This week's edition of Genome Barks is a follow up to our recent interview with Dr. Matthew Breen. Dr. Breen, while a world renowned cancer researcher, is also the Treasurer of the Canine Comparative Oncology & Genomics Consortium (CCOGC). Jointly sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, and Pfizer, the CCOGC is a collaboration of Veterinary and Medical Oncologists, Pathologists, Surgeons, Geneticists, and Molecular and Cellular Biologists. This group determined that a well-described repository of tissues (tumor and normal) from tumor bearing dogs was an essential resource needed for advancing our understanding of canine cancer. The biospecimen repository houses tumor tissue, normal tissues, serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations, genomic DNA, RNA and urine samples. The goal is to optain 3,000 samples of lymphoma, osteosarcoma, melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma/histiocytic sarcoma, mast cell tumors and lung cancer. 

In this edition of Genome Barks Lee Arnold, Vice President of the AKC Canine Health Foundation welcomes Dr. Matthew Breen of the North Carolina State University Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Breen, recent winner of Asa Mays DVM,  Excellence in Canine Health Research Award, gives us insight into Lymphoma and other canine cancers and explains the usefulness of the canine model for human research. Dr. Breen played a key role in the mapping of the canine genome and now uses his skills and resources to focus on the molecular cytogenetic evaluation of canine tumors as a means to discover the genes involved in the initiation and progression of cancers. In addition to his activities at NCSU, Dr. Breen was a founding member and now serves on the Board of Directors of the Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium, Inc (CCOGC). This podcast is brought to you by the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

This week on Genome Barks, Eddie Dziuk, The Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals talks with Erika Werne about the Canine Health Information Center. Established in 2001, CHIC is the joint venture between the AKC Canine Health Foundation and OFA that serves as a central database of health information as well as a DNA Repository.  At the North Carolina State Breeders' Symposium jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Mr. Dziuk discusses the pros and cons of the two methods of DNA collection, exactly how the "recommended tests" become recommended in the first place, as well as the "gold standard" of genetic tests, and how it will impact breeding decisions.

Erika Werne, Director of Canine Education, Communications, and Club Relations for the AKC Canine Health Foundation, welcomes Dr. Sarah Stone of the Ohio State University to this edition of Genome Barks. One of the most common health issues facing both humans and their canine companions is cataracts. While cataract surgery is the most frequently performed intraocular operation, there is a nearly 100% incidence of capsular scarring post-surgery in dogs. Dr. Stone's research, funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, focuses on developing new techniques to decrease this occurrence, and in turn improving the lives of dogs.  At the Ohio State Breeders' Symposium jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Stone discusses her research and the progress made thus far.

 

On this edition of Genome Barks, Dr. Lin Kauffman discusses common reproduction issues.  As assisted reproductive techniques become more common in the purebred dog world, there is more interest in advancing the science behind them.  At the Iowa State Breeders' Symposium jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Kauffman outlines the three main concerns today's breeders face, and explains how to address them.

Dr. Matthew Ellinwood discusses the genome sequence and its significance in developing the tools necessary for responsible breeders.  Recorded at the Iowa State Breeders' Symposium jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation.