Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
December 11, 2024 - Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D, Chief and Distinguished Investigator in NHGRI's
Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch presents "Tip to Tail: Genetics of Cancer and Morphology in the Domestic Dog"
The domestication of dogs from wolves is, arguably, the most successful scientific experiment undertaken in human history. Our planet is populated with millions of dogs representing 350 breeds, village dogs, feral dogs and mixed breed dogs. Key to understanding canine variation is the study of modern and ancient genomes sampled from dogs around the world. Our studies encompass evolution, genomics and genetics, as we seek to understand how dog breeds have been shaped by humans, why some breeds are prone to specific diseases, and what accounts for the striking differences in appearance and behavior observed between breeds. By studying the genome sequence of modern and ancient dogs we show that most breed-associated traits, including disease associations, are controlled by small numbers of genes of large effect, and that most of these genes are relevant for studies of human health and biology.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Trent Lectureship in Cancer Research: genome.gov/trent-lecture
December 11, 2024 - Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D, Chief and Distinguished Investigator in NHGRI's
Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch presents "Tip to Tail: Genetics of Cancer and Morphology in the Domestic Dog"
The domestication of dogs from wolves is, arguably, the most successful scientific experiment undertaken in human history. Our planet is populated with millions of dogs representing 350 breeds, village dogs, feral dogs and mixed breed dogs. Key to understanding canine variation is the study of modern and ancient genomes sampled from dogs around the world. Our studies encompass evolution, genomics and genetics, as we seek to understand how dog breeds have been shaped by humans, why some breeds are prone to specific diseases, and what accounts for the striking differences in appearance and behavior observed between breeds. By studying the genome sequence of modern and ancient dogs we show that most breed-associated traits, including disease associations, are controlled by small numbers of genes of large effect, and that most of these genes are relevant for studies of human health and biology.
Learn more about the Jeffrey M. Trent Lectureship in Cancer Research: genome.gov/trent-lecture
