Hemangiosarcoma
Abstract from the CHF website
Broad Institute - MIT (Non-profit Organization)
Active Grant No: 593A:
Mapping Genes Associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Disease(s): Cancer: Hemangiosarcoma
Sponsor(s):
American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American Bullmastiff
Association, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation,
Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Clumber Spaniel Club
of America, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, French Bulldog Club of
America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Health & Rescue Foundation of
the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Labrador Retriever
Club, LEAP Agility, Leonberger Health Foundation, Portuguese
Water Dog Foundation, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States,
Saluki Club of America, Inc., Saluki Health Research, Inc., Scottish
Terrier Club of America Health Trust Fund, Skye Terrier Club of
America
Researcher(s): Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD
Breed(s): Boxer, Golden Retriever
Abstract:
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a malignant tumor of blood vessels, is a
significant health concern in dogs, with a reported incidence of up to
two percent of all tumors. HSA can affect all dogs, but a particularly
high disease incidence has been reported in certain breeds, such as
Golden Retriever (15 percent), German Shepherd Dog (10 percent), and
Labrador Retriever. The higher incidence in these particular breeds
suggests that genetic risk factors exist. We aim to identify the
genetic risk factors associated with canine HSA in Golden Retrievers.
These same risk factors are likely present in other breeds as well. We
will collect DNA samples from healthy and affected dogs. We will use a
newly developed powerful analytical method in order to search for
small differences in the patterns of DNA. Subsequently, DNA patterns
will be compared with other related breeds and it will be possible to
identify a small region of the DNA that is associated with the disease
and should lead to the identification of genes predisposing to HSA.
When an associated region has been identified, carrier testing can be
performed and breeding programs can be improved. Ultimately,
understanding of the disease biology will lead to better treatment of
HSA.
March 31st, 2008 Update Report for Sponsors:
Grant 0593A&B –
We have mapped
seven loci that appear to be associated with hemangiosarcoma in the
Golden Retriever. Fine-mapping of six loci in multiple breeds suggests
that these risk factors are also present in at least one other breed,
including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Leonbergers and
Boxers. Six candidate genes are currently being searched for
mutations. So far no coding mutations have been identified. Once the
mutations have been identified and their presence in different breeds
assessed, this will allow for rapid development of genetic tests for
carriers of HSA. Ultimately, understanding of the disease biology will
lead to prevention and better treatment of HSA. In the next six
months we will perform denser fine mapping as well as analyze the
genome-wide data from additional Golden Retrievers to try to reach
genome-wide significance for as many as possible of the seven loci. We
believe these findings are a major break-through for the
identification of risk factors for hemangiosarcoma and that the
results will be relevant for many breeds. We therefore ask that owners
send us samples from all dogs with hemangiosarcoma (regardless of
breed) at this point
