International canine gene research database accelerates biomedical research

The international canine gene research database represents a major milestone in biomedical science by providing an expansive atlas of gene expression and promoter activity across more than 100 canine tissues. Developed by the International DoGA Consortium through global collaboration among experts in genomics, veterinary medicine, and computational biology, this resource leverages advanced RNA sequencing to analyze over 5,000 samples from diverse dog breeds and wolves. The resulting high-resolution dataset offers a detailed mapping of tissue-specific gene activity and promoter structures, significantly enhancing the canine gene map beyond what is available for traditional model organisms such as mice, zebrafish, or cattle.

This comprehensive database serves as an invaluable tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying hereditary diseases. Researchers are now able to examine gene regulation in multiple biological contexts, including the dynamic changes that occur during embryonic development, the differential expression of disease-associated genes in specific tissues, and the genetic control of behavioral traits. The platform enables the identification and prioritization of genetic factors implicated in complex conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders, thereby bridging the gap between veterinary science and human medicine.

The atlas further facilitates comparative analyses between dogs and wolves, yielding fresh insights into the evolutionary history and breed-specific genetic architectures of domestic canines. By clarifying these genetic differences, the DoGA resource not only deepens our understanding of canine biology but also establishes a robust framework for studying genetic diseases across species. The integration of large-scale genomic data from multiple tissues provides unprecedented opportunities to explore intricate gene regulatory networks and to trace developmental and pathological gene expression patterns.

Moreover, the open-access and interactive nature of the database ensures that it will support a wide range of research endeavors for years to come. The extensive collaboration that underpins this project – including the professors Hannes Lohi and Juha Kere from the Folkhälsan Research Center – has produced a transformative resource that informs both breeding strategies and the development of targeted therapeutic approaches.

In summary, the DoGA atlas stands as a cornerstone in functional genomics, driving future innovations in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for both veterinary and human clinical applications.

Original article:
The DoGA Consortium expression atlas of promoters and genes in 100 canine tissues.
Hörtenhuber M, Hytönen MK, Mukarram AK, Arumilli M, Araujo C, Quintero I, Syrjä P, Airas N, Kaukonen M, Kyöstilä K, Jokinen TS, Raman A, Stevens I, Iivanainen A, Yoshihara M, Gusev O, Bannasch D, Sukura A, Schoenebeck J, DoGA Consortium, Sini Ezer S, Katayama S, Daub CO, Kere J, Lohi H. Nature Communications. 2024.