A groundbreaking study has established a comprehensive tissue biobank that promises to significantly advance the understanding of canine genomics and its relevance to human diseases. Scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris, the dog is increasingly recognized as an important model for studying various human conditions. However, the functional annotation of the dog genome has been relatively poor, limiting gene discovery related to development, morphology, disease, and behavior.

To address this gap, researchers have created a biobank comprising 5,485 samples from 132 tissues sourced from 13 dogs, 12 dog embryos, and 24 wolves. This extensive collection provides a robust foundation for further genetic studies. Utilizing 5’ targeting RNA sequencing technology, known as STRT2-seq, the team characterized gene expression activity across a subset of 100 tissues from nine dogs and 12 embryos.

Remarkably, the study identified over 100,000 candidate promoter regions in the recent canine genome assembly, CanFam4, with more than 45,000 of these sites demonstrating high reproducibility in gene expression and associated tissue enrichment levels. This rich dataset offers a valuable promoter and gene expression atlas, complete with interactive, open-access resources, including a data coordination center and genome browser track hubs.

The researchers showcased the utility of the Dog Genome Annotation (DoGA) data through multiple examples, illustrating its applications in canine embryonic development, morphology, behavior, and cross-species diseases.

For veterinary professionals, the implications of this research are significant. Enhanced genomic resources can facilitate better understanding of canine health and disease, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The biobank also opens pathways for comparative studies between canine and human diseases, further bridging the gap between veterinary and medical research.

Veterinarians and researchers are encouraged to explore these new resources to leverage this wealth of information in their practices and studies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine and animal health.