Equine clinical genomics: A clinician's primer

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Genetics
• Equine Genomics
• Animal Biotechnology

Background:

• The Horse Genome Project, a 15-year international collaboration, has developed detailed gene maps for horses.
• The domestic horse genome has been sequenced and is publicly accessible, accelerating research.
• Advancements in equine genomics offer transformative potential for the horse industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce equine clinicians to clinical genomics.
• To highlight the impact of the sequenced horse genome on equine health and welfare.
• To discuss the application of genomic tools in equine medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of progress from The Horse Genome Project.
• Leveraging the publicly available whole genome sequence of the domestic horse.
• Development and application of genome-wide tools for disease research.

Main Results:

• Identification of 11 mutations responsible for 10 equine clinical syndromes.
• Commercial genetic testing is available for most identified equine diseases.
• The equine genome sequence facilitates the study of inherited equine diseases.

Conclusions:

• Clinical genomics is poised to significantly improve equine health and welfare.
• Equine clinicians will play a key role in applying genomic knowledge for breeding and clinical decisions.
• Future research will likely uncover more genetic bases for equine diseases, leading to new diagnostics and therapeutics.