[COMPLETED] Mapping the IW Genome

 

Genetic studies in dogs are often dependent on the use of a reference genome - when researchers look for genetic mutations that associate with disease they need a map to serve as a baseline for DNA code. When the first dog reference genome was was created in 2005 a boxer named Tasha was used.

At the time researchers felt this reference assembled from a single dog was sufficient to reflect the DNA from any dog in any breed. Over time this has proven problematic. An Irish Wolfhound is not a Boxer just as a Laborador is not a Chihuahua.

While use of the boxer genome has worked for many studies it has created roadblocks for others. A high quality IW genome will maximize the chance of finding mutations associated with early onset osteosarcoma in the Irish Wolfhound.