VANCOUVER, Wash., April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- WISDOM HEALTH™
Genetics - the world's leader in pet genetics and makers of the
WISDOM PANEL™ dog DNA test, announced today the publication in PLOS
Genetics of a study conducted by the University of Helsinki with support from the Wisdom
Health Labs.
The study, Recessive missense LAMP3 variant
associated with defect in lamellar body biogenesis and fatal
neonatal interstitial lung disease in dogs, identifies LAMP3
as a gene associated with a developmental lung disease in Airedale
Terriers.
"This discovery has significant potential value for both
veterinary and human medicine alike because of the similarities
between canine and human genetics," said Dr. Jonas Donner, PhD, Discovery Manager at Wisdom
Health. "The study of lung disease in Airedale Terriers provides
clues to identifying genetic causes of human disease."
This neonatal lung disorder is novel to Airedale Terriers but
resembles the most serious forms of the lung disease in human
infants.
"By understanding the symptoms, pathology and the specific
genetic variant causing the disease in puppies, we will be able to
not only assist in the development of a veterinary diagnostic test
for this disease and promote responsible breeding practices, but
the findings can also help human health researchers better
understand the fatal disease affecting human infants," said Dr.
Donner.
The discoveries of the variants associated with this lung
disease can provide potential benefits to both humans and dogs
alike. As a result of advancements in gene technologies and strict
selective breeding practices, genetic studies in dogs continue to
help researchers better understand corresponding human
diseases.
Beyond the potential positive impact to human medicine, this
discovery can also aid in the development of veterinary diagnostic
tests, like those included in the WISDOM PANEL™ Genetic Health
Screening test.
"We are incredibly proud to support the University of Helsinki on research efforts that
both directly improve the lives of pets today and might pave the
way to future discoveries in human health tomorrow," said Dr.
Rebecca Chodroff Foran, R&D
Director at Wisdom Health. "Studies like these power the science
behind the WISDOM PANEL™ Genetic Health Tests, empowering pet
parents with the information they need to make the best decisions
for their furry family members."
About the LAMP3 Variant-Associated Lung Disease
Study
- Researchers at the University of
Helsinki and Wisdom Health have described a novel lung
disorder in newborn Airedale Terrier dogs with a similar pathology
to a rare lung surfactant dysfunction in newborn humans.
- Using transmission electron microscopy to examine diseased
lungs, the researchers found that the affected puppies had defects
in their lungs' secretory organelles causing respiratory distress
and ultimately failure. The puppies diagnosed with the lung disease
did not live past the first days, or in some cases weeks, of their
lives.
- Through a genome-wide association study and whole exome
sequencing, researchers identified a recessive variant in the
lysosome associated membrane LAMP3 gene, which
encodes a protein within the organelles producing cytoplasmic
surfactant.
- In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding of
lamellar body biology, the study identifies LAMP3 as a novel
candidate gene for human surfactant disorders.
About the Wisdom Health Business
The Wisdom Health
business mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enhancing
the well-being and relationship between pets and pet parents,
providing valuable insights into pets as individuals through the
power of their DNA. WISDOM PANEL™ dog DNA tests - backed by the
WISDOM HEALTH™ scientific research - can help pet parents plan
better, care smarter, and love longer. For more than a decade,
WISDOM HEALTH™ scientific research contributed to develop
state-of-the-art genetic tests for companion animals,
revolutionizing personalized pet care. By unlocking the secrets of
their dog or cat's DNA, pet parents and veterinarians can work
together to tailor wellness programs that fit the one-of-a-kind
needs of their pet. WISDOM PANEL™ products are recommended by
veterinarians, and the tests are currently offered by 7000+
veterinarians worldwide. For more information, visit
http://www.wisdompanel.com, or follow the WISDOM PANEL™ Brand on
Facebook and Instagram.
About Kinship Labs
Advances in science, technology,
health and nutrition offer an opportunity to transform the $100B+
pet care industry. With industry-leading data and analytics
capabilities, a $100M venture fund
and pioneering startup accelerator program, unique set of
technology businesses like Whistle Labs and Wisdom Health, Kinship
Labs is building the first-of-its-kind coalition of partners to
transform the future of pet care. Kinship Labs is a business
division of Mars Petcare, the global leader in pet health,
nutrition and services, dedicated to one purpose: A
BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Follow @kinshipco to learn more.
About Mars Petcare
Part of Mars, Incorporated, a
family-owned business with more than a century of history making
diverse products and offering services for people and the pets
people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries in Mars
Petcare are dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
With 85 years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands
serves the health and nutrition needs of the world's pets –
including brands
PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, ROYAL CANIN®, NUTRO™, GREENIES™, SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS™
and EUKANUBA™ as well as the Waltham Petcare Science
Institute which has advanced research in the nutrition and
health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading
veterinary health provider through an international network of over
2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including
BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™, Linnaeus, AniCura and
Antech. We're also active in innovation and technology for pets,
with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA testing for
dogs, the WHISTLE™ GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE
STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND programs that drive
innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As a family
business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with
the flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to
fight for our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
Media Contact:
Liz Reilly
lreilly@sspr.com
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SOURCE Wisdom Health