ABSTRACT: Genomic sequencing of historical, ancient, and modern North American wolf-like canids: red wolves (Canis rufus), eastern wolves (Canis lycaon), coyotes (Canis latrans), and gray wolves (Canis lupus)
Project description:This study uses a custom made Nimblegen aCGH chip that targeted all segmental duplications in the canine genome to identify associated CNVs. A total of 23 hybridizations were performed in a panel of diverse dogs and a single wolf. This study focuses on the use a custom made Nimblegen aCGH chip to genotype 1,611 dog CNVs in 23 wolf-like canids (4 purebred dogs, one dingo, 15 gray wolves, one red wolf, one coyote and one golden jackal) to identify CNVs that may have arisen after domestication
Project description:Understanding the anatomical and genetic basis of complex phenotypic traits has long been a challenge for biological research. Domestic dogs offer a compelling model as they demonstrate more phenotypic variation than any other vertebrate species. Dogs have been intensely selected for specific traits and abilities, directly or indirectly, over the past 15,000 years since their initial domestication from the gray wolf. Because olfaction plays a central role in critical tasks, such as the detection of drugs, diseases, and explosives, as well as human rescue, we compared relative olfactory capacity across dog breeds and assessed changes to the canine olfactory system to their direct ancestors, wolves, and coyotes. We conducted a cross-disciplinary survey of olfactory anatomy, olfactory receptor (OR) gene variation, and OR gene expression in domestic dogs. Through comparisons to their closest wild canid relatives, the gray wolf and coyote, we show that domestic dogs might have lost functional OR genes commensurate with a documented reduction in nasal morphology as an outcome ofthe domestication process priorto breed formation.Critically, within domestic dogs alone, we found no genetic or morphological profile shared among functional or genealogical breed groupings, such as scent hounds, that might indicate evidence of any human-directed selection for enhanced olfaction. Instead, our results suggest that superior scent detection dogs likely owe their success to advantageous behavioral traits and training rather than an “olfactory edge” provided by morphology or genes.
Project description:This study uses a custom made Nimblegen aCGH chip that targeted all segmental duplications in the canine genome to identify associated CNVs. A total of 23 hybridizations were performed in a panel of diverse dogs and a single wolf.
Project description:Background: The idea of using whole genome microarrays to detect peripheral blood biomarkers for physiological status a fairly new and unexplored method. Identifying biomarkers that can be linked to stress and immune response would be of great importance not only in animal management practices but in humans as well. The main objective of this research was to explore this concept using the North American Red Wolf (Canis rufus) which are exposed to a wide variety of environments from free ranging to confinement. Results: Transcription profiling of peripheral blood samples from 13 red wolf individuals in the Alligator River region of North Carolina revealed a strong signal of differentiation between confined and free-range animals. 482 out of 2,980 transcripts detected on the human Illumina Ref8 oligonucleotide bead arrays were found to differentiate these groups at a false discovery rate of 5 percent. Over-representation of genes in focal adhesion, insulin signaling, proteasomal, and tryptophan metabolism pathways suggests the activation of proinflammatory and stress responses in confined animals. Conclusions: Integration of immunological and physiological signals may leave a signature of lifestyle in the patterns of gene expression in the blood and suggest the possible development of biomarkers for disease and normal conditions. Keywords: Stress Response/Disease State