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Science news

Discussion in 'Health & Nutrition' started by malakimax, Mar 20, 2011.

  1. malakimax

    malakimax Big Dog

    DNA that wrinkles dogs

    A duplicated piece of DNA gives Shar-Pei dogs their wrinkles, but also causes familial Shar-Pei fever, a disease characterized by high fevers and swelling. The extra DNA, discovered by an international team of researchers, helps turn on the HAS2 gene, leading to production of hyaluronic acid. The acid builds up in the dog’s skin, causing wrinkles, and triggers the immune system to fight infections. The extra DNA is also linked to high fevers in the more wrinkly of the Shar-Pei varieties, the researchers report online March 17 in PLoS Genetics. Hyaluronic acid may also be responsible for fevers and swelling in people with similar inherited diseases. —Tina Hesman Saey Science News
     
    malakimax, Mar 20, 2011
    #1
  2. Zoe

    Zoe CH Dog

    How fascinating!
     
    Zoe, Mar 21, 2011
    #2

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