Grants
Currently
Being
Funded
by
the
Rottweiler
Health
Foundation
-
Five-year grant to Dr.
Waters and his team to
continue
their
pursuit
of
the
important
factors
that
regulate
cancer
resistance
and
exceptional
longevity
in
our Rottweilers
and
humans.
(June,
2007)
Grants
Currently
Being Funded by the Rottweiler Health Foundation (with
*AKC/CHF Matching Funds)
March,
2008
-
RHF
commits
$50,000
over
the
next
three
years
to
CHF
Grant
Numbers
757A/B,
947A/B,
613,
and
renews
funding
for
778.
|
GRANT
757 A/B
Hereditary
Mutations in Genes Associated
with Osteosarcoma in Large Dog Breeds
Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD, Broad Institute
Kenine Comstock, PhD, University of Michigan
Medical School
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler
Health Foundation, the Leonberger
Health Foundation, and Saluki Health
Research, Inc. |
|
Abstract |
Osteosarcoma (OSA), or bone
cancer, affects 8,000 - 10,000 dogs in the United States Annually. Large and
giant breeds are at a much higher risk for this disease, suggesting that
inherited risk factors are involved. Roughly 10 - 15 percent of Rottweilers, a
mastiff-type breed and 15 - 20 percent of Greyhounds, a long-limbed hound-type
breed get the disease. Recently, we have identified several regions of the
canine genome that are associated with an increased risk for OSA in Rottweilers.
A similar study is underway for Greyhounds and is expected to identify
additional regions of importance. The purpose of this study is to identify the
actual genes and mutations causing the increased risk for bone cancer in
Rottweilers and Greyhounds. We will then determine the frequency of mutations
in these genes in OSA in other breeds as well as in other tumors. This work
should allow the development of specific genetic tests for carriers of OSA and
suggest further studies leading to improved treatments for bone cancer. |
|
GRANT
947A/B
Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in
Canine Osteosarcoma
Matthew Breen, PhD, North
Carolina State University
Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD, University of
Minnesota
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler
Health Foundation, the Leonberger Health
Foundation, and Saluki Health Research, Inc. |
|
Abstract |
Certain dog breeds are prone to
develop certain types of cancer. Yet, there has been little progress to define
the genes that account for this risk. For this project, we will use contemporary
technologies to identify genetic abnormalities that are shared by bone tumors
and segregate with risk in two dog breeds (Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers)
where the disease is prevalent. In collaboration with our colleagues at the
University of Michigan and the Broad Institute, we have identified
preliminary regions of the genome that may influence risk in Rottweilers.
The work described here represents a next step to pinpoint specific genes that
are associated with breed-dependent risk, and to predict how heritable factors
influence bone cancer in Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and other dogs. |
|
GRANT
613
The Prognostic
Significance of Chromosome Aneuploidy
in Canine Lymphoma
Matthew Breen, PhD, North Carolina State
University
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler
Health Foundation. |
|
Abstract |
Canine lymphoma accounts for
almost a quarter of all cancers in the dog. Despite improvements in veterinary
medicine, the response to treatment for canine lymphoma continues to be highly
variable with no reliable means to predict response. In human lymphoma the
presence of characteristic chromosome aberrations has been shown to have both
diagnostic and prognostic significance. With previous funding from the AKC CHF
we have identified a series of recurrent chromosome aberrations in canine
lymphoma, some of which also correlate with different sub-types of lymphoma. In
this project we will test for the presence of these chromosome aberrations in
over 300 cases of canine lymphoma derived from dogs that were all treated with
the same chemotherapy protocol as part of a clinical trial. This approach will
allow us to determine if these frequent chromosome aberrations correlate with
the duration of disease free interval in the study population and thus are of
prognostic significance. This project therefore offers real potential to
increase the sophistication of diagnosis and prognosis for canine lymphoma and
thus provide a means to improve the health and welfare of dogs diagnosed with
lymphoma. |
|
GRANT
768
A Collaborative
Study by Veterinary Oncologists,
Pathologists and Diagnostic Laboratories to
Enhance the Detection, Diagnosis and
Treatment of Canine Lymphoma
Ted Valli, DVM, University of Illinois
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by American Bullmastiff
Association, Briard Club of America,
Scottish Terrier Club of America Health
Trust Fund, John Hoffman Fund for Miniature
Schnauzer Research, Starlight Fund, Golden
Retriever Foundation, Flat-Coated Retriever
Foundation, Dr. William R. Newman, Bernese
Mountain Dog Club of America, German
Wirehaired Pointer Club of America,
Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Rottweiler
Health Foundation, and Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals. |
