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Principal Investigator: Dr. Richard Goldstein
Contact Information: E-mail: rg225@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-4370
Sponsor: American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation
Grant Number: RFP 631
Title: The Genome Wide Search for the Genetic Cause of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Keeshond
Annual Direct Cost: $61,509
Project Period: 04/01/06-03/31/08
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a disease that causes increased concentrations of calcium in the blood of older dogs. This disease can affect dogs of many breeds, with the highest incidence in Keeshonden. We believe that PHPT in the Keeshond is a hereditable disease caused by a defect in a single gene. We have collected DNA from a large number of affected and older non-affected Keeshonden and determined that PHPT is heritable in the Keeshond. We have recently evaluated 3 genes most frequently involved in human PHPT, to see if defects could be found in these genes in affected Keeshonden. Our results indicate that these genes are not the cause of familial PHPT in Keeshonden. Therefore this proposed study includes searching the entire genome (or DNA) for the region of the PHPT defect in Keeshonden. This will be accomplished by comparing markers spread throughout the DNA between affected and non-affected keeshonden. A successful conclusion of this study will provide an accurate genetic test enabling early detection of Keeshonden carrying the gene responsible for PHPT. Once the affected area in the gene has been identified, other breeds can be tested to define the genetic cause of PHPT in those breeds as well.
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