John Hoffman visited the Baker Institute on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 to learn what progress has been made in the research. The researchers reported that they have examined seven genes connected with retinal development and have eliminated mutations in any of those genes as causing have compared DNA from normal dogs pd, the form of PRA found in Miniature Schnauzers. They with that from affected dogs, to isolate other genes for further analysis. As a result of the subtraction work, they have identified two genes for further study: the phosducin gene (which has previously been identified as being retinally-linked) and a new gene not previously identified in work on dogs, humans or other animals.
When the researchers began to perform the subtractive analysis, they discovered that the Miniature Schnauzer DNA samples were not sufficiently polymorphic (i.e., not sufficiently genetically diverse). In an attempt to resolve this problem, they cross-bred an affected Schnauzer to a carrier Poodle and a carrier Schnauzer to an affected Elkhound. Based on previous research, the forms of PRA in the three breeds were believed to be simple autosomal recessive diseases caused by mutations in different genes. It was therefore anticipated that no affected offspring would result. The researchers were startled to find some affected offspring. This unexpected development indicates that pd is more complex than we had hoped would be the case. The researchers believe that the results indicate either:
that there are 2 or 3 different types of PRA in Miniature Schnauzers, or
that pd is caused by a combination of genes.
Although excellent progress has been made, it is now clear that
the researchers will not be able to identify the gene(s) that
cause pd and to develop a diagnostic test by the end of
1998 when the current funding expires.
Continuing Funding of the Research at the Baker Institute
The Baker Institute has asked the AMSC to continue sponsoring the research for another year under the present research agreement. The cost would be about $64,000. The cost to us would be about $32,000 if the AKC and/or the AKC Foundation will continue matching funds.
The Baker Institute needed a response no later than the June meeting in California because Dr. Zhang, the primary researcher, needed to start looking for a new position elsewhere by July if our research was going to end in December 1998. Losing him would be a substantial setback to the research because he has developed substantial expertise in the research during the past 30 months.
The Board's Decision to Continue the Research
Because of the importance of the decision, the Fund Raising and PRA committees mailed a report containing the above information (in considerably more detail) to each Board member in late May, so that the Board members would have ample time to consider and discuss whether the AMSC should continue sponsoring the research. At its June meeting, the Board decided to sponsor the research for another six months. Among the considerations were:
The researchers have made considerable progress and have some solid leads to explore as a result of the subtractive analysis.
Losing Dr. Zhang would set back the research considerably. Although the Baker Institute would likely continue to work on pd from time to time as appropriate in connection with the work on other breeds, finding the cause of pd and developing a diagnostic test for it would be delayed considerably if the funding was discontinued because no one would be working specifically on the problem.
Most of the funds for the research have come from individual donors, local breed clubs, and others who support the research. It would be unfair to them to end the research short of success, when the researchers have developed promising leads to explore.
The AKC Foundation has advised us that it will need a proposal from the Baker Institute, which must then be reviewed by the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, before it can make a decision on matching funds for another year. We hope to have a response by the time of the Board's Montgomery County meeting.
We have
already raised more than $23,000 of the money that would
be needed to continue the research.
The Board also voted to give Dr. Zhang an AMSC afghan in recognition of his hard work on the research.
The Board will have
to decide at the Montgomery County meeting whether to continue
the research beyond June 30, 1999. Among the factors it will have
to consider at that time are (a) the status of the research, (b)
whether we will be receiving further matching funds from the AKC
Foundation, and (c) how much in contributions have been received
between now and then.
Monies Needed
We must raise another $7,500 by year end to make the payment to Cornell due before January 1, 1999. If the past generosity of our members is any indication, we should be able to raise that sum easily.
Continuing the research for the second half of 1999 will require paying Cornell another $32,000 as of July 1, 1999. Since the AMSC does not have the money to make the payment, the Board will not be able to commit to sponsoring the research through the end of 1999 unless it is confident that the money will be available.
Thus, as a practical matter, the research will end as of June 30, 1999 unless (1) we can raise almost $40,000 (the $7,500 needed by January 1, and the $32,000 needed by July 1, 1999) before the 1998 Montgomery County meeting in early October, or (2) the Foundation comes through with additional matching funds.
We urgently need contributions if the research is to continue. Please make the contributions payable to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, mark the memo section Miniature Schnauzer Fund, and send the checks to:
John Hoffman,
4035 Robin Hill Road
Flintridge, California 91011-3811
Any questions that we can help you with, please feel free to contact us anytime.
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