|
Background
|
Lymphoma is the most common
canine cancer treated by chemotherapy and a most common neoplasm that afflicts
dogs of all breeds and ages. The completion of the canine genome has shown the
remarkable similarities to that of humans. Similarly, many of the malignancies
that occur in dogs are also like their human counterparts especially for the
tumors of the lymphoid system. The World Health Organization has devised a new
system of recognizing and categorizing the many subtypes of lymphoid tumors with
very different characteristics that must be considered in providing effective
treatments. Currently lymphomas in dogs are treated as if they are all of the
same type, but we now find that like those in humans the canine lymphomas are of
many types that also benefit from specific identification and treatment. The
goal of this study is to demonstrate that veterinary diagnosticians can
effectively apply the human criteria to the canine tumors and thus permit much
more effective treatment by veterinary oncologists. This application will alter
costs of treatment according to tumor type and increase survival in animal
companions that share our lives and environments. |
|
GRANT
778
Role of Regulatory T
Cells in Dogs with Osteosarcoma
Barbara Biller, DVM, Colorado State University
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
John Hoffman
Fund for Miniature Schnauzer Research,
American Bullmastiff Association, Starlight
Fund, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation,
Golden Retriever Foundation, Rottweiler
Health Foundation, the Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals. |
|
Abstract |
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are
type of lymphocyte that prevent the immune system from attacking self tissues.
Human cancer patients, however, frequently have abnormally high numbers of Treg
which can directly interfere with the immune system’s efforts to detect and kill
cancerous cells. Whether dogs with cancer have increased numbers of Treg is
currently unknown. We have developed a method to identify canine Treg and will
use this tool to determine whether dogs with a particular type of bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
have increased levels of Treg compared to healthy dogs. We will also
investigate whether surgical removal of the tumor and the type of chemotherapy
given after surgery increases or decreases Treg numbers. By studying how
different treatments for osteosarcoma affect Treg we may be better able to
identify chemotherapy drugs that deplete Treg and ultimately improve anticancer
therapy for dogs with osteosarcoma and other types of cancer. |
|
Progress |
View progress
reports (Fall, 2007) |
|
GRANT
790
MicroRNA
Profiling and MicroRNA-Based
Treatment of Canine Cancers
William Kisseberth, DVM, Ohio State
University
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
American
Bullmastiff Association, Scottish Terrier
Club of America Health Trust Fund, Starlight
Fund, Golden Retriever Foundation,
Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, John
Hoffman Fund for Miniature Schnauzer
Research, Tualatin Kennel Club, Bernese
Mountain Dog Club of America, Portuguese
Water Dog Foundation, Rottweiler Health
Foundation, and Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals. |
|
Background
|
Cancer is a common disease in
dogs of all breeds and is a leading cause of death. Because cancer is
fundamentally a genetic disease, both understanding the genetic basis of cancer
and treating cancer are relevant to dog owners and breeders alike. Much of the
progress in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer in people has been the
result of advances in “genomics”. Recently, the canine genome has been
sequenced, providing the opportunity to apply new genomic approaches to better
understand and treat cancer in the dog. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-protein
coding molecules that have been implicated in humans as having an important role
in cancer and a variety of other diseases. In this study, we will identify
miRNAs in selected common canine cancers (osteosarcoma, transitional cell
carcinoma, melanoma) using miRNA microarrays. We will then identify miRNAs that
are potential targets for new cancer therapy drug development. MiRNAs that
significantly effect cancer cell growth will be investigated further to
determine how they exert their effects. The goals of this study are to identify
important canine miRNAs that can be used to improve cancer diagnosis and
treatment in the dog. |
|
GRANT
705A
Characterization of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in Dogs
with Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor and Malignant Lymphoma
Amy LeBlanc, DVM, DACVIM,
University of Tennessee
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the
Akita Club of America, Inc.,
American Boxer Charitable Foundation,
American German Shepherd Dog Charitable
Foundation, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of
America, Briard Club of America, Chinese
Shar-Pei Charitable Trust, French Bulldog
Club of America, Golden Retriever
Foundation, Labrador Retriever Club,
Newfoundland Club of America Charitable
Trust, Portuguese Water Dog Club of America,
Inc., Rottweiler Health Foundation, St.
