i have been researching malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) in the f/c, the cancer that kills so many f/c each year, does anyone believe that the p53 tumor-suppressor gene causes it??

If so why cant researchers just knock out the chromosome 17?

Many thanks
Gemma x

Isn't p53 on human chromosome 17? As far as I know, the canine and human genomes are not syntenic (is that the right word?) - ie a chunk of human 17 maps to canine 9, not sure if the p53 containing linkage group has been mapped in dog yet? Although downregulation of the p53 family has been implicated in various canine cancers, and point mutations of p53 are present in about 40% of canine osteosarcomas (can get refs if anyone is interested), the implication is that getting rid of (the function of) p53 is what allows tumour progression, so the last thing you'd want to do is delete the gene, never mind the whole chromosome (deletion of which would likely be lethal in early development anyway)! Interesting subject though, with a whole bunch of ongoing research implicating this gene or that - probably will turn out to be multigenic and progressive.

Jenna I'm impressed with your knowledge, didn't understand a word of it sadly ;)

liberty (Science Dunce :( ) :)

yes it is on chromosome 17 in humans , and as you sed has been liked with canine cancer, i feel MFH is a results of something triggereing of the p53 gene
i just realised how silly i was to say about removing the chromosome!

it interests me so much, im doing a whole alot of reasearch into flatcoat cancer, they are one of my fave breeds, lets hope the scientists find the answer soon, does anyone know if there has been any developments

Wow!! that's way above my head Gemma, I failed Geneolgy at school ;)
John would be the best person to answer this one I would think.

liberty :)

You need to be in touch with Jane Dobson, Oncology Dept, Cambridge Vet School. She has for some years been researching cancer in the flatcoat. We have quite a few people in the breed who have helped financially with this project.

The Animal Health Trust are presently collecting DNA samples from Flatcoats to compliment this research; blood samples are stored free of charge, but you have to pay your vet to collect them in the first place, of course.

Hope this helps

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats