Cats Are Finally Getting Geneticists' Attention
Posted on 01/24/2015 3:27:14 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Consumer doggie DNA testing is old hat at this point, having been around since 2007. But cat-lovers who wish to decipher their pet's breed are out of luck -- no such tests exist for felines.
That fact reflects the state of the underlying science. Since the first full dog genome was sequenced ten years ago, geneticists have identified hundreds of genes behind canine diseases and physical traits. By comparison, just a handful of such genes have been identified in cats.
But a group of geneticists is working to close this gap by sequencing 99 domestic cats. This week the researchers unveiled the first results from their "99 Lives" initiative.
...humans could also be beneficiaries of the research. According to Nature, "Cat versions of type 2 diabetes, asthma, retinal atrophy and numerous other conditions have close similarities to human disease. Cats can also become infected with a virus that is closely related to HIV and experience symptoms similar to those of people with AIDS."
To date, Lyons' team has sequenced the genomes of 56 cats at a cost of roughly $7,500 apiece. Funding for the research has been raised through donations from breeders and private owners alike. Currently, her team is studying the genetic basis of feline dwarfism and the genes that give cats silver or gold coats, to name a few.
You can help further cat genome researcher through donations, or collecting DNA samples from your own feline friends. You can learn how to participate by visiting Lyons' website.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.discovermagazine.com ...
Cats Are Finally Getting Geneticists' Attention
 |
Genetic Genealogy |
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off GGP list | |
| GG LINKS: African Ancestry DNAPrint Genomics FamilyTree DNA GeneTree Int'l Society of Genetic Genealogy mitosearch Nat'l Geographic Genographic Project Oxford Ancestors RelativeGenetics Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Trace Genetics ybase ysearch |
|
| The List of Ping Lists | |
And now we’ll get designer cats? NOT OK with me.
Would you be interested in a big cat?
A domestic cat that grows larger due to additional growth associated genes that would have the same temperament as any domestic cat?
I never though that I'd fall in love like this... but I would marry my cat if I could, says Karl Lagerfeld: Fashion designer's pet has an iPad, two maids and dines at his table
Here's "Choupette" with her slice of wedding cake:
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2335789/I-Id-fall-love-like--I-marry-cat-I-says-Karl-Lagerfeld-Fashion-designers-pet-iPad-maids-dines-table.html
Ha ha.
Kitteh Ping
Nah—big cats would just eat, poop, and scare people more.
Their tidy size is a feature.
Ve vant only blue-eyed Arian cats to reproduce.
Interesting.
I personally would love to have a cat as big as a lab.
I’ve got one who’s 15 pounds—and that’s plenty for all the lap sitting, shoulder riding, etc. He’s tall, too, so it’s kind of fun that I can stretch my arm down while I’m standing to pat him like a dog.
My cat does not wish to participate..........But don't feel put off, she doesn't wish to participate in anything other than eat and sleep time......
Tell me a lot that my cat is pain in the a*** I still love him LOL!
Good recipe for having your kitteh get some samples from you at the same time!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
