Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Genome-wide linkage scan for loci associated with epilepsy in Belgian shepherd dogs.
- Journal:
- BMC genetics
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Oberbauer, Anita M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Animal Science · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at idiopathic epilepsy, which is a type of seizure disorder with a strong genetic link, in Belgian shepherd dogs, specifically the Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdog breeds. Researchers analyzed DNA from 366 dogs, including 74 that had epilepsy, to find specific areas in their genes that might be related to the condition. They found that epilepsy in these dogs is influenced by multiple genes rather than just one, and identified six potential genetic regions that could be linked to the disorder. This research highlights the complexity of understanding genetic factors in conditions like epilepsy. Overall, the findings suggest that further investigation is needed to pinpoint the exact genetic mutations involved.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd dog is known to have a substantial genetic component. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with the expression of generalized seizures in the Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdog. RESULTS: DNA from 366 dogs, of which 74 were classified as epileptic, representing two extended families were subjected to a genome-wide linkage scan using 410 microsatellite markers yielding informative coverage averaging 5.95 +/- 0.21 Mb. Though previous studies based on pedigree analyses proposed a major gene of influence, the present study demonstrated the trait to be highly polygenic. Studies of complex disorders in humans indicate that a liberal composite evaluation of genetic linkage is needed to identify underlying quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Four chromosomes yielded tentative linkage based upon LOD scores in excess of 1.0. Possible QTLs within these regions were supported also by analyses of multipoint linkage, allele frequency, TDT, and transmission of haplotype blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together the data tentatively indicate six QTLs, three on CFA 2, and one on each of CFA 6, 12, and 37, that support fine mapping for mutations associated with epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd. The study also underscores the complexity of genomic linkage studies for polygenic disorders.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20441595/