Scientists Identify Gene Responsible for Longer Lifespan in Golden Retrievers

In a groundbreaking study published last month, scientists at UC Davis have identified a gene called ERBB4 that may play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of golden retrievers. This discovery could have far-reaching implications for both canine and human health, shedding light on the genetic factors that influence lifespan and offering hope for new interventions and treatments.

In this study of more than 300 golden retrievers, Danika Bannasch and her colleagues at UC Davis compared the DNA from blood samples of dogs that were still alive at 14 years of age to those that died before age 12. They found that dogs with certain variants of the gene survived longer—on average, 13.5 years compared to 11.6 years. Bannasch cautions that the work was conducted in only one breed and that it’s not known whether these variants are associated with longer life in other types of dogs.

Focusing on the Golden Retriever, a breed with a high rate of cancer-associated mortality (up to 65%), the study highlights the breed’s susceptibility to various cancers. GWAS studies in dogs have been effective in identifying genes associated with phenotypic differences or diseases, including cancer susceptibility. However, most studies have not explicitly examined lifespan in relation to these genetic factors. Given the high cancer mortality in GRs, the study proposes a shift in approach from identifying disease-causing genes to finding those that promote longevity, potentially uncovering genes that counteract cancer risks in this predisposed breed.

The study conducted a GWAS comparing long-lived GRs (aged 14 years or more) to those dying before the age of 12, revealing a significant association with ERBB4, a gene capable of acting both as a tumor suppressor and an oncogene. While no coding variants were found, distinct haplotypes in the 5′UTR were linked to reduced lifespan in two separate GR populations. The presence of haplotype 3 was correlated with shorter survival. Notably, the lifespan difference for GRs carrying at least one copy of haplotype 3 was specific to female dogs, whereas survival differences were significant in both male and female GRs homozygous for either haplotype 1 or haplotype 3. These findings suggest a potential role for ERBB4 in GR longevity and indicate that canine lifespan studies within breeds could help identify genetic variants important for aging and cancer.

Key Takeaways:

Scientists have identified the gene ERBB4 as a potential contributor to longer lifespan in golden retrievers.
Dogs with certain variants of the ERBB4 gene were found to live longer on average compared to those without these variants.
The discovery of this gene may provide insights into the genetic basis of lifespan and age-related diseases in both dogs and humans.
Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which ERBB4 influences lifespan in golden retrievers.
The findings could lead to the development of targeted interventions and treatments to improve the health and lifespan of golden retrievers and potentially other dog breeds.

What about the ERBB4 Gene?

Scientists Identify Gene Responsible for Longer Lifespan in Golden Retrievers

The ERBB4 gene belongs to a family of proteins involved in human cancers. However, unlike its close relative gene found in humans the HER2, which promotes cancer growth, the variants of ERBB4 identified in golden retrievers do not affect the expression of HER2 or other related genes. This suggests that ERBB4 may have a different role in dogs, potentially acting as a protective factor against cancer or other age-related diseases.

“By studying the genetic factors that influence longevity in golden retrievers, we can gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of aging.”

Further research is still needed to fully understand the exact mechanisms by which ERBB4 influences lifespan in golden retrievers. Nonetheless, this breakthrough in identifying a specific gene associated with longer lifespans opens up new possibilities for future interventions and treatments that could promote healthy aging not only in dogs but potentially in humans as well.

Genetic Markers for Longer Life

The ERBB4 gene, found to be associated with longer lifespans in golden retrievers, is part of a family of genes involved in human cancers. However, unlike its close relative HER2, which promotes cancer growth, the variants of ERBB4 identified in golden retrievers do not affect the expression of HER2 or other related genes. This suggests that ERBB4 may have a different role in dogs, potentially acting as a protective factor against cancer or other age-related diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact mechanisms by which ERBB4 influences lifespan in golden retrievers.

In the study of genetic factors in lifespan, the identification and characterization of the ERBB4 gene in golden retrievers represent a significant breakthrough. By focusing on this specific gene, researchers are able to gain valuable insights into the genetic basis of longevity in dogs. This knowledge may also pave the way for the development of targeted interventions and treatments aimed at promoting healthy aging and extending lifespan in golden retrievers.

“The discovery of the ERBB4 gene’s association with longer lifespans in golden retrievers highlights the importance of genetic factors in lifespan. This finding opens up new possibilities for research into the mechanisms underlying longevity in both dogs and humans.”

