Project description:Understanding the anatomical and genetic basis of complex phenotypic traits has long been a challenge for biological research. Domestic dogs offer a compelling model as they demonstrate more phenotypic variation than any other vertebrate species. Dogs have been intensely selected for specific traits and abilities, directly or indirectly, over the past 15,000 years since their initial domestication from the gray wolf. Because olfaction plays a central role in critical tasks, such as the detection of drugs, diseases, and explosives, as well as human rescue, we compared relative olfactory capacity across dog breeds and assessed changes to the canine olfactory system to their direct ancestors, wolves, and coyotes. We conducted a cross-disciplinary survey of olfactory anatomy, olfactory receptor (OR) gene variation, and OR gene expression in domestic dogs. Through comparisons to their closest wild canid relatives, the gray wolf and coyote, we show that domestic dogs might have lost functional OR genes commensurate with a documented reduction in nasal morphology as an outcome ofthe domestication process priorto breed formation.Critically, within domestic dogs alone, we found no genetic or morphological profile shared among functional or genealogical breed groupings, such as scent hounds, that might indicate evidence of any human-directed selection for enhanced olfaction. Instead, our results suggest that superior scent detection dogs likely owe their success to advantageous behavioral traits and training rather than an “olfactory edge” provided by morphology or genes.
Project description:We sequenced total RNA from whole blood samples of 27 wild gray wolves from Yellowstone National Park. Gene expression level analysis of both male and female wolves, ranging from ages 0.8-8.8 years.
Project description:The goal of the study was to test whether CBD103 genotype of North American gray wolves impacts the gene expression response to polyI:C or to live canine distemper virus. We established 24 primary cultures of epidermal keratinocytes from skin punches of North American gray wolves, and also generated an immortalized keratinocyte line and a CRISPR/Cas9 edited cell line. We evaluated the gene expression response of cells to either 24 hours challenge with 1 ug/ml polyI:C or to five days challenge with live canine distemper virus (100 TCID50/ml). Every challenged cell culture had a paired null control sample (plated and collected at same time points).
Project description:Diverse dataset of 1247 dogs from many breeds and wolves used to investigate the origins of dog domestication DNA for 1228 dogs from 35 breeds and 19 wolves was extracted from whole blood samples and genotyped on the Affymetrix Canine v2 Arrays. Genotypes were called using Affymetrix's snp5-probeset-genotype software and the BRLMM-P calling algorithm. The included breed designations are owner reported.
