A study of 25 dog breeds has identified three genes linked to glioma, a severe type of brain tumour, in canines – and these same genes are present in humans, scientists have said.
The research, published in PLOS Genetics, analysed blood samples from dogs and found genetic variations associated with the development of brain tumours. Breeds such as boxers and bulldogs have an increased risk.
Gliomas are often incurable in humans, and the scientists hope that further investigation into these genes could lead to a better understanding of causes and potential treatments for both dogs and people.
“These results indicate that further investigations of the role of these three genes in glioma development would be of interest, with potential benefit to both dog and human,” said Prof Karin Forsberg Nilsson of Uppsala University in Sweden, who worked on the study.
Co-researcher Katarina Truve added: “Researchers in the consortium are now continuing the analysis of the genes identified, and their functional roles in development and progression of glioma in both dogs and humans.”
