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A DNA test for canine degenerative myelopathy

Detailed Technology Description

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*Abstract

Degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disease that is estimated to affect more than 150,000 dogs in the U.S. The disease has been confirmed in many breeds with highest prevalence in the Boxers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Onset of clinical signs is usually after 9 years of age. It is chronic, progressive and causes paralysis that begins in the hind legs and progresses to flaccid paralysis in all limbs and brainstem signs. Recently, a mutation was found in the canine superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene of affected dogs. This supports that canine degenerative myelopathy has similarities to some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), an adult-onset fatal paralytic neurodegenerative disease. The current invention developed by researchers at the University of Missouri is a simple DNA test that will identify animals that have mutations in the superoxide dismutase gene associated with canine degenerative myelopathy. The test is based off DNA harvested by a simple mouth swab and is of high value to dog breeders. Additionally, dog owners who want to know if their dog is at risk for this disease will have great interest for developing biomarkers for early diagnosis and for treatment strategies.POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATIONS- Assist with diagnosis of dogs with degenerative myelopathy- Dog breeders that want to develop their breeding pool- Dog owners that want to test their petsMAIN ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION- DNA harvested by simple mouth swab- Will identify dogs with risk of developing the disease- Will identify dogs that are carriers or clear STATE OF DEVELOPMENT: Ready to useLICENSING POTENTIALUniversity seeks licensee with potential to commercializePATENT STATUS: US and international patent applications filedTECHNOLOGY INNOVATORSJoan Coates, Gary Johnson, Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Claire WadeTECHNOLOGY MANAGER CONTACTSamuel E. Bish, PhD; bishs@missouri.edu; 573-882-5016Nancy Parker, PhD; parkern@missouri.edu; 573-884-3553

*Principal Investigator

Name: Joan Coates, Note--for inventor info--use WORK address-does not want to give home address

Department:

Name: GARY JOHNSON, Associate Prof of Veterinary Pathobiology

Department:

Name: Tomoyuki Awano

Department:

Name: Martin Katz, Professor-Dept of Ophthalmology

Department:

Name: Gayle Johnson

Department:

Name: Dennis O'Brien, Professor of Neurology

Department:

Country/Region

USA