YTCAF GRANTS SUPPORT --- 2007

CHF Grant Funding

CHF GRANT 759 --- $1,000

Purdue University 2007-08

Investigation of Antigenic Causes for Vaccine-Associated
Allergic Reactions in Dogs

George E. Moore, DVM, PhD

  AKC CHF Grant 759

Investigation of Antigenic Causes of Vaccine-Associated Allergic Reactions in Dogs

George Moore, DVM – Principal Investigator

Purdue University

This research is funded to identify causes of vaccine-induced allergic reactions.  Small dogs in general, and several specific breeds, are at higher risk for these reactions (Dachshund, Pub, Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher).  Although the specific cause of allergic reactions in dogs remains unknown, vaccine components residual from the manufacturing process have been incriminated.  These specific components need to be identified, so that manufacturers can make safer vaccines for dogs.

This study compared antibody concentrations in dogs recently experiencing allergic reactions after vaccination and compare them to antibody concentrations in dogs of the same breed that did not have reactions. 

CHF GRANT 779 --- $1,000

Texas A & M University 2007-08

Characterization of the Canine Y Chromosome: 
 Identifying Genes that Cause Male Infertility

William J. Murphy, DVM

AKC CHF GRANT 779

Characterization of the Canine Y Chromosome:  Identifying Genes that Cause Mail Infertility

William J. Murphy, DVM – Principal Investigator

Texas A & M University

The causes of Male infertility in dogs are not well known.  This study aims to characterize the gene content of the dog Y chromosome by sequencing from a cDNA selection library that is enriched for Y chromosome gene transcripts, and mapping these in the canine genome.  We have identified gene sequences from fifteen canine Y chromosome genes, characterized seven new canine-specific Y genes, and 15 novel candidate genes.  Determining the copy number and function of these novel genes are of primary importance, as they are primary infertility candidate genes.  We are currently completing the assembly of a physical map in collaboration with the Washington University Genome Center, as a prerequisite to eventually obtain the sequence of the dog Y chromosome.  Future experiments will examine the expression profile of the genes identified thus far to determine which are testis-specific, and therefore serve as good candidate genes that when ablated or deleted lead to abnormal spermatogenesis in infertile dogs.

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UPDATE 6-30-2009

The causes of male infertility in dogs are not well know.  Though much is now known about genes on the dog autosomes and X chromosome, owing to the canine genome sequence, virually nothing is known about the canine Y chromosome and the genes it harbors.  Studies of the human and mouse Y chromosomes have shown that they contain many testis-specific genes that when defective cause infertility and spermatogenesis defects.  This study aims to characterize the gene content of the dog Y chromosome by sequencing from a cDNA selection library that is enriched for Y chromosome gene transcripts, and mapping these in the canine genome. We have identified gene sequences from fifteen canine Y chromosome genes, characterized seven new canine-specific Y genes, and 15 novel candidate genes.  Determining the copy number and function of these novel genes are of primary importance, as they are primary infertility candidate genes.  Gene expression experiments have identified that eight of the novel dog genes are expressed only (or predominantly) in testes, implying a role in spermatogenesis.  We are currently completing the assembly of a physical map in collabora- tion with the Washington University Genome Center, as a prerequisite to eventually obtain the sequence of the dog Y chromosome.  A DNA sequence will allow the most detailed information for designing genetic tests to determine whether deletions in these genes lead to abnormal spermatogenesis in infertile dogs.

Other Grant Funding

 RABIES CHALLENGE FUND --- $500

W. Jean Dodds, DVM with Hemopet

and

Ronald Schultz, DVM, University of Wisconsin