WHEATEN SIBLINGS DNA STUDY: PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!

Participants are needed for the Wheaten Siblings DNA Study. This study is the first research resulting from SCWTCA's involvement in the Canine Phenome Project. The ultimate goal is to locate the genes involved in PLE and PLN. The study requires at least 16 sets of full siblings (20 sets would be better since a dog who appears healthy may be affected upon necropsy), one affected with PLE, PLN or both, and one that is not affected and is at least 11.5 years old. The affected dog's age does not matter. If the affected dog has died and Dr. Littman has DNA on that dog, it will be made available to Dr. Johnson. (Dr. Littman may have DNA from a dog if tissue or blood samples were sent to her for diagnosis or research.)

How to Participate

To participate, two dogs who are full siblings must be identified:
One sibling, the affected dog, has been diagnosed with PLE, PLN, or both by Drs. Littman or Vaden, or another veterinarian who is an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomate. [See ACVIM website link, below.] If the latter, the name of the veterinarian is required.
The other sibling is unaffected with PLE and PLN, based on current and previous (if available) blood chemistry and urinalysis results. This dog must be at least 11.5 years of age.

Owners will need to provide a blood sample for DNA extraction, a pedigree for the siblings, and a submission form. In addition to these - for the unaffected dog - owners will be asked to send the latest results from blood and urine tests, including UPC, BUN, creatinine, albumin, and total protein. The procedure for submitting the blood sample(s) and the submission form are attached below.

There is no cost to owners other than the cost of drawing the blood sample and shipping it to the University of Missouri Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory.

All genetic and contact information collected for each dog will remain confidential. Specifically: participation in the study, the dog's pedigree, health information, and any data produced from the dog's DNA sample will not be disclosed.

If you would like to participate in this study or have any questions, contact Liz Hansen by phone (573)884-3712, email HansenL@missouri.edu, or regular mail, 321 Connaway Hall, Animal Molecular Genetic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.

Carol Carlson (PA) at kccarlson@comcast.net, Roni Andrews (OR) at roni@soldiersong.com, and Anna Marzolino (CA) at MarzolinoAM@aol.com are available to answer general questions, if you wish to contact them.

DNA Analysis Test Information

For the Wheaten Siblings DNA Study, a DNA sequence analysis test will be run using new technology which looks for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). [SNPs are variations that occur when a nucleotide, a molecular subunit of DNA, is altered.] This test is designed to locate the genetic variation between the unaffected and affected siblings. This is a first step in identifying the location of the genes involved in PLE and PLN. Additional 'fine mapping' of the genes will be needed.

Dr. Gary Johnson at the Animal Molecular Genetic Laboratory (AMGL) at the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine is leading the research on this study. His team has successfully used SNP mapping to begin to identify the gene(s) responsible for a neurological disorder in Tibetan Terriers. The cost for the “chip” and processing is approximately $30,000. With a great deal of luck, this SNP mapping process would identify a candidate gene. It would cost $10-12,000 for each additional mapping.

Sponsors

The Wheaten Siblings DNA Study is a joint effort of the SCWTCA, Betty Chapman, President; the SCWTCA Health Endowment, Carol Carlson, Chair; and the SCWT Genetic Research Fund (GRF), Jackie Gottlieb, Chair. The three groups are working cooperatively through the Canine Phenome Project.

Websites for More Information

American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine acvim.org/. (Click on Animal Owners, also on Diplomates, Specialty Home Page, Small Animal.)

Canine Phenome Project (CPP) www.caninephenome.org.

Dr. Gary Johnson's Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory (AMGL) research sponsored by the AKC/CHF www.akcchf.org/research/grants/search/index.cfm?search=researcher&display=results&researcher=Johnson,%20DVM,%20PhD%20Gary%20S

SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/faq/snps.shtml#snps

Individual Dog Information

Affected: ______ Normal: _______

Registered Name: ________________________________________ Call name: ____________________

Call name for Sibling in Study: _______________________ How Related: __________________

Sire: _________________________________________ Dam: _______________________________________________

AKC#: __________________ Birth Date: _____________ Male / Female Intact / Neutered

Sample Submission Date: ____________________

Sample submitted for Wheaten Pairs SNP Analysis

Owner: Name __________________________________ (Alternate Contact)____________________________________

Address __________________________________ ________________________________________

__________________________________ ________________________________________

Phone (day)________________ (eve)_________________ (day) ___________________ (eve) __________________

Fax _______________________________ __________________________

E-mail ________________________________________ _________________________________________

Has this dog has been diagnosed with Protein Losing Enteropathy? Yes / No

Has this dog been diagnosed with Protein Losing Nephropathy? Yes / No

If so, how was diagnosis made? Circle all that apply: Blood Chemistry Urinalysis Biopsy

Diagnosis was made by: Dr. Meryl Littman, Dr. Shelley Vaden,
or other American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomate (name) ________________________________________

Has this dog been diagnosed with, or does it show symptoms of any other disease, abnormality, or temperament issue?
(Please list.) _______________________________________________________________________________________

Other Comments/Questions/Concerns?

Please circle your response to the following:

I am / am not willing to provide additional blood samples if needed for research.

I will / will not consider donation of a tissue sample (spleen, kidney, or liver) upon the death of this dog, and will discuss this decision with my veterinarian so that a notation is placed in my file.

I submit this sample, blood and urine test results, and pedigree for the purpose of DNA research; I understand that the identity of dogs and owners participating in the research will not be revealed; and I have supplied complete and accurate information, to the best of my knowledge.

Signed: __________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Print Name: _______________________________________________________