Bernard Club of America |
|
Background
|
The University of Tennessee's
College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) has a unique opportunity for
collaboration with the Cancer Imaging and Tracer Development Research Program (CITDRP)
at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The UTCVM has established a
strong collaboration with the CITDRP for the benefit of human and veterinary
patients. We will use PET imaging to study cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) and
canine lymphoma (LSA) in dogs. Whole-body
PET scanning is uniquely suited for staging with evaluation of the skin, lymph
nodes, spleen and liver for early signs of metastatic spread.
All of these sites can be imaged in one non-invasive procedure, using
uptake of the 18F-labeled glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (18FDG), to identify
sites of metastasis.
The proposed pilot study will
evaluate the uptake of 18FDG in 30 tumor-bearing dogs (15 with MCT, 15 with LSA)
using PET. All dogs will have their
cancer diagnosed and staged using standard imaging techniques and results will
be compared with whole-body PET results.
|
|
GRANT
632
MicroRNAs and Canine
Lymphoma
Dr.
Kisseberth; Ohio State University (2
years)
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler Health
Foundation
and the Canine Health Foundation.
|
|
Background
|
Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the dog. Current methods of
classifying lymphoma neither explain nor predict its variable clinical
behavior. Much of the progress in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of
lymphoma and other cancers in people has been the result of advances in "genomics."
Recently the canine genome has been sequenced, providing the opportunity to
apply new genomic approaches to better understand and treat cancer in the dog.
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-protein coding molecules that have been
implicated in humans as having an important role in cancer and a variety of
other diseases. In this study, we will identify miRNAs using bioinformatic
methods. We will then use miRNA microarrays to analyze normal canine tissues
and canine lymphoma biopsies. These results (miRNA expression profiles) will
be correlated with histologic diagnosis and clinical parameters.
The goals of
this study are to identify canine miRNAs and their normal patterns of
expression and to determine if specific histologic subtypes of lymphoma are
characterized by unique miRNA expression profiles, if specific miRNAs have
prognostic significance, and to identify potential targets for future
investigation and therapies. This study will also generate new tools for
future miRNA investigation in the dog.
|
|
Progress |
View progress
reports (Fall, 2007)
|
|
GRANT
615
Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine
Lymphoma
Dr.
Breen, North Carolina State University and
Dr. Jaime Modiano, University of Colorado (2
years)
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler Health
Foundation
and the Canine Health Foundation.
|
|
Background
|
It has been apparent for some
time that certain dog breeds are prone to develop certain types of cancer.
Specifically, studies completed between the late 1960's and the early
1980's defined relative risk of lymphoma for different dog breeds.
Yet, there was little progress since then to define factors that
account for this risk. As part of ongoing programs supported by the AKC CHF in
our laboratories, we showed recently that the breed-specific risk of lymphoma
extends beyond the simple disease condition to a predisposition for specific
forms of lymphoma. More importantly, we showed there are recurrent chromosomal
abnormalities that segregate with specific forms of lymphoma and that are more
common in Golden Retrievers (with that form of the disease) than in other
breeds, suggesting breed-specific profiles of genetic abnormalities will be
found in canine lymphoma.
To continue this work, we plan to use contemporary
"array-based" technologies to identify genes that map to these
regions and how they contribute to the disease. We anticipate that the results
from this work will allow us to predict how heritable factors influence the
occurrence of abnormalities in these genes, and will set the groundwork to
identify specific genes associated with breed-dependent cancer risk. |
|
GRANT
247
The
Study of the Genetics of Cranial Cruciate
Ligament Disease in the Dog
Max
Rothschild, Ph.D.
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Newfoundland Club of
America Charitable Trust, Rottweiler Health
Foundation
|
|
Background
|
Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is the
cause of limping in nearly 20 percent of all dogs that are taken by their owners
to veterinarians for lameness. CCLD causes instability in the knee, swelling and
pain. Surgery to stabilize a torn CCL costs individual dog owners thousands of
dollars and the dog owning public tens of millions of dollars each year and even
with surgery, debilitating arthritis occurs and progresses. CCLD commonly occurs
in particular breeds of dogs (e.g. Labrador Retreiver, Rottweiler, and
Newfoundland) while other breeds (e.g. Greyhound, German Shepherd) rarely
develop this problem. When a disease is seen with increased frequency in
particular breeds of dogs, this supports the probability that a disease, in this
case CCLD, is hereditary.
Using this information we have already collected
pedigrees and genetic material (DNA) from normal and CCLD affected Newfoundlands.
