Human 'Albino' Gene Found In Dogs Health

Malka · Jul 7, 2014

This is an article I came across, which I thought might be of interest:

Dogs and people have more in common than a love of Frisbees and long walks on the beach. A new study finds that certain dogs, just like certain humans, carry a gene mutation that causes albinism — a condition that results in little or no pigment in the eyes, skin and hair.

The study by researchers at Michigan State University identifies the exact genetic mutation that leads to albinism in Doberman pinschers, a discovery that has eluded veterinarians and dog breeders until now. Interestingly, the same mutated gene that causes albinism in this dog breed is also associated with a form of albinism in humans.

"What we found was a gene mutation that results in a missing protein necessary for cells to be pigmented," study co-author Paige Winkler, a doctoral student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, said in a statement.

Winkler said the gene mutation found in Doberman pinschers is responsible for a condition known as oculocutaneous albinism, which also affects humans. The condition expresses certain characteristics in both humans and dogs.
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"Because Dobermans can carry the defective gene, but show no signs of the [condition], this has posed serious problems among breeders," Bartoe said. "But now that we've identified the mutation, we can look at the genetic makeup of these dogs and determine if they might be carriers."
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Full article and photographs here...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/...gs_n_5350995.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular,dogs

6JRT's · Jul 7, 2014

When I first saw an white Doberman I thought it was an Weimaraner (not sure if spelt right) until I spoke to owners.

Human 'Albino' Gene Found In Dogs Health

Malka Member

Human 'Albino' Gene Found In Dogs

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