The Horse Genome Is Off To A Racing Start
For the past decade researchers have been stuck in the barriers when it came to the amount of genetic information that was understood about equine health issues. However, in 2006 genetic scientists were off to a flying start when the sequencing of the domestic horse genome began. The odds were good for this 15 million dollar project to provided accurate information about the unknown genome. At half a mile to go, the draft of the horse genome was assembled in February of this year.
The sequenced genome information has enabled researchers to establish a map of the genetic variation of the horse. DNA samples from ancient and modern breeds including Akel teke, Arabian, and the thoroughbred were obtained and used to determine the map, which contains one million single nucleotide polymorphisms. The construction of the genetic variation map has lead the way to a better understanding of genetic contributors to behaviour and physical differences between horse breeds and disease susceptibility of horses.
The research of the horse genome is important in understanding equine genetic conditions like Neonatal Isoerythrolysis, as well as aiding in the development of equine medical treatments. The horse has approximately 80 genetic disorders, which are genetically similar to those seen in humans, for example respiratory, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease. Genetic disorders in humans maybe further explored by medical researchers, and hopefully better understood because of the studies done on the horse genome. Horse genome research is on the final straight in terms of extending our knowledge of the genes present in horses.
Posted by Abbie Mcewen
Primary Reference
National human genome research institute 2007, ‘Horse genome assembled’, viewed 25th May 2007,
http://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/nhgr-hga020707.php.
Secondary Referneces
Australian Equine Genetics research center 2006, ‘prediction of horses at high risk of producing foals with haemolytic disease’, viewed 26th May 2007, http://www.aegrc.uq.edu.au.
Genome news network 2003, ‘The horse, of course: horse genome mapped’, viewed 28th May 2007, http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/05_03/horse.shtml.
The sequenced genome information has enabled researchers to establish a map of the genetic variation of the horse. DNA samples from ancient and modern breeds including Akel teke, Arabian, and the thoroughbred were obtained and used to determine the map, which contains one million single nucleotide polymorphisms. The construction of the genetic variation map has lead the way to a better understanding of genetic contributors to behaviour and physical differences between horse breeds and disease susceptibility of horses.
The research of the horse genome is important in understanding equine genetic conditions like Neonatal Isoerythrolysis, as well as aiding in the development of equine medical treatments. The horse has approximately 80 genetic disorders, which are genetically similar to those seen in humans, for example respiratory, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease. Genetic disorders in humans maybe further explored by medical researchers, and hopefully better understood because of the studies done on the horse genome. Horse genome research is on the final straight in terms of extending our knowledge of the genes present in horses.
Posted by Abbie Mcewen
Primary Reference
National human genome research institute 2007, ‘Horse genome assembled’, viewed 25th May 2007,
http://eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/nhgr-hga020707.php.
Secondary Referneces
Australian Equine Genetics research center 2006, ‘prediction of horses at high risk of producing foals with haemolytic disease’, viewed 26th May 2007, http://www.aegrc.uq.edu.au.
Genome news network 2003, ‘The horse, of course: horse genome mapped’, viewed 28th May 2007, http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/05_03/horse.shtml.
