Construction of a 2-Mb resolution BAC microarray for CGH analysis of canine tumors.

Recognition of the domestic dog as a model for the comparative study of human genetic traits has led to major advances in canine genomics. The pathophysiological similarities shared between many human and dog diseases extend to a range of cancers. Human tumors frequently display recurrent chromosome aberrations, many of which are hallmarks of particular tumor subtypes.

Microarray data analysis of mouse neoplasia.

Microarray gene expression analysis offers great promise to help us understand the molecular events of experimental carcinogenesis, but have such promises been fulfilled? Studies of gene expression profiles of rodent are being published and demonstrate that yes, indeed, gene array data is furthering our understanding of tumor biology. Recent studies have identified differentially expressed genes in rodent mammary, colon, lung, and liver tumors. Although relatively few genes on the rodent arrays have been fully characterized, information has been generated to better identify signatures of histologic type and grade, understand invasion and metastasis, identify candidate biomarkers of early development, identify gene networks in carcinogenesis, understand responses to therapy, and decifer overlap with molecular events in human cancers.

An integrated 4249 marker FISH/RH map of the canine genome.

Background: The 156 breeds of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club offer a unique opportunity to map genes important in genetic variation. Each breed features a defining constellation of morphological and behavioral traits, often generated by deliberate crossing of closely related individuals, leading to a high rate of genetic disease in many breeds. Understanding the genetic basis of both phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility in the dog provides new ways in which to dissect the genetics of human health and biology.

Canine malignant hemangiosarcoma as a model of primitive angiogenic endothelium.

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common untreatable cancer of dogs that resembles human angiosarcoma. Detailed studies of these diseases have been historically hindered by the paucity of suitable reagents. Here, we show that expression of CD117 (c-Kit) can distinguish primitive (malignant) from mature (benign) proliferative endothelial lesions, and we describe eight independent cell lines derived from canine HSA explants.