Feb. 2012

DOGenes Inc. is  pleased to announce that we have possibly identified a new gene and mutation
for
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

 
This mutation has been identified in the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) breed. As a result of this mutation the protein product of this gene is prematurely terminated.  This means that  the mutated gene produces a partial protein product that is not functional. While there is strong evidence from the biology of this gene that this mutation could be the cause of DM, we need many more clinical samples to confirm this finding.

The first priority is to get as many confirmed DM cases from GSD's as possible.  Anyone with a GSD that has DM is urged to contact DOGenes Inc. for materials to collect a DNA sample. At this point, I am very optimistic about this discovery.

Because this is such a very serious and fatal disease, I hope that we can work together to determine if this is a causative mutation.

PLEASE NOTE: 

ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AT ALL TIMES.

Other breeds with DM are also invited to participate.

Sincerely,

Mary H. Whiteley, PhD
DOGenes Inc.

Contact:DMstudy@dogenes.com