They are mans best friend both loyal and adorable; however we share more with our best friends than just our homes. New research conducted by the University of Minnesota and the North Carolina State University has shown that dogs and humans share the same genetic basis for certain cancers. Testing has also confirmed that the development of cancers may be inevitable for some humans and dogs due to the evolutionary development of particular genomes.In both humans and canines cancer occurs when a cell mutates, this mutation alters the structure and number of chromosomes within a cell as well as the genes they carry. This research has shown that when dogs are diagnosed with particular cancer types the exact same genetic abnormalities and mutations are found to occur within humans with those cancers.
These similarities have led scientists to believe that cancer may be a consequence of genetic evolution. It is believed that since our evolution from our last common ancestor, our genomes have developed to a point where cancer in some humans and therefore dogs is an inevitable part of our genetics. For example the selective breeding in dogs over the course of recent history has preserved the genetics of certain breeds, the consequence of this being that it has made some breeds more susceptible to certain cancers.
The scientists behind this find; Breen and Modiano, have now been able to conclude that despite millions of years of divergence, the evolving genomes of dogs and humans seem to have retained the mechanisms associated with cancer.
These common genetic traits mean that scientists can now start conducting research which will identify cancer associated genes by testing dog populations as opposed to testing human thus simplifying research greatly. Once identified, these findings can be translated to human cancers and help with the diagnosis and prognosis of human patients. Luckily for us and our best friends, Breen and Modiano have already started the next stage of research where they will hopefully pin point the risk factors in various dog breeds. This information can then be used to save countless human and canine lives.
The scientists behind this find; Breen and Modiano, have now been able to conclude that despite millions of years of divergence, the evolving genomes of dogs and humans seem to have retained the mechanisms associated with cancer.
These common genetic traits mean that scientists can now start conducting research which will identify cancer associated genes by testing dog populations as opposed to testing human thus simplifying research greatly. Once identified, these findings can be translated to human cancers and help with the diagnosis and prognosis of human patients. Luckily for us and our best friends, Breen and Modiano have already started the next stage of research where they will hopefully pin point the risk factors in various dog breeds. This information can then be used to save countless human and canine lives.
References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228112011.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wikilabrador_jardin.JPG
Reviewed by: J.Jeffries (41758845)
