Description of Invention:
Dogs exhibit the greatest diversity in body size of any mammalian species. To explore the genetic basis for size variation among dogs, the inventors compared the DNA of various small dog breeds to larger dog breeds. They found that variation in one gene, IGF-1, which codes for the protein hormone insulin-like growth factor 1, is very strongly associated with small stature across all dog breeds studied. An important determinant of body size in mammals, IGF-1 induces cell growth and differentiation and is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis. Analysis of DNA from over 3,000 dogs and 143 breeds revealed a specific IGF-1 gene sequence variant, or haplotype, associated with small size in the canine genetic code.
The invention discloses markers defining chromosomal haplotypes associated with adult body size in dogs. Also claimed are methods and kits for predicting adult body size in dogs using these markers. A genetic test based on this invention would be of use to breeders wishing to predict a dog’s size, and thus its conformance to the breed standard, at adulthood.
Applications:
Canine genetic test to predict adult body size.
Market:
In 2006, over 1.7 million purebred dogs competed in American Kennel Club-sanctioned conformance shows in the United States.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-009-2007/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/856,411 filed 02 Nov 2006
PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/083496 filed 02 Nov 2007
Relevant Publication: N Sutter et al. A single IGF1 allele is a major determinant of small size in dogs. Science 2007 Apr 6;316(5821):112-115, doi: 10.1126/science.1137045. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for non-exclusive licensing.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
