About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Wiener Dog's Stubby Legs may Hold Clue to Human Dwarfism

by VR Sreeraman on July 27, 2009 at 4:24 PM
 Wiener Dog's Stubby Legs may Hold Clue to Human Dwarfism

A new research has determined that the wiener dog's stubby little legs hold a clue to both human dwarfism and evolution as a whole.

The key is in a newly identified gene that makes short-legged dogs, like the dachshund, so short, according to the research.

Advertisement

According to a report in National Geographic News, geneticist Heidi Parker and colleagues at the National Human Genome Research Institute in Maryland compared 76 different dog breeds-both short and tall-looking for genetic differences that could be tied to leg length.

They found one-a mutation of a single gene, which seems to be responsible for the majority of short-legged dogs' stumpiness.

The mutation could have arisen as far back as 30,000 years ago. It's not clear how big a role humans, through breeding, had on the mutation's spread.
Advertisement

Of 20 ground-hugging breeds, 19 had the newfound gene-suggesting that most short-legged dogs, from corgis to basset hounds, share a common ancestor, according to Parker.

"We think of physical traits as being the product of little genetic changes built up over time, but here we could look at it as one major change that's captured and held on to," she said.

"There may just be a small number of major genetic changes that create all the different shapes and sizes of dogs," she added.

The genetic revelation doesn't apply just to dogs.

Parker said that other species, including humans, probably also carry single mutations that have big physical consequences.

In fact, humans have their own version of the gene that Parker connected to short legs in dogs: fibroblast growth factor 4 (fgf4).

Fgf4 hasn't been linked to short limbs in humans, at least not yet.

About two-thirds of cases of Hypochondroplasia, a type of human dwarfism, are instead related to a different gene: fgf3.

But "at least a third of the cases have no known genetic cause," Parker said. "Perhaps, the new dog-related fgf4 findings could give researchers a new route to look for," she added.

Source: ANI
SRM
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Brain Circuits That Shape Bedtime Rituals in Mice
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
NELL-1 Protein Aids to Reduce Bone Loss in Astronauts
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Connecting Genetic Variants to the Alzheimer's Puzzle
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Gene Therapy Sparks Spinal Cord Regeneration
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Unlocking the Gut Microbiome's Influence on Bone Density
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Wiener Dog's Stubby Legs may Hold Clue to Human Dwarfism Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests