What
is the purpose of the CHIC DNA Repository?
The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
(OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), collects and stores canine
DNA samples along with corresponding pedigree and health history information to
facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of
inherited disease in dogs. The program objectives are:
-
Facilitate more rapid
research progress by expediting the sample collection process
-
Provide researchers with
optimized family groups needed for research
-
Allow breeders to take
advantage of future DNA based disease tests as they become available
-
Foster a team
environment between breeders/owners and the research community improving the
likelihood of genetic discovery
What
is the cost?
The fees for placing samples in the bank are $5.00 per dog for swab based
samples and $20.00 per dog for blood based samples. The fees cover the costs of
data management, sample processing, and sample storage. Owners are encouraged to
view the fees as supporting canine health research.
How
are samples stored?
Swabs: Swab samples are stored as swabs with DNA extraction taking place when
the sample is approved for use in a specific research project. The swabs are
stored indefinitely at the Veterinary Genetics Lab (VGL) at UC Davis. UC Davis
has demonstrated solid success in long term storage and subsequent processing of
swabs.
Blood: Blood samples are processed upon receipt. The extracted DNA is then
frozen and also stored indefinitely. The Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at
the University of Missouri-Columbia is the laboratory partner for blood based
samples.
Who
has access to the samples?
Any legitimate research project focusing on canine health is eligible to receive
samples. However, since the samples are finite, each project must be approved
prior to sample distribution. An application form must be completed for all
sample requests. The approval process is streamlined for research funded by
either the AKC CHF or the Morris Animal Foundation since the project would have
already passed a scientific review board during the funding process. For all
other projects, the OFA and the AKC CHF will jointly assemble an appropriate
review committee to evaluate the merits of the research and the request.
Can
owners/parent clubs direct sample use?
Sample use is directed solely by the bank’s administrators: the OFA and the AKC
CHF. Owners and parent clubs are welcome to contact the bank about potential
research opportunities and should encourage researchers with whom they have
direct relationships to apply for sample use. However, the final decision rests
with the bank.
There is one exception.
If a DNA-based disease test becomes available in the future, owners may request
that any remaining samples of their dogs be forwarded to the appropriate
licensed lab for testing. The owner remains responsible for any lab costs
associated with the test itself, as well as the direct costs to prepare and ship
the sample.
Who
owns the samples?
Once owners donate their dogs’ DNA to the CHIC DNA bank, the samples are the
property of the CHIC DNA Repository. Individuals donating samples have no claims
to any future financial gain due to commercial invention, royalties, or patents
that may be developed as a result of research which utilized their dog’s
samples.
Which
type of sample is preferred?
Blood is the gold standard for genetic material; the yield of DNA is sufficient
for all research methods, including technologies on the horizon. Moreover, the
stability and purity of the DNA is of the highest caliber, which offers many
benefits. However, cheek swab derived DNA remains a viable option for DNA
banking. The yield and purity of this DNA is inferior to that obtained from
blood, but the material is suitable for most genetic approaches. The greatest
benefit of cheek swabs is reduced collection and processing costs as well as
noninvasive collection. To offset the lower yield, owners are asked to submit
multiple cheek swabs from each dog.
If my
sample is used in a study which results in a new commercially available disease
test, will I be informed of the test results?
This depends on the policy of the researcher. Some researchers release test
results as part of their standard procedures, others do not. There may also be
anonymity issues, since the samples will be initially provided in a blind format
which does not disclose the dog or owner identities.
My dog
already had a DNA profile done with the AKC. Can that sample be used?
No. The AKC does not release samples collected through their DNA program for any
other use.
If I
donate a sample to the CHIC DNA Repository, can the same sample be used for the
AKC’s DNA program?
No. There is a clear distinction between samples provided to the AKC which are
used for parentage verification and overall stud book integrity versus samples
provided to the bank for research purposes. Samples may be collected at the same
time however, and sent independently.
What
if the status of my dog’s health changes after I’ve already completed the health
survey?
Since many diseases are late onset, the bank recognizes that periodic updates to
the health records of each dog are important. Owners will be contacted
approximately every two years to determine if there are any health updates.
However, owners are encouraged to proactively contact the CHIC DNA Bank to
update the health status of their dog(s) whenever there are significant changes.
Will
my dog’s name and information be given to the researchers?
Samples will initially be provided in a blind format which protects the
anonymity of dog and owner. In those circumstances where it is important to put
the researcher in touch with the owner if detailed follow up is necessary,
contact will be initiated by CHIC
Blood is
the gold standard for genetic material; the yield of DNA is sufficient for all
research methods, including technologies on the horizon. Moreover, the stability
and purity of the DNA is of the highest caliber, which offers many benefits. The
drawback of banking blood samples is cost — drawing, shipping, storing, and
extracting DNA from blood are more expensive endeavors than the alternative.
Submission by Cheek
Swab
Cheek
swab-derived DNA is a viable option for DNA banking. Although the yield and
purity of this DNA is inferior to that obtained from blood, the material is
suitable for most genetic approaches. The swabs are inexpensive, and the samples
can be taken by the owner of the dog without the necessity of a veterinary
office call. Swabs are easily shipped in standard envelopes using the postal
mail, and they can be stored for at least a decade at room temperature, so long
as they are stored under conditions of low humidity. The success rate for
obtaining DNA from a swab in the laboratory is roughly 98%, so multiple swabs
should be submitted for each dog to ensure representation in the archive.
Laboratories
The CHIC
DNA Repository has partnered with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University
of California–Davis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of
Missouri. UC Davis will receive and store all swab samples, and Missouri will
receive and store all blood samples.
To Participate,
complete the following application form and submit to the OFA. You will receive
the appropriate swab or blood collection kit in the mail. The health survey
below may be completed online, printed, and mailed to the OFA with the DNA
samples.
DNA Application Form
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnaapp.pdf
Instructions for submission of DNA samples
via Blood Sample
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabankinstructblood.pdf
Instructions for submission of DNA samples
via Cheek Swab http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabankinstructswab.pdf
For
More Information please visit:
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabank.html
or
GPCA Contact: Flo
Laicher @
pyrshire@comcast.net
|
