Canine Whitehead Research
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Our research team has been working with Embark raw data on 440 dogs from 24 different breeds using Genome-Wide Association Study - GWAS
GWAS is a statistical analysis technique that involves scanning markers across a full set of DNA to find a genetic variant (mutation) associated with a specific trait. The geneticists look to identify an association between genotypes at a particular marker/s and phenotypes observed with dogs involved in the research. They search for markers where a given allele seems more prevalent in cases of dogs with full whiteheads (white over both eyes) than control dogs with no white and no known white in the breed or line of dogs within that breed.
In order to avoid false positive associations the testing uses a technique called Linear Mixed Models - LMM - which helps account for genetic relatedness. This is important information since there will be distinctive genetic markers found in different breed populations, related breeds and within related family lines.
Prof. Yuri Tani Utsunomiya DVM, MSc, PhD and Rafaela Beatriz Pintor Torrecilha DVM, MSc, PhD, kindly offered their expertise to search for the genetic marker/s for the canine Whitehead trait. Their research uses the "Illumina CanineHD Array" chip, which is the same array that Embark uses for their testing.
So far there has been no cost involved with this research.
But now we need to move forward with Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and there will be cost involved.
Our team has been "gifted" WGS for 2 dogs. There is no-charge for the sequencing but there is a charge to extract the DNA and the cost for a blood draw and chilled shipping.
It would also be wonderful to include a third dog in the sequencing.
Visit our Facebook page to follow along with research and progress -
Organizer
Mary Langevin
Organizer
Oro Station, ON