Animal medical genetics: a historical perspective on more than 50 years of research into genetic disorders of animals at Massey University

Authors: Johnstone AC, Worth AJ, Dittmer KE, Jones BR, Palmer DN, Jolly RD, Thompson KG, Garrick DJ, van de Water NS, Hemsley KM, Winchester BG, Walkley SU
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 69, Issue 5, pp 255-266, Sep 2021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Article class: Review Article

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Abstract:

Over the last 50 years, there have been major advances in knowledge and technology regarding genetic diseases, and the subsequent ability to control them in a cost-effective manner. This review traces these advances through research into genetic diseases of animals at Massey University (Palmerston North, NZ), and briefly discusses the disorders investigated during that time, with additional detail for disorders of major importance such as bovine α-mannosidosis, ovine ceroid-lipofuscinosis, canine mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA and feline hyperchylomicronaemia. The overall research has made a significant contribution to veterinary medicine, has provided new biological knowledge and advanced our understanding of similar disorders in human patients, including testing various specific therapies prior to human clinical trials.

Keywords: Genetic disorder, animals, lysosomal storage disease, genetic screening, animal model

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