Research in Veterinary Medicine

Genetics

Since 2001 the group has published 109 peer-reviewed papers and reviews, including papers in Nature and PNAS.

Research has continued on comparative genetics of canine diseases. Microsatellite mapping has been developed for the dog using a whole genome marker set at high density (Sargan and collaborators). A mutation causing lens luxation in several breeds has been located and other mutations causing breed-specific predisposition to sarcoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, portosystemic shunts and epilepsy are being mapped (Sargan, Skelly, and collaborators). Candidate-gene and mapping strategies have also been employed to explore the genetics of familial canine hyperparathyroidism and cardiomyopathies (Skelly). Cytogenetic analysis of canine sarcomas using a specially developed set of canine chromosome paints (Sargan, Ferguson-Smith) has led to the discovery of an abnormal variable sequence feature of CDKN2B in dogs (Sargan). A web-based resource, Inherited Diseases in Dogs (http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/idid/), is established as amongst the most comprehensive worldwide authorities on this subject (Sargan). CALLS FOR CASES - Further information available http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/news-and-events/calls.html

The Wellcome Trust-funded Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics was established in 2002 (Ferguson-Smith, Rens). The Centre supplies chromosome-specific DNA to over 40 research centres worldwide for studying chromosome evolution, phylogenetics, comparative genomics, medical and cancer genetics. The group focuses on comparative genomics (especially vertebrate karyotype evolution) including species from all mammalian orders, birds and reptiles (Ferguson-Smith). Study of monotreme cytogenetics led to the discovery of the ten sex chromosomes of the platypus and the nine sex chromosomes of echidna. This is important for understanding mammalian sex chromosome evolution and sex differentiation as well as X-inactivation and genomic imprinting (Rens, Ferguson-Smith). A database (http://www.chromhome.org/) has been established for results of comparative mapping (Rens, Ferguson-Smith).