EQUINE | Equine Disease Update
Commentary
EQUINE | Equine Disease Update
Equine Disease Quarterly
OCTOBER 2016 Volume 25 , Number 4
Commentary
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I n this issue of the Equine Disease Quarterly , Dr . Emma Adam discusses the new genomics tools available to study horse diseases . Her authorship of this article is particularly noteworthy since Emma initially trained as a veterinary surgeon before returning to university to complete a Ph . D . studying joint diseases in horses . She discovered that genomic tools were an effective way to address problems that were not resolvable using earlier technologies . Her article presents the “ nuts and bolts ” of horse genomics .
As a point of reference , in 1990 we had only characterized 50-100 genes for the horse and confirmed the chromosome location for a mere seven of them . Fast forward to 2009 , and the whole genome sequence for the horse had been determined . The immediate application of the sequence data at the time was to identify DNA mutations responsible for well-known diseases of the horse . However , that was only the beginning . There was a drive to find out how genes function . Everything that we do to a horse turns genes on or turns them off . If genes are defective , it can result in development of disease . Genes are also important for performance . Some genes have variants that affect such things as type of gait , optimal racing distance to reach performance potential , and behavior . Many genes interact with management practices such that horses may be more reactive or , alternatively , less responsive to certain feeding pro- grams , training regimens , or vaccinations . Breeders and trainers attempt to optimize management .
These observations clearly suggest that genomics information has a place both in veterinary practice and in the stable-yard . Emma also has been among the scientists developing tools to investigate genes , their expression , and their impact on horses . Before genomics , we basically fed , trained , or treated horses then observed them to assess what the clinical or phenotypic effects might be . Emma ’ s studies pioneered another approach . Her studies entailed comparing gene expression in joints and other collagenous tissues at different stages of life , including several stages of embryonic development , and then assessing which genes had an impact on healthy growth of that tissue . Understanding the genes that contribute to tissue development and repair should lead to development of veterinary therapeutics that benefit the health and welfare of the horse and rider . Emma is not alone in pioneering the use of genomics for research on horses . A quick survey of veterinary publications reveals scientists using genomics to study reproduction , lameness , respi ratory diseases , infectious diseases , immunology , and more . We do not need to become molecular geneticists to enjoy horses any more than we need to become mechanics to drive a car . But we need to know , appreciate and encourage development of these new approaches . Watch that space !
• Volume 19 no 1 • February 2017 • 19