Cats Are Finally Getting Geneticists' Attention

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.

HA HA that so true

41 posted on 01/25/2015 10:19:20 AM PST by SevenofNine (We are Freepers, all your media bases belong to us ,resistance is futile)

One of my 3 cats-all shelter rescues-is a 22 lb furball tabby the vet says is all or mostly Maine Coon. He weighs 22 lbs, has snowshoe paws and talons for claws-he is not overweight-that is a big enough cat, thanks...

42 posted on 01/25/2015 10:56:46 AM PST by Texan5 ("You've got to saddle up your boys, you've got to draw a hard line"...)

“Cats have staff.”

True-I’m not sure whether I adopted my cats from the shelter or if they hired me to provide a home, food, toys, etc...

43 posted on 01/25/2015 11:01:42 AM PST by Texan5 ("You've got to saddle up your boys, you've got to draw a hard line"...)

44 posted on 10/16/2017 8:27:10 PM PDT by SunkenCiv (www.tapatalk.com/groups/godsgravesglyphs/, forum.darwincentral.org, www.gopbriefingroom.com)

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