Differential Gene Expression Associated with Idiopathic Epilepsy in Belgian Shepherd Dogs

Area of Science:

• Canine genetics
• Molecular biology
• Veterinary neurology

Background:

• Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) significantly impacts Belgian shepherd dogs.
• Previous research identified IE risk markers, but causative variants remain unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene expression differences in Belgian shepherds with IE.
• To correlate gene expression with a known IE risk haplotype on canine chromosome 14.

Main Methods:

• Whole blood RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed.
• Transcriptomic analysis was performed on dogs with and without IE.
• Comparison with a previously identified IE risk haplotype on CFA14.

Main Results:

• Genes MFSD2A and RPL19 pseudogene were upregulated in dogs with IE.
• Interferon signaling pathway genes were downregulated in affected dogs.
• The CFA14 risk haplotype correlated with altered expression of CLIC1, ACE2, PIGN, and EPDR1.

Conclusions:

• Gene expression analysis is valuable for understanding canine IE.
• Identified gene expression patterns contribute to understanding IE's genetic basis.
• This research provides a foundation for future studies on canine epilepsy genetics.