Building a Better Genome to Help Study Canine Diseases

Genome models are critical tools in identifying genetic mutations associated with disease. Researchers will use new nanochannel-based technology to create an optical map of the canine genome. Nanochannel-based technology looks at long, uncoiled stretches of DNA. Current sequence technology looks at short DNA strands that are then reassembled, like a puzzle, into a full picture. Data from the new optical map will be used to validate and improve the contiguity of the current sequence-based genome assembly. Building a better canine genome will enhance the research community's ability to identify causes of and genetic risk factors associated with simple and complex canine diseases.