The pedigrees will be used to determine a pattern of inheritance (i.e. simple
recessive, sex-linked) for CCLD. The DNA will be used to search for genetic
markers that differ between normal and affected dogs and may serve as disease
predictors. These markers will then allow identification of carriers of CCLD,
and potentially reduction or elimination of CCLD from the dog population.
|
|
GRANT 373A
Mapping
Genes Associated with Osteosarcoma in Large
Dog Breeds
Kenine
E Comstock, Ph.D., University of
Michigan,
Kerstin
Lindblad-Toh, PhD., Broad Institute
Dr. Jaime Modiano, University of Colorado
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the
Borzoi Club of America,
Forsyth Kennel Club, Golden Retriever
Foundation, Great Pyrenees Club of America,
Great Pyrenees Club of Puget Sound,
Greyhound Club of America, Irish Setter Club
of America Foundation, Irish Wolfhound Club
of America, Inc., Newfoundland Club of
America Charitable Trust, Rhodesian
Ridgeback Club of the United States,
Rottweiler Health Foundation, St. Bernard
Club of America, Starlight Fund
|
|
Background
|
Eight thousand to ten thousand
cases of osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, are reported in dogs in the
United States annually, representing a significant health concern. In the
majority of cases, spread of the tumor throughout the body and death follows
within a few years. Osteosarcoma affects all dogs, but the disease
frequency is considerably higher in large and giant breeds, including the
long-limbed hounds (Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound,
Rhodesian Ridgeback, Great Pyrenees and Borzoi) and Mastiff-type breeds (Rottweiler,
Labrador Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Mastiff,
Bullmastiff, Saint Bernard, Irish Setter, and Newfoundland).
Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is a
significant health concern in large dog breeds affecting roughly 10-15% of
Rottweilers. Amputation and chemotherapy are the preferred treatment, but
the survival rate is only 20% after two years due to frequent metastasis.
Determining the genetic risk factors for the disease would make it possible to
develop genetic tests for carriers of osteosarcoma in Rottweilers and possibly
other related breeds. It would also allow for better understanding of the
disease which could enhance treatment both in dogs and in people with bone
cancer.
It is clear the genetics play
an important role. We propose to identify the genetic risk factors for
osteosarcoma in two breeds: Greyhound and Rottweiler. While certain
characteristics of these two breeds make them ideal to study, we expect that the
genes identified in these breeds may also be associated with osteosarcoma in
related breeds. This study should lead to the development of genetic tests for
osteosarcoma that could be used to eliminate carriers from breeding populations,
eventually reducing the frequency of this devastating cancer. Ultimately, it
could also lead to improvements in treatment of osteosarcoma.
Our breed was chosen to participate in this
study because of the excellent response made in other cancer studies and
because the disease is so prevalent. We aim to identify osteosarcoma risk
factors in Rottweilers taking advantage of the tools developed in conjunction
with the dog genome sequencing project. |
|
STUDY
IN PROGRESS
|
Collection of blood samples from 100-200 Rottweilers
affected with osteosarcoma and 100-200 healthy dogs that are 8 years or older
are needed. Using genomic DNA from these samples we will search the genome
for regions that are different in affected and healthy dogs. This will lead us
to the defective gene causing the cancer and will permit us to design carrier
tests and ultimately to design better treatment. |
|
GRANT
415
Anti-HLA-DR Antibody Therapy in Canine
B-cell Lymphoma
Preliminary Clinical Evaluation
Rodney
Page, MS, DVM, Cornell University
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler Health
Foundation
and the Canine Health Foundation.
|
|
Background
|
The
goal of this research is to use a therapy
which has proved effective in human
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This therapy uses
an antibody which recognizes cancer cells
and kills them. This antibody has been
confirmed safe in dogs.
The
proposal is to optimize the administration
of this antibody in dogs who have already
failed chemotherapy. The safety and
potential efficacy will be evaluated.
|
|
GRANT 0305
Histocompatibility
Alleles Conferring Susceptibility to Canine
Diabetes, Immune-Mediated Thyroiditis and
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Dr.
Wayne Potts, University of Utah
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler Health
Foundation
and the Canine Health Foundation.
|
|
Background
|
Research into autoimmune diseases in humans has shown that a
specific gene must exist for a specific autoimmune disease to develop.
Dr. Potts
proposes to collect DNA samples from purebred dogs who have Canine Diabetes,
Immune-Mediated Thyroiditis and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. He will
collect from 100 different purebred dogs who have each of these three diseases.
