Genetically why the dog is the best friend of man



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Through the power of genomics, scientists have compared DNA with dogs and wolves to try to identify genes involved in domestication.

Amanda Pendleton, Postdoctoral Researcher at Department of Human Genetic Medicine of Michigan USA, reviewed current research on domestication and noted something particular about the DNA of Modern dogs: In some places it does not seem to match the DNA of ancient dogs. Pendleton and his lab colleagues working to understand the dog's genome to answer questions about genome biology, evolution, and disease.

In order to obtain a more complete picture of the genetic changes in the dog 's evolution, the team observed 43 stray dogs from places as well as other animals. India, Portugal and Vietnam

Armed with DNA of stray dogs, ancestral dogs found at burial sites 5,000 years ago and wolves. statistics to uncover the genetic changes that resulted from early human domestication efforts associated with the development of specific breeds . This new genetic analysis revealed 246 domestication sites, most of which were identified by their laboratory.

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The Swedish biologist has deciphered the genome of the Neanderthals and is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

  Svante Pääbo, father of paleogenetics   Svante Pääbo, father of paleogenetics [19659009] Once the genes <strong> </strong>  were identified, the question remained: what are these genes doing? On closer examination, the researchers noted that these genes influence the function, development and behavior of the brain. In addition, the genes they found seemed to support what is known as the domestication hypothesis of the neural crest. </p>
<p>  "The hypothesis of the neural crest postulates that the phenotypes we see in domesticated animals over and over again – fallen ears, changes in jaw, staining, domesticated behavior – can be explained by modifications genes that act on a certain cell type during the development of so-called neural crest cells, which are incredibly important and contribute to all types of adult tissue, "says Pendleton.Most of the genetic sites that they identified contained genes active in the development and migration of neural crest cells </p>
<p>  <strong> GENES IMPORTANT IN HUMAN PATHOLOGIES </strong> </p>
<p>  One gene in particular excelled, that called RAI1, which was the most important gene high in the study.In another laboratory of the Department of Human Genetics, Shigeki Iwase, assistant professor of genetics h. in Michigan, studies the function and role of this gene in neurodevelopmental disorders. He points out that, in humans, modifications of the RAI1 gene produce one of two syndromes: Smith-Magensis syndrome if RAI1 or Potocki-Lupski syndrome is missing if RAI1 is doubled. </p>
<p>  "RAI1 is a good entry point To study brain function because its mutation produces a brain disorder – he says – studies suggest that this protein controls the expression of several genes involved in Circadian rhythms. One of the unique features in these conditions is the problem that these patients have with the dream. " </p>
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  In dogs, changes in this gene may help explain why domestic dogs are awake during the day instead to be nocturnal like most wolves. Other genes identified by the Kidd Lab in the dog were superimposed on human syndromes resulting in inadequate development of neural crest cells, including facial deformities and hypersociability. </p>
<p>  These parallels between dogs and humans Understanding the dog's genetics is valuable. "We are using those changes that have been chosen by humans for thousands of years as a way to understand the natural function and environment of genetic regulation of the neural crest in all vertebrates," Kidd concludes [[]]. 19659017]. </pre>
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