We share more than just companionship with our best friend

Researchers discover a genetic cancer link between humans and our best friend

A new report has found that because we share a very similar gene base to dogs, we also share the same genome base for many types of cancers including blood and bone marrow cancers (for example, leukemia) _[1]. Genomes are made up of chromosomes that contain all our genetic material and determine everything from our eye colour to the susceptibility of certain cells to become cancerous.

Researchers in America have long been aware of the fact that genomes of dogs are basically the differential arrangement of our genomes. This is because we diverged from a common ancestor more than 50 million years ago and retained a common basis in regard to genome reorganization associated with cancer _[1]. However, researchers have now recognized the genetic abnormalities that are present in canine tumours that occur naturally. These mutations that occur in nature during these genome reorganizations have very similar consequences in both dogs and humans _[2]. During evolution, these mutations have remained in the genome, being expressed in many generations. This means that some dogs are more likely than others to develop cancer, and the same could be said for humans because we share such a similar genome _[1].

All dogs share a very small gene pool, especially pure-bred dogs. This is why some conditions occur at a higher rate in some pure-bred breeds compared to others. Researchers believe that it will be easier to follow the genetic make-up of dogs, and then apply this knowledge to human DNA in order to recognize the genes that initiate cancer _[1]. What they are looking for is basically cells that continue to replicate to form a tumour and do not die.

This important step in cancer research will path the way for future studies involving the treatment and early identification of cancer in dogs, and eventually humans.

[1] Breen, M, Modiano, J.F (2008) ‘Evolutionarily conserved cytogenetic changes in hematological malignancies of dogs and humans - man and his best friend share more than companionship’, Chromosome Reasearch, vol. 16, pp. 145-154

[2] Buss, S.E (2008) ‘U of Minn researchers discover genetic cancer link between humans and dogs - Studying cancer in dogs may translate into greater insight into cancer risk, diagnosis, and prognosis in humans’, Viewed: 27-05-2008. Available Online: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228112011.htm