After cloning and sequencing, the DNA will be tested for significant associations with each of the autoimmune diseases.
|
|
COMPLETED
GRANT 2620
Determination of the Clinical Phenotype and
Inherited Nature of Familial Subvalvular
Aortic Stenosis in the Rottweiler
Dr.
Kathryn
Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
|
|
Participating
breed clubs
|
Research
supported by the Rottweiler Health
Foundation, the Medallion Rottweiler Club
and the Canine Health Foundation.
|
|
Background
|
Subvalvular
Aortic Stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart
disease characterized by a fibrous ridge
located below the aortic valve.
Affected dogs are at risk of
developing heart valve infections,
congestive heart failure or sudden death SAS
defects have been shown to be inherited in
the Newfoundland breed, and is likely to be
inherited in the Golden Retriever, Boxer and
Rottweiler, among others.
Since this is a familial defect in at
least some breeds, affected dogs should not
be bred.
The
first step in the research project is to
characterize heart disease (SAS) in the
Rottweiler.
SAS is a very different disease
between breeds.
It is therefore difficult to
extrapolate data found in the Boxer or the
Golden to the Rottweiler.
The objectives of the study are to
define the clinical (phenotypic) and
genotypic characteristics of SAS in the
Rottweiler.
A genome wide scan will be performed
to identify informative canine markers
associated with SAS.
|
|
STUDY
COMPLETE
|
Read
findings/results;
read
more on SAS
|
|
COMPLETED
GRANT
Incidence and Breed Related Risk
Factors
for Gastric Dilation-Volvulus in Dogs
5-year prospective study by Larry Glickman, VMD,
Ph.D., Purdue University |
| Participating
breed clubs |
Akita, Bloodhound,
Collie, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland,
Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner and the AKC/CHF. |
| Method |
Investigator
measured dogs at dog shows and the owners completed a detailed
questionnaire concerning the dogs medical history, genetic background,
husbandry and eating practices, personality and diet.
Five years
later, the investigator called and conducted a follow-up on each the dog.
The incidence of
bloat (GDV) was calculated for each breed.
Risk factors
were compared to dog measurements and questionnaire responses to determine
any correlation. |
STUDY COMPLETE
Results for the Rottweiler
(Data based on 200 dogs) |
-
Of the 11 breeds
tested, the Rottweiler had the lowest incidence of Bloat (1%).
-
"Happy/easy
going" dogs were found to be less prone to bloat. Rottweiler was
listed as the easiest going/confident dog of the 11 breeds surveyed.
-
Overweight dogs
were less prone to bloat.
-
Dogs that are
feed 2 - 3 times a day are less prone to bloat.
-
Restricting
water before or after eating, or elevating the dogs food bowl increased
the incidence of bloat.
-
Bloat incidence
was found to increase with age.
-
Giving dogs
anti-gas medication on a regular basis, increased the incidence of bloat
by 66%.
-
Do not breed any
animal if there has been a 10 relative that has previously
bloated.
|
|
GRANT
Causative
Mutation for von Willebrand’s Disease
George
J. Brewer, MD University of Michigan Medical School |
| Participating
breed clubs |
American
Miniature Schnauzer Club, American Rottweiler Club and Poodle Club of
America. A previous study was completed with Dobermans, Scottish Terrier,
Manchester Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the AKC/CHF |
| Background |
Von
Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder, common in humans and dogs.
The gene has been cloned in human and many different mutations have been
found.
In
Brewer’s original study, three mutations were found in the canine gene.
Type
III (severe) vWD in Shelties and the Scottie is an autosomal recessive
that completely knocks out the function of the gene.
Type
I (mild) - vWD was found in Dobermans, Manchester Terrier, Poodles and
Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The mutation is due to a different autosomal
recessive splice site mutation that knocks out 90% of the gene function.
The remaining 10% normal functioning gene results in a milder disease. |
STUDY IN
PROGRESS
Partial Results |
The
frequency of the mutation is very high in Dobermans:
-
only
20% of the breed is clear of a genetic mutation for vWD
-
30
% of the breed is affective
-
50
% of the breed are carriers of the genetic mutation.
Genetic
testing is now available to identify affected dogs and remove them from
breeding programs.
Breeding
clear to clear dogs or careful breeding of clear to carrier dogs will
gradually eliminate the problem in two to three generations.
Brewer
has not been able to identify the mutation in the Rottweiler yet. It is
most likely a different mutation than other breeds previously studied.
