Doggy Genes

Reported July 2006

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- We may be more like dogs than we think. Now, a complete map of dog genes not only helps explain what gives dogs their unique set of traits, behaviors, and diseases -- it could help identify human diseases, too.

Why are some dogs excellent ball chasers and others perfect for your lap? The answer to dog differences is hidden in specific sequences of DNA called genes.

A standard poodle, named Shadow, was the first dog to have its genes mapped, but it was only about 80-percent complete. For the first time, molecular biologists have completely mapped out the genes of a boxer.

"The boxer genome will help us get at the genes responsible for diseases and traits in dogs," says Ewen Kirkness, Ph.D., a molecular biologist at The Institute for Genomic Research in Rockville, Maryland.

Dogs and humans share many of the same diseases, like diabetes, epilepsy and cancer. Mapping dog genes could be the chief tool in finding disease-causing genes in people, because Kirkness says the same genes will be responsible for similar diseases in humans.

Genes that cause disease in dogs are easier to find than in people. Mutations in a dozen different genes can cause human disease, almost impossible to find. In dogs, only one gene mutation can cause a disease, and that same mutated gene causes an identical disease in humans.

"Then we have a better handle on what is causing the disease in humans, also," Kirkness says.

Studying dog families also helps get a better handle on their own health and help eliminate dog diseases. "Testing can be done by breeders to limit the passage of these mutations into future generations." Having a genetic map may also mean owners of pure-bred dogs and mutts may soon be able to document which breeds their dogs come from by simply sending a cheek swab or blood sample to a genetics lab.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

The Institute for Genomic Research
9712 Medical Center Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 795-7000

Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is July 4. See how these power-eaters are able to break records.

Explosives ... toxic chemicals ... criminals. When it comes to sniffing out trouble, wasps may be better than dogs.

They may look silly, but these researchers know why we get around by walking and running instead of skipping.

This complete map of dog genes explains why some dogs are playful and others are serious -- and helps identify human diseases, too.

Will La Niņa add fuel to this year's hurricane season?

1.4 million are arrested each year for driving under the influence. This high-tech go-cart may help put the brakes on impaired drivers.

Two scientists believe they've solved a mystery that's defied explanation for more than 400 years.

Predicting when vacation beach pollution will be the worst by looking up at the moon.

What boats, whales and rainfall sound like under the sea.

"Jesus Bugs" inspire this water-walking robot.

The amazing way the body can be tricked into healing a failing heart.

This tiny device could help lower the cost of your prescriptions.