PHOENIX (CBS5) - <\/p>\n
Phoenix-based scientists at TGen are beginning to examine whether dogs might hold the key to unlocking the mystery behind childhood autism. <\/p>\n
The non-profit genomics organization is raising funds to initiate a study looking at doggie DNA they hope will translate into possible life improving advancements for children suffering from autism. <\/p>\n
\"Science has been studying the genetics of autism for a very long time,\" says Matt Huentleman, PhD with TGen. <\/p>\n
TGen has had success in the past studying K-9 DNA and getting results translated to help humans. <\/p>\n
\"This type of breed has a cancer that is similar to the human version,\" says dog breeder Valana Wells. <\/p>\n
Wells breeds Clumber Spaniels, a British hunting dog. Several years ago she submitted the DNA of one of her dogs for a cancer research study. Scientists seek out the DNA from purebred dogs because it is, they say, a hundred times simpler to analyze than human DNA. <\/p>\n
In the autism study, researchers are looking to establish a link between obsessive compulsive behavior in certain dog breeds with the autism markers in a human. <\/p>\n
\"The hope is if we can identify the genes that might be linked to that type of behavior. That type of obsessive compulsive behavior, then that becomes a significant candidate gene for human autism,\" says Dr. Huentleman. <\/p>\n
Researchers share the results of what they find with the dog owners who submit DNA. <\/p>\n
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Researchers look to K-9 DNA to identify human autism genes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PHOENIX (CBS5) - Phoenix-based scientists at TGen are beginning to examine whether dogs might hold the key to unlocking the mystery behind childhood autism. The non-profit genomics organization is raising funds to initiate a study looking at doggie DNA they hope will translate into possible life improving advancements for children suffering from autism. \"Science has been studying the genetics of autism for a very long time,\" says Matt Huentleman, PhD with TGen Continue reading