dogs have been generated and analyzed, we will select 7 or more of the most promising epilepsy risk factor
candidate mutations from these whole genome sequences and determine whether or not they occur more frequently in epileptic dogs than in epilepsy-free dogs of the same breed.
We have also proposed to select 15 to 25 of the most promising epilepsy risk factor candidate mutations from approximately 500 canine whole genome sequences and determine whether or not they occur more frequently in epileptic dogs than in epilepsy-free dogs without regard to breed. This portion of the research is behind schedule because of unforeseen delays in the reconfiguration of a University supercomputer. The problem now appears to be rectified and we have asked for a 6-month no-cost extension of the funding period to allow us to complete this aspect of the proposed research.
Mid-Year-1 Research Update Dr. Johnson to identify genetic risk for epilepsy
