Mapping and identification of the mutation causing Epiphyseal Dysplasia in Norwegian Hunting dogs, postdoc

Hunting is a widespread activity of importance for individual recreation and has a great value for local tourist industry in the country side. Most hunting is dependent on a healthy population of hunting dogs. Norway has three national hunters (breeds) wh ich are used for the major part of hunting. A serious inherited skeleton disease, Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, has recently been discovered in young dogs in two of the breeds. Population pedrigree studies strongly indicate that the disease has a simple recessive mode of inheritance. There has been some exchange of stud dogs between the two breeds in an effort to reduce inbreeding, and it is likely that the mutation causing the disease is the same in both breeds. Blood samples have been collected from a number of affected dogs/healthy controls in close collaboration with the Norwegian Kennel Club and breeders. A resource family, well suited for genetic mapping, is available. Three alternativ strategies will be followed in the identification of the mutati on. Initially we will use a "candidate gene strategy". Based on comparative genetics and information about similar diseases in other species, some candidate genes are available for study. Initially, polymorphic markers closely linked to these genes will b e identified based on the canine genome sequence, and simple segregation analysis will be used to study potential linkage. Secondly, we will use genomic SNP-microarrays in an effort to identify haplotypes linked to the disease. If the first two strategies for some reason should not be successful, the collected resource family will be used for linkage analysis. A close collaboration is established between the "Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies and the "Department of Basic Science and Aquatic Medicine" as well as "Broad Institute" in Boston, US. The high competence in the "consortium", the available samples and the excellent laboratory facilities should make a high likelihood of success of the project.