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- Posted Thursday January 23, 2014
American Humane Association and TGen launch study of obsessive-compulsive behavior in dogs
Canine research could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments for children with autism
WASHINGTON, D.C., and PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jan. 23,
2014- Every year, one out of every 88 children in
the United States is diagnosed with some form of autism, with these
numbers steadily rising over the last decade. Alarmingly, it is
believed that now one of every 54 young boys has some form of the
disease. Though the instances of children on the autism spectrum
are increasing year to year, the amount of funding given to autism
research is far lower than with other childhood diseases, and this
has led to fewer researchers examining the autistic spectrum.
Undeterred, however, a new groundbreaking study looking at
autistic tendencies present in certain breeds of dogs is being
announced today, with implications that could lead to earlier
diagnoses in children, is being made available for funding.
American Humane Association,the first national humane
organization and the only charity working for the protection of
both children and animals, announced today a study partnership with
the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)
that seeks to uncover the genetic basis of obsessive-compulsive
disorder in dogs.
The research findings from this Canines, Kids and Autism study
could also lead to clues about the origins of such behavior in
children, especially the growing number of those with autism. The
study will look first at the causes of obsessive-compulsive
disorder commonly found in three types of purebred dogs: Bull
Terrier, Doberman Pinscher and Jack Russell Terrier.
Using state-of-the-art technology, TGen scientists will conduct
whole genome sequencing to analyze the genomes of these dogs in
hopes of pinpointing those genes that might be responsible for
atypical behaviors. The study aims to provide both physicians and
veterinarians with new insights for earlier diagnoses and
innovative therapeutics.
Joining American Humane Association and TGen are collaborators
from the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC),
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the
University of Massachusetts Medical School. SARRC's previous
collaborations with TGen include the consent and collection of
nearly 500 biospecimens families with autistic children. Tufts' Dr.
Nicholas Dodman and his team, which includes Dr. Edward Ginns at
the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is renowned for his
work in the area of animal behavior disorders. He played a
significant role in sample collection and association discovery in
OCD-like behaviors in the dog with this work reported in the
peer-reviewed journal, Molecular Psychiatry.
American Humane Association advisors will collaborate with the
research team, and assist in study design and data
interpretation.
The recent federal budget cuts mean federal funding is not
available for this study, so the collaborators are seeking private
funding for this novel research.
"The potential impact of this research for both children and
canines is profound," said Phil Francis, the retired chairman and
CEO of PetSmart Inc. and an advisor to TGen's canine research
studies. "With the number of children who are diagnosed with autism
each year increasing, and the legions of pet parents who want their
canine friends to live healthy lives, I can think of no better
place for potential supporters to contribute their
resources."
A core part of American Humane Association's 137-year-old mission
is the study of the human-animal bond. The study, Canines, Kids and
Autism is the organization's second study involving dogs and
children. The association is also involved in a full clinical trial
of the Canines and Childhood Cancer study in partnership with
Zoetis, which is investigating the biological and psychosocial
effects of therapy dogs on pediatric cancer patients.
"Dogs are such a special part of our lives, and it is incredible
what we are continuing to learn about how our species is linked
with theirs," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association
president and CEO. "This unique study in collaboration with our
colleagues at TGen will hopefully shed more light on understanding
more about autism. But, to realize this goal, we need the generous
support of funding partners. Your contributions can help bring a
better understanding to a disease which affects so many of our
precious children."
Prospective supporters should contact American Humane Association
at866-242-1877or email René Gornall at[email protected]. For
more information about the study, please visitwww.americanhumane.org/autism.
# # #
About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane
organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children
and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at
the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our
most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also
leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role
in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association
reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking
research, education, training and services that span a wide network
of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a
difference, too. Visit American Humane Association atwww.americanhumane.orgtoday.
About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