This
project is currently on going. |
|
GRANT
Identifying
the Genetic Cause of Canine Hip Dysplasia
George
J.
Brewer, MD University of Michigan Medical School |
| Participating
breed clubs |
Research
supported by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, American Rottweiler
Health Foundation, Samoyed Club of America Research and Education
Foundation and the AKC/CHF. |
| Background |
Canine
hip dysplasia is the number one genetic health problem in dogs, with a
frequency in over 100 breeds.
The
mode of inheritance may be polygenic (due to more than one gene). However,
with the proper approach, a polygenic disease can be solved.
The
goal of the project is to develop a DNA test to identify affected and
carrier animals, to eliminate the disease through selective breedings. |
STUDY IN
PROGRESS
|
This
study is on-going. Brewer is currently collecting blood samples to perform
a genome wide scan to identify the genes associated with this crippling
disease. |
|
COMPLETED
GRANT1626T
Canine
Cancer - Significance of Tumor Suppressor Genes
Jaime
Modiano, VMD, Ph.D., AMC Cancer Center, Denver, CO |
| Participating breed clubs |
American
Boxer
Charitable
Foundation,
Golden
Retriever
Foundation,
Great Dane
Club of
America,
Medallion
Rottweiler
Club,
Rottweiler
Health
Foundation,
Scottish
Terrier Club
of America
Health Trust
Fund |
| Background |
Lymphomas and
leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells), melanomas (tumors of pigmented
cells responsible for skin coloring) and Osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone)
are among the most common cancers in dogs. Osteosarcoma occurs commonly in
Rottweiler and many other giant breeds.
Clustering of
specific cancers in a breed and families suggests a hereditary component
may be important in the development and progression of the disease.
Cancer is a term
that refers to a large number of diseases whose only common feature is
uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Cancer can affect any dog of
any breed at any age.
Normally,
tumor
suppressor genes would constrain renegade cells, but mutations can disable
these genes in cancer cells, contributing to the development and
progression of the cancer. |
STUDY COMPLETE
Also see
study info:
'Dogs, Genes, and Cancer' |
The
research
conducted
in this
study
will
provide
the
basis
for
future
research
that
may,
ultimately,
lead to
scientists
being
able to
provide
a better
assessment
of
individual's
risks
for
cancer
(or for
cancer
in
progeny),
as well
as
determine
whether
a given
dog is a
good
candidate
for a
given
therapy.
This
project
has
helped
to
broaden
the
understanding
of why
tumors
happen,
so that
the
abnormalities
can be
targeted
and
better
therapies
devised.
Researchers
developed
and
tested
gene
therapy
for
melanoma.
In a
clinical
trial
involving
five
dogs
with
facial
or oral
melanoma,
they
found
that the
gene
therapy,
in which
tumors
were
injected
with
modified
genes,
was both
free of
adverse
effects
and
effective.
The goal of this
study is to determine the frequency of mutations in tumor suppressor genes
in melanoma, lymphoma and osteosarcoma.
This data will
enable us to determine the relationship of tumor suppressor gene mutations
with the prevalence of these cancers in high-risk breeds, as well as with
prognosis and outcome.
Results from
this study will hopefully give us tools to predict the risk of a
particular dog or it’s off-spring to develop these devastating tumors. The future might
include molecular therapies for treating canine cancers. |
|
GRANT
Growth
Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis
and Treatment of Canine Cancer
Stuart
Helfand, DVM, University of Wisconsin |
| Participating breed clubs |
Rottweiler
Health Foundation, German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Skye Terrier Club
of America, Golden Retriever Club and the AKC/CHF. |
| Background |
Hemangiosarcoma
is a common cancer in dogs that originates from cells lining the blood
vessels. The spleen is a common target organ for these tumors. It can
affect any dog but is seen more often in German Shepherds, Skye Terriers,
Golden Retriever and to some extent in Rottweilers, suggesting this
disease has an hereditary component. These tumors arise when cells respond
inappropriately to growth factors, allowing the cells to divide in an
uncontrolled fashion.
Tumor
suppressor genes constrain or eliminate these rapidly dividing cells, but
mutations in these genes can disable their ability to function properly. |
| STUDY IN PROGRESS |
The
focus of this project is to study and examine the hypothesis that the loss
of function of a particular tumor suppressor genes (PTEN) leads to the
increase production of tumor growth factors (VEGF).
The
goal of this research project is to develop a genetic test for screening
dogs for mutations i | |
Rottweiler
Health Foundation Mission Statement
(Grant 757A/B) 
(