What is the Repository?
A number of genetic diseases afflict
our breed, such as cancers, orthopedic
problems and reproductive problems.
Research on these diseases has been
hampered primarily by the lack of
samples and insufficient medical information.
The Berner-Garde Foundation is a non-profit
organization established in 1995 to
accumulate and disseminate health
information on Bernese Mountain Dogs
using a state-of-the-art database.
BGF has long had the goal of creating
a resource of pedigree and current
medical information (stored in the
BGF database) with available DNA and
tissue (stored in a repository) for
as many BMDs as possible,
to facilitate BMD health research. Now
it is here! Berner-Garde Foundation
and Michigan State University, with
support from the Bernese Mountain Dog
Club of America, have established
a repository that will collect, store
and maintain DNA and tissue samples
from a large population of BMDs, whether
affected with a disorder or not, along
with pedigree and medical history information.
The Repository is envisioned to be
a reliable resource for investigations
of genetic and complex diseases
that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs as
well as other dog breeds and humans
with similar disorders.
Three BGF trustees worked closely with MSU researchers to create this
repository. Lori Jodar, BGF President, has been the impetus behind this goal
and leader of the project; Mary Maliarik, PhD, developed the scientific
requirements and is the scientific liason; Gary Galunas developed the intricate
database capability to handle the enormous amount of information that needs to
be included in the BGF database. The Michigan State University team is headed
jointly by Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, a geneticist, and Dr. Matti Kiupel, a
pathologist. Both researchers have a long track record for contributions to
canine health and have been collaborating extensively over the past 5 years on
research in various aspects of cancer. Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan
is Associate Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at
the College of Veterinary Medicine and runs the Laboratory
of Molecular Medicine and Canine Genetics. Dr. Kiupel is Associate Professor in the
Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation as well as Director of
the Immunohistopathology Laboratory and Biopsy Service at the MSU Diagnostic
Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH).
MSU proposed to provide not only a repository that will store and catalog DNA
and tissue samples for future health research purposes, but will be linked to
available state of the art diagnostic evaluation of submitted specimens, as
well. While diagnostic evaluation is not the main function of the repository,
it is intended that the evaluation will provide personalized, rapid, accurate
information for BMD owners, and assist the repository in maintaining detailed
information on submitted samples. They envision that the repository will have
the highest diagnostic, analytical and archival capabilities, function
efficiently, and be active in research related to BMDs. They will be integral
to the creation of collaborative research along with their own original studies
and will provide much intellectual input regarding samples.
To learn more about the MSU researchers
and licensed veterinary technicians
involved in the repository, visit the MSU Repository Web Site.
How does the Repository work?
Basically, all dogs who have submitted specimens to the repository will be
registered in the BGF database, which is open to all. However, all submitted
specimens will be given an anonymous number which will be used to distribute
samples to researchers in a blind format that maintains the anonymity of the
dog and owner identities. This means that no DNA information will be available
to the public, only that medical information that is routinely available in the
BGF database
While samples from all BMDs are accepted, the collection of specimens from
complete families of dogs is emphasized, to enhance genetic research. These
samples will have two-major uses: 1) supporting research into genetic and other
diseases affecting this breed; 2) defining the presence or absence of known
disease markers in BMDS.
Several specimen types are encouraged:
1. Blood samples
2. Cheek swabs
3. Preserved tissue biopsy samples
4. Fresh frozen tumor tissue
Blood and/or cheek swabs can be obtained from any dog, including entire litters.
This specimen type will provide DNA, for genetic research. Tissue samples
provide not only DNA, but RNA, protein and cells to study the process of
disease, such as cancers.
To encourage submission of samples
to the Repository, the cost of
submission of blood, swabs and
biopsy samples is covered by
funds from Berner-Garde and
the BMDCA. The owner will
have the cost of shipping and
veterinary costs to obtain the
sample.
How do I submit a specimen?
Blood and cheek swabs can be sampled at almost any time. A veterinarian
can draw blood and you can take cheek
swabs yourself! These types of submissions
are especially encouraged for litters
and multiple generation blood lines.
Click on this link for sampling and shipping instructions.
Tissue specimens should only be taken during normal veterinary care, We DO NOT
encourage any special procedures for obtaining these samples.
We have an Online
Submission Form that you can fill out to
make processing your submission
as easy as possible. Filling
out the form will alert the technicians
at MSU to be expecting your submission.
It will also allow you to print
off a copy for your records and
to mail in with your submission.
The online form can be found
by clicking here.
All submissions should be mailed
according to the instructions
for the type of submission. This
can be found in the far right
column of the chart located here.
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