A newly developed database, which includes over 100 types of canine tissues, promises to greatly improve our understanding of genetic disorders and offers important insights for health research applicable to both dogs and humans.
The International DoGA Consortium has made a significant breakthrough in genetic research by establishing a detailed atlas of canine promoter regions and gene expressions. This atlas acts as a database that reveals which genes are active in different bodily regions and the timing of their activation. Such information aids researchers in understanding gene behavior under various circumstances and its influence on health and diseases.
A vital resource for studying genetic disorders
“This innovative international database marks a considerable progress for researchers focused on genetic diseases, not only in dogs but across multiple species. Our comprehensive resource is essential for understanding gene regulation and will be invaluable to the scientific community for many years ahead,” remarks Professor Hannes Lohi, a primary researcher from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine at the University of Helsinki.
The development of the DoGA atlas resulted from a collaborative effort among scientists globally, bringing together specialists in genomics, veterinary medicine, and computational biology. The project saw the collection of over 5,000 samples from various dog breeds and wolves, employing advanced RNA sequencing methods to depict gene expression and promoter elements. This extensive undertaking greatly enhances the canine gene mapping, outshining that of other common model organisms, such as mice, zebrafish, or cattle.
A multipurpose asset for upcoming medical research
“We have created a research framework that greatly bolsters the use of dogs as a model in human health studies, as well as aiding in the exploration of canine genetics. We showcased the database’s capabilities with various instances for different research applications, including analyzing changes during embryonic development, examining disease-related gene expressions in different tissues, and regulating genes associated with behavioral characteristics,” explains PhD Matthias Hörtenhuber, one of the article’s leading authors from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.
The publicly accessible DoGA database offers an interactive gene atlas, empowering researchers to conduct a thorough analysis of gene expression in diverse tissues. This resource aids in identifying hereditary factors linked to diseases and fosters collaborative research between humans and dogs. The information housed within the database serves to trace genes connected to cancers, epilepsy, and mental health disorders.
“By enhancing our comprehension of gene regulation in both dogs and wolves, the DoGA database is set to significantly influence both veterinary and human healthcare. For instance, we can explore the distinctions between the brains of dogs and wolves. Furthermore, the unique genetic evolution and breed structures of dogs, along with the new functional gene mapping, offer an efficient framework for investigating genetic disorders,” concludes Lohi.