SENDING
INFORMATION AND SAMPLES
for DNA Research at the University of Missouri
First, THANK YOU for participating in this important research project! The samples you
provide will allow researchers to continue discovering the genes controlling
traits in your breed, and dogs in general. As the canine genome is mapped,
breeders will have an unprecedented opportunity to identify and avoid producing
disease, and concentrate on positive advances in their breeding programs.
It is of utmost importance that the information you provide with the samples is
as complete and accurate as possible. The presence of disease, unusual, or
“undesirable” characteristics should be revealed to the researchers wherever it
has been identified. Information on specific, individual dogs will not be
revealed - results of the research will identify what markers have been found,
but not the names of those who submitted the samples where a characteristic was
located, nor which individual dogs show affected or carrier status for any given
condition. Information provided will be kept strictly confidential. As the
research produces results, participants may request information on the genetic
status of their dog(s).
Complete families are critical to locating specific genes and markers. Wherever
possible, submit samples from all siblings, both parents, and all available
grandparents.
Begin by gathering the pedigree, litter information,
and litter list(s) for each family
you plan to submit. You will need a correctly formatted (sire on top, dam on
the bottom), typed or computer-generated pedigree (3- to 5-generation) of the
litter where an affected appeared. If the sample is for a DNA bank, send a
pedigree of the individual dog. The pedigree will connect each sample you
submit to the family it comes from, so make copies for each individual dog who
will be sampled. The breeder of the litter, or other person familiar with the
litter should make a “Litter Packet” for each litter - this consists of the Litter Information sheet, Litter List, and the Pedigree. For the Litter ID code use the
kennel name or breeder name, plus the date of birth of the litter, so if Pat
Doe had a litter born May 15, 1992, the code would be “Doe 05-15-92". Dr.
Johnson’s staff has a different system of coding in the lab to anonymously
identify samples, but the Litter ID code is a way to tie your information
together and place individuals in the families where they belong as samples are
submitted. This ID code should be on each form sent in. Keep a copy of the
packet for your own records, and send a copy to Dr. Johnson. This family
information may be sent with the blood samples, or separately.
Next, begin collecting and submitting samples for DNA extraction. See the Sample Handling sheet for procedures.
The Individual Dog submission form
should accompany each sample, along with the marked Pedigree copy that will tie in with the family information sent.
Make copies of the Sample Handling
and Individual Dog forms as needed
for all samples to be submitted. If several dogs’ samples are being sent
together, number the forms and samples to be certain there is no confusion
(Sample #1, #2, etc). On a spare copy of the pedigree you may want to mark (for
yourself) who is alive and sampled, not sampled, and those no longer living, to
keep track of who you need to get samples from. As stated before, entire
families will give the best chance at finding specific genes - do your best to
include all living family members.
Send samples and information to Dr. Johnson’s lab at this address;
Dr.
Gary Johnson - (breed of dog) DNA Research
320 Connaway Hall
University
of Missouri
Columbia,
MO 65211
If you need clarification, or have any questions about any of these procedures,
please contact Liz Hansen by phone (573-884-3712), email (HansenL@missouri.edu), or regular mail
(321 Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211). Liz is Dr. Johnson’s Coordinator of
Veterinary Information, and can help with any questions you may have.
Once again, thank you for participating in this important research - you are contributing to the betterment of future generations.