As scientists continue to unravel the role of ERBB4 in golden retrievers’ longevity, it is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors play a crucial role in determining lifespan. The identification of specific genes like ERBB4 provides a starting point for further investigations into the genetic pathways and mechanisms that influence aging. By understanding how these genetic factors interact with environmental and behavioral factors, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the aging process and potentially identify new targets for interventions to promote healthy aging in dogs and humans alike.

The Implications of Gene Discovery for Human Health and Cancer Research

San Francisco-based biotech company Loyal is working on an innovative drug aimed at prolonging the lives and enhancing the well-being of large and giant dog breeds. The company recently announced that preliminary data has led the US Food and Drug Administration to believe the drug may be effective. While Loyal has not yet proven that the drug can extend lifespan, the FDA’s decision reflects confidence in the company’s methodology, paving the way for larger-scale trials.

Loyal CEO Celine Halioua emphasizes the desire of owners of large dogs for more time with their pets, noting the often-short lifespan of these breeds due to selective breeding. Generally, mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebreds.

This development marks a first, as the FDA has never approved any life-extending drugs for animals or humans. Linda Rhodes, a former pet biotech CEO and Loyal consultant, highlights the uniqueness of this endeavor. Studying life-extension in humans is challenging due to our longer lifespans, but beginning with dog breeds that have shorter lifespans could offer significant insights with potential implications for other species, including humans.

Loyal’s drug, administered via injection by a veterinarian every three to six months, aims to reduce levels of the IGF-1 hormone, which is linked to growth, metabolism, and dog size. This hormone has been connected to longevity in various species. In dogs, large breeds have high IGF-1 levels due to genetic variants, while small breeds have lower levels. In humans, optimal longevity is associated with midrange IGF-1 levels, with both extremely high and low levels increasing mortality risk.

Danika Bannasch acknowledges that while the IGF-1 factor is linked to dog size and longevity, its precise impact remains uncertain, particularly in the context of smaller breeds typically living longer than larger ones.

Wrapping Up

The identification of the gene responsible for longer lifespans in golden retrievers represents a significant scientific breakthrough in dog genetics and aging research. This groundbreaking study by UC Davis researchers unveils the genetic factors that influence lifespan in golden retrievers, shedding light on the mechanisms of aging in dogs. This knowledge could pave the way for potential interventions and treatments to promote healthy aging not only in dogs but also in humans.

FAQ

How does the gene ERBB4 affect the lifespan of golden retrievers?

Dogs with certain variants of the ERBB4 gene were found to live longer, on average 13.5 years compared to 11.6 years for dogs without these variants. This gene may play a role in protecting against cancer and other age-related diseases in golden retrievers.

Does the ERBB4 gene have any impact on other genes related to cancer?

Unlike its close relative HER2, the variants of ERBB4 identified in golden retrievers do not affect the expression of HER2 or other related genes.

How can the discovery of the gene responsible for longer lifespans in golden retrievers benefit human health and cancer research?

Dogs share many of the same types of cancers as humans, making them valuable models for studying the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer development and progression. Understanding the role of the ERBB4 gene in golden retrievers could have potential implications for future cancer studies in humans.

Why are dogs, especially family dogs, valuable models for aging research?

Dogs naturally develop age-related cognitive decline and exhibit behavioral and histological characteristics that are similar to those seen in humans. Studying the complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that determine the course of aging in dogs can provide insights into the different pathways and mechanisms that contribute to aging in humans.

How can canine genetics research contribute to understanding aging and disease susceptibility?

Dogs exhibit a wide range of lifespans and aging phenotypes, making them ideal for studying the genetic and environmental factors that influence lifespan and healthspan. By studying the genetic pathways involved in aging in dogs, researchers can gain insights into the conserved mechanisms of aging and how they may be modulated by genetic and environmental factors.

What are the potential future directions in canine aging genetics?

Further investigations are needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which the gene responsible for longer lifespans in golden retrievers affects lifespan and whether it has similar effects in other dog breeds. Additionally, studies on the genetic variations associated with aging and disease susceptibility in different dog breeds can provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of lifespan and healthspan.

How can the discovery of the gene associated with longer lifespans benefit dog health and well-being?

If further research confirms the role of this gene in protecting against cancer and other age-related diseases, it could lead to the development of targeted interventions and treatments to improve the health and lifespan of golden retrievers and potentially other dog breeds.