Genetic insights into canine flank alopecia in Rhodesian ridgebacks: identifying candidate genes

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Veterinary Dermatology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Canine flank alopecia (CFA) is a recurrent, seasonal skin condition of unknown cause affecting dogs, including Rhodesian ridgebacks.
• The genetic basis of CFA remains largely uncharacterized, despite suspected environmental and endocrine factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate genes associated with Canine flank alopecia (CFA) in Rhodesian ridgebacks using a genome-wide approach.
• To investigate the genetic architecture underlying CFA susceptibility in this breed.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing and imputation were performed on 48 Rhodesian ridgebacks (24 cases, 24 controls).
• Genome-wide association analyses and evaluation of protein-coding variants were conducted.
• Variants in genes related to cytoskeletal function and signaling pathways were identified.

Main Results:

• Variants in SPTB, SYNE2, EPB41L1, and DPY19L1 were identified, implicating cytoskeletal function, cell adhesion, and neural signaling.
• These genes are involved in critical hair follicle cycling pathways (Wnt, BMP, MAPK, Notch, Hedgehog).
• Findings suggest CFA is a genetically heterogeneous disorder with complex inheritance patterns.

Conclusions:

• Canine flank alopecia (CFA) in Rhodesian ridgebacks likely results from multiple genetic loci and modifier variants.
• The disorder's etiology is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental interactions.
• Candidate genes identified provide a basis for future functional studies and potential breeding strategies for CFA.