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Science/Tech See other Science/Tech Articles Title: The Equine Genome: What it Means for the Future of Horse Health The Equine Genome: What it Means for the Future of Horse Health by: Ernie Bailey, PhD July 17 2007 Article # 10031 Article Tools [Print Article] [Email Article] [Link To Article] [Reprint Article] [RSS Feed] The National Human Genome Research Institute announced the first assembly of the completed horse DNA sequence on Feb. 7, 2007. Why would a human health agency perform DNA sequencing on a horse? The answer is that the genetic structure and function of all mammals are similar. The best way for scientists to understand human DNA sequences is to compare the genome sequence from 24 different mammals to see what DNA sequences are so important as to be present in all species. Fortunately, from the perspective of the equine industry, the horse was chosen as the representative from Perissodactyla, a small order of hoofed mammals constituting three families--Equidae, Tapiridae, and Rhinocerotidae. This was no small matter. Some biologists had very good reasons to advocate sequencing other members of the order, such as rhinos, tapirs, and zebras. But we have a large community of scientists interested in using the horse genome sequence for improving the health and welfare of horses. Genome is a new word. What does it mean? Genetics is the study of one gene at a time. Horses and other mammals have roughly 20,000 to 25,000 genes. When we consider all genes, we call that set a genome and its study genomics. Since genome organization is similar among all mammals, information from human medical studies helps us to better understand horse diseases. We have long used humans as a model for equine diseases, so this approach is nothing new. Nevertheless, genomics will benefit equine health research as profoundly as vaccines, antibiotics and radiographs. Some horsemen might worry that once the horse genome is sequenced, all the mystery and magic will be gone from horse breeding and ownership. Colorful characters around a racetrack may be replaced by colorless scientists with computer printouts and test tubes. Fear not! The study of the horse genome is more like studying the weather than inventing a sports car. Consider the following. All of the research on weather has shown we can experience a sunny day in Florida, knowing that a hurricane will arrive in two days, but we cannot change the hurricane. Still, the knowledge allows us to make choices; when the hurricane approaches, we can abandon our town or we can shore up its foundations. Successful use of genomic tools will help horse breeders, veterinarians and horse owners do what they already do even better ... anticipate problems, predict outcomes, and enjoy the unique interaction between horses and people. Even before the horse genome was sequenced, DNA tests had been developed for inherited diseases of horses as well as many coat color patterns. So far, breeders can test horses and determine the chances of transmitting genes for the following disease traits to their offspring: hyperkalemic periodic paralysis of Quarter Horses, severe combined immunodeficiency disease of Arabian horses, overo lethal white foal disease of Paint horses, junctional epidermolysis bullosa of Belgian horses, glycogen branching enzyme deficiency of draft horses, and hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia of Quarter Horses. In the near future, we might have the genes for other simple hereditary diseases identified. Color genetics also has improved from the availability of these new tools. Genetic tests are available for black/chestnut (MC1R), bay/black (ASIP), cream dilution (MATP), Frame overo (OLWFD), sabino 1 (KIT), and tobiano (KIT). The acronyms in parentheses refer to the actual genes involved in these conditions. Although the gene has not yet been identified for these particular colors, mapping studies have localized the genes for gray, dominant white, roan, and Appaloosa. As athletic working animals, horses have been selected for health and performance over thousands of years. Consequently, horses have few diseases that are purely genetic in origin. The real benefit of genomics for horses will be to understand complex diseases that have frustrated horse owners and veterinarians since the time of domestication. These conditions affect the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthritis, tying up, contracted foals), joints and bones (osteochondrosis, navicular disease, laminitis, congenital limb deformity), and can also include allergic diseases, respiratory diseases (recurrent airway obstruction, heaves, exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage) and infectious diseases (vaccine development for viruses and bacteria). Why do these problems exist for a species highly selected for health and performance? We don't know. It might be related to the complex interplay of genes and our social needs. Sometimes it can be inadvertent. For example, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in Quarter Horses is caused by a single change in a DNA molecule that disrupts potassium metabolism in muscle cells. The muscles undergo spontaneous and aberrant contractions, similar to isometric exercises, resulting in a muscular appearance. Unfortunately, such horses might collapse under the stress of muscular exertion. We expect that selection for large muscling in Quarter Horses led to selection for the HYPP gene. Likewise, selection for small size in miniature horses might inadvertently lead to selection for genes causing dwarfism. The point is to understand the interplay of genes and management, then allow breeders and horse owners to continue doing what they have always done, while making informed choices. The horse genome sequence is going to accelerate research and save hundreds of thousands of research dollars. Before now, many scientists would begin projects by spending months cloning and sequencing DNA for the gene of interest. When the horse gene was entirely unknown, scientists would use information from humans, mice or rats to provide a "best guess" starting point. Now, with the whole genome sequence, anyone with access to the Internet can circumvent this tedious spadework. The availability of this information means that one does not need to be a molecular geneticist to use the information. We anticipate successful research projects and solutions for the most important diseases of horses during the next couple of years using the tools derived from this work. Breeders and horse owners always want to know how to get the most enjoyment out of their horses. This information will allow us to fashion management practices and veterinary care to keep these horses healthy and performing. The horse genome sequence is going to have an impact on health as significant as the discovery of radiographs, antibiotics, and vaccines in previous centuries. Several foundations and universities have initiated equine genetic research. The Morris Animal Foundation is sponsoring an Equine Consortium for Genetic Research grant, involving 32 collaborating researchers from 18 academic institutions. The sequenced horse genome will be used by the researchers to study and identify those genes and mutations that contribute to heritable diseases, such as musculoskeletal disease, laminitis, recurrent airway obstruction and bone disease. Other funded research by the American Quarter Horse Foundation and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation support grants for a variety of investigations into gene response to disease. Donations to the Morris Animal Foundation, the Grayson Jockey-Club Research Foundation, the American Quarter Horse Foundation, the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Inc., or your favorite veterinary school will help support equine genetic research.
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#1. To: Tauzero (#0)
So we can expect Appaloosa draft horses? I knew someone with a high-steppin' Palomino American Saddlebred. Beautiful animal. The Peruvian Paso was popular for awhile I remember; maybe it still is. That and the Tennessee Walking always intrigued me. A different color is one thing, I owned a buckskin Quarter horse once. But an entirely unique and natural gait? And a comfortable gait at that? Very cool.
#3. To: robin (#1)
I wanted a Paso Fino SO badly.. never was able to get one though.. life issues.. I had Appaloosas and Quarter horses.. my ex sister-in-law owned a buckskin Quarter mare .. gorgeous ..
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