Ardicli S, Yigitgor P, Babayev H, Ozen D, Bozkurt B, Senturk N, Pilli M, Salci H, Intas DS. The markers of the predictive DNA test for canine hip dysplasia may have a stronger relationship with elbow dysplasia. Heliyon. 2024 30;10(18).

The research conducted by Deniz Seyrek İntaş from Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and colleagues focuses on the underlying genetics of orthopedic disorders, particularly canine hip and elbow dysplasias. These conditions are significant hereditary diseases that affect the mobility and well-being of dogs, with elbow dysplasia being less explored compared to hip dysplasia. The study utilizes genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and analyzes five specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with canine hip dysplasia to evaluate their potential link to elbow dysplasia.

The findings indicate that three of the SNPs, including one near the CHST3 gene, show a stronger relationship with elbow dysplasia than hip dysplasia, shifting the research focus toward understanding genetic markers that may be overlooked in broader hip dysplasia studies. The study’s implications are significant for developing genetic screening tools that can be used to identify dogs at risk for elbow dysplasia, aiding in early detection and better-informed breeding decisions.

Moreover, the international collaboration in this research, involving institutions from Turkey, Switzerland, and Northern Cyprus, strengthens its impact, allowing for more comprehensive data and cross-border scientific exchange. The use of standardized environmental conditions for the dogs involved ensures the reliability of the phenotypic data, making the genetic findings more robust.

This study not only provides valuable insights into the genetic factors of orthopedic disorders in dogs but also sets the stage for future studies to explore the broader implications of these findings across different breeds and environments.

Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş is an academic member of Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers interested in collaborating or furthering this work can reach out to her (deniz.seyrekintas@neu.edu.tr) for potential partnerships.

Abstract

Canine hip and elbow dysplasias, which are prevalent orthopedic conditions rooted in developmental and hereditary factors, are yet to be comprehensively assessed. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the prognostic significance of five markers linked to canine hip dysplasia using available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The influence of these markers on both hip and elbow dysplasia was examined in dogs exposed to standardized environmental conditions. We made a groundbreaking discovery using custom primers, qPCR assays, and evaluation of fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes. Three specific SNPs previously associated with the risk of canine hip dysplasia demonstrated a potentially stronger correlation with elbow dysplasia. Notably, the SNP at nucleotide position 22691322, located near the canine CHST3 gene, displayed significance as a marker in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Surprisingly, none of the initially targeted SNPs showed a direct association with hip dysplasia. The genomic positions of these SNPs reside within a region conserved across mammals. In silico analyses suggested that the relevant variant might be positioned in a region linked to bone and muscle structures. Our findings revealed a remarkable relationship between SNP2 genotypes and methylation patterns, shedding light on the underlying mechanism that partially explains the genotype-phenotype correlation in canine CHST3. These groundbreaking findings offer essential insights for future, more extensive investigations into canine orthopedic health. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of the molecular foundations of hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs by charting a course for advancements in veterinary medicine and the overall well-being of canine companions.

For further details, access the original paper from the publisher’s link: The markers of the predictive DNA test for canine hip dysplasia may have a stronger relationship with elbow dysplasia