Discovery of Addison's disease gene in dogs could help humans as well
Phys.org • • health
Key Points:
- Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers have a high incidence of Addison's disease, an inherited autoimmune condition affecting adrenal hormone production, often leading to early death despite treatment.
- Scientists identified a gene variant, RESF1, strongly linked to Addison's disease in these dogs, published in Scientific Reports.
- The RESF1 gene is conserved across species, including humans, but has not been previously connected to Addison's disease, suggesting potential new avenues for human research.
- Tollers may serve as a natural model for studying multiple autoimmune syndrome, benefiting both veterinary and human medical understanding.
- A genetic test for RESF1 is available through UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory to help breeders reduce the incidence of the disease in tollers.
