Bayesian model and selection signature analyses reveal risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease with clinical similarities to human atopic dermatitis. Several dog breeds are at increased risk but previous genetic associations are poorly defined. To identify additional genetic risk factors, the authors applied a Bayesian mixture model adapted for mapping complex traits and a cross-population extended haplotype test to search for disease-associated loci and selective sweeps in four dog breeds at risk for atopic dermatitis. They defined 15 associated loci and eight candidate regions under selection by comparing cases with controls. One associated locus is syntenic to the major genetic risk locus (Filaggrin locus) in human atopic dermatitis. One selection signal in common type Labrador retriever cases spans TBC1D1 (body weight), and one selection signal in working type German shepherd controls overlaps LRP1B (brain), near KYNU (psoriasis). In conclusion, they identify candidate genes, including genes belonging to the same biological pathways across multiple loci, with potential relevance to the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. The results show genetic similarities between dog and human atopic dermatitis, motivating future cross-species genetic comparisons.

Katarina Tengvall, Elisabeth Sundström, Chao Wang, Kerstin Bergvall, Ola Wallerman, Eric Pederson, Åsa Karlsson, Naomi D. Harvey, Sarah C. Blott, Natasha Olby, Thierry Olivry, Gustaf Brander, Jennifer R. S. Meadows, Petra Roosje, Tosso Leeb, Åke Hedhammar, Göran Andersson, Kerstin Lindblad-Toh