Hemangiosarcoma Research Projects Update
September 2006
Opportunity for our Salukis to participate in Hemaniosarcoma research
Thanks to the generous donations of Saluki fanciers participating in the auction held at the SCOA Western Regional Specialty Show Oct 2005, Saluki Health Research (SHR), Inc. contributed financially to support the AKC/CHF sponsored $240,000 research grant entitled: "Mapping Genes Associated with Canine Hemangiosarcoma" conducted by the MIT/Harvard Broad Institute in collaboration with Tufts University.
A particularly high incidence of hemangiosarcoma (HSA) has been reported to occur in certain breeds (golden retriever, German shepherd and Labrador retriever) which suggest that genetic risk factors exist. The researchers propose to analyze blood DNA samples from healthy and HSA affected Golden Retrievers. They will use a newly developed analytical method in order to search for small differences in the patterns of DNA. Subsequently, DNA patterns will be compared with other affected breeds. They hope to identify a small region of the DNA that is associated with the disease which should lead to the identification of genes predisposing to HSA.
I was fortunate to meet the group of researchers conducting the study at the AKC/CHF Genes, Dogs and Cancer IV meeting held in Chicago, IL Sept 14-17, 2006. As a representative of SHR, Inc., I shared with them the incidence of hemangiosarcoma found in our Saluki studies and offered our banked samples. They were impressed with volume and breadth of information and samples available, and offered to include our HSA samples in phase II of their study.
Dr. Nokiro Tonomura requested fresh Saluki blood samples to include in the phase I screening of 200 Golden Retriever samples. This is especially important if their original screen doesn't yield useful information. A volume of samples, collected and processed in a single batch is the most beneficial.
The Western Regional Specialty Show to be held in New Mexico Oct 12 & 13 affords a unique opportunity to collect a number of samples from differing lines including Country of Origin Salukis. I will be available to draw blood samples and process them for inclusion in the study. Bring a pedigree. The Salukis must not be related through 3 generations. Contact me at salukihealth@aol.com if you are willing to participate or see me at the show.
MaryDee Sist, DVM, Saluki Health Research, Inc