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[pyrnet] (Fwd) Pyrs in Longevity study
Here is more information of interest on this study.
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From Pyrspectives List
Judith Stroh Miller
Permission to cross post.
*****************
SOLVING THE MYSTERIES OF CANINE AGING AND LONGEVITY
By Sarah Canterberry, TAMU.
Scientists are working to assess the genes most likely to affect the
aging process in the dog.
It is a well-known phenomenon that the life expectancy of purebred
dogs decreases as the breed size increases. This is the opposite of
trends among mammals of different species. For example, mice may be
expected to live only a few years while elephants may live as long as
70 years or more. The difference among dogs, researchers at TAMU (
Texas A&M University) College of Veterinary Medicine believe, is due
in part to underlying genetic factors. Scientists here are working to
assess the genes most likely to be linked to the aging processes in an
attempt to both increase the lifespan of dogs and improve their
quality of life.
The initial step in this process was to determine the exact effect
size has on canine longevity. Data was collected primarily from
internet sources on average height and weight standards, as well as
the average life expectancy of pure breed dogs. Preliminary regression
analysis of 117 breeds reinforced the longstanding view that as the
average size of a dog breed increases, the average life expectancy
decreases.
Next chromosomal locations of 54 genes in the dog and the human
were
compared. Included in this study were 26 genes shown to affect the
life expectancy of either humans or mice, as well as 28 genes located
in a small region of the human chromosome 4, which has been
associated
with the ability to reach excessive old age in a human population.
Current work is focused in two areas. The first is defining single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, which is called, "SNIPS" in the
parlance, Ed. note), in seven genes of particular interest from the
sets mentioned above. Analysis of these SNPs across various breed
may
help identify genes that cause larger dogs to experience a shorter
life span in comparison with their smaller counterparts. DNA samples
have been collected, in the form of buccal swabs from dogs of
different sizes and different life expectancies. These samples will be
used to compare the aforementioned genes between these diverse
breeds
in hopes of discovering genetic factors that contribute to the aging
process in the dog.
The other primary interest is to discover the effects oxidative stress
has on the aging process in various dog breeds. OXIDATIVE STRESS
has
been shown to affect the aging process in mice, fruit flies, and
worms. [ Ed. note: oxidative stress is essentially the result of a
normal and natural process of cell function & involves a potentially
toxic by-product of cellular metabolism long implicated in cellular
damage. Nature never gives that she doesn't also take away? See this
link for a review:
http://www.oxisresearch.com/library/oxidative_stress.shtml ] Studies
in humans have also implicated oxidative stress as one of the
causative factors in the aging process. By investigating oxidative
stress in dogs, researchers hope to discover mechanisms that allow
different breeds to overcome oxidative stress. Assessments will be
made to determine if there is any correlation between size of the
breed that donated the initial skin samples and the reaction of the
cells to the oxidative stress event.
These scientists need the help of dog owners in these important
studies. Although they have already collected extensive data, they
need additional participants in order to expand the data set and make
it more conclusive. There are several ways to assist in this IMPORTANT
RESEARCH:
1. Email your dog's breed, height at the withers, and weight. The data
will be combined and analyzed for an upcoming publication indicating
the influence of these factors on the canine life span. ALL BREEDS.
2. Contribute DNA samples to be taken in the form of buccal swabs, for
dog belonging to the following breeds: Dachshunds, Miniature
Schnauzer, Pomeranian, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Standard
Schnauzer,
Bassett Hound, Great Pyrenees, Bloodhound, and Giant Schnauzer.
3. Contribute skin samples for oxidative stress studies from these
breeds: Italian Greyhound, Welsh Corgi (Pembie & Corgi both), Chinese
Crested, American Eskimo, Border Collie, Bull Terrier, Bouvier des
Flanders, Old English Sheepdog, and Newfoundland.
To participate, please EMAIL: kgreer@cvm.tamu.edu or
scanterberry@cvm.taum.edu . Your contribution to this ongoing
research
for the improvement of our dogs' lives is greatly appreciated. For
additional information on this and other canine research projects at
TAMU, log on to the CANINE GENETICS RESEARCH LABORATORY
website at:
http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/cqr
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