A study of more than 11,000 felines reveals the benefits of genetic testing before breeding
Cats do not have perfect genes—our furry feline pals can inherit devastating genetic diseases. Key disease-causing versions of genes have been discovered with the rise of cat genome sequencing. And pedigree breeding can exacerbate the genetic troubles cat breeds face. Now the largest ever genetic study of domestic cats reveals the frequency with which the known disease-causing versions of genes, or gene variants, pop up in pedigreed cat breeds and their nonpedigreed cousins.
The commercial test they used for sampling the cats is similar to tests available for humans, Anderson says. Owners swabbed their petsrsquo; mouth to collect a DNA sample and then sent it in to be analyzed. Anderson and her team screened 10,419 pedigreed cats and 617 nonpedigreed ones for 87 different gene variants. Not all of the variants were associated with disease; some affected appearance or blood type.
Screening for disease-causing gene variants can help prevent them from being inherited. Of the 90 different breeds represented by the participating pedigreed cats, Maine coons had the highest number of disease-associated gene variants. One of the nine detected variants was associated with polycystic kidney disease, which is unexpected in Maine coons. Cats suffering from this disease form fluid-filled cysts on their kidneys that impact the organsrsquo; natural function.
These kinds of large-scale studies illuminate the frequency of various genetic diseases in all breeds, not just in the ones that were previously known to exhibit a disease. In fact, 13 disease-associated variants were found in the nonpedigreed cats that participated in the study, indicating that this technology is not only useful for breeders.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
FUTURE MASTERS: Somani surges to 11-12 victoryArjun Somani prefers to be the hunter instead of the hunted going into the final round of a tournament.
Weiterlesen »
Brazilian Judge Denies Abortion to 11-Year-Old Rape Victim, Previewing Post-Roe AmericaIt's not just Brazil—across the US, lawmakers are already boasting about the bans they'll pass without rape exceptions, which are already mostly symbolic.
Weiterlesen »
Guardians beat Twins 6-5 in 11 innings, take AL Central leadAndrés Giménez had an RBI single in the 11th inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat Minnesota 6-5 Tuesday night to move percentage points ahead of the Twins atop the AL Central Division.
Weiterlesen »
Arkansas' 11-1 Win Knocks Auburn Out of College World Series - Alabama NewsAuburn (43-22) finished with 18 more wins than a year ago and made it to Omaha after being picked last in the Southeastern Conference West. auburntigers auburnbaseball wareagle alabamanewsnetwork
Weiterlesen »
Alfaro's walk off single lifts Padres past Arizona 3-2 in 11Jorge Alfaro singled home the winning run with one out in the 11th inning to give the San Diego Padres a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
Weiterlesen »