These rare dogs can help solve a genetic puzzle in humans

A rare breed of hunting dogs known for its brutal nose, the Turkish index, may help scientists better understand the cause of human children at times with face cracks.

In a recent study, researchers say they have found a genetic boom that causes these dogs to develop their distinctive nose. They argue that similar mutations may also explain some cases of lip alfaqa and flavor in humans.

The international research team, including scientists from the National Health Institutes in the United States and the Royal KTH Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. They analyzed the genetics of about 2000 dogs, and eventually discovered many new genetic variables associated with the dog’s face structure and size. One of these variables is found in the Turkish index, also known as Catalburun.

The boat is related to PDFGRA. The researchers say that the gene seems to help tie the half of the face and mouth during fetal development, with the unique alternative in Turkish indicators explaining their appearance of the nose.

“This indicates that the gene may be involved in some cases of human fruits,” said study researcher Peter Savolian, a genetic scientist in dogs in KTH, in A. statement From the institute. “While there are many genetic and environmental causes behind oral cracks in humans, this study provides an idea to another factor.”

The team’s results were Published Earlier in this march in the Jinom Research Magazine.

Face cracksWhich can include lips and/or palate, and it is believed to occur in one in every 700 births. If it is not treated, the condition can hinder the person’s feeding, speak and raised the risk of ear infections. These days, fortunately, it can usually be fixed with great success with surgery. Most cases of face cracks have no clear cause, although factors such as smoking, diabetes and the use of some medications during pregnancy seem to increase the risk.

As their name suggests, Turkish indicators were raised primarily in selected parts of Türkiye. They were said incredibly, but they are also rare, with just a few hundred samples that are believed to live today (the strain is not officially recognized by any dog ​​house club). Its small population increases the risk of genetic diseases, although this is a problem with it Pure dogs in general. But these dogs and other rare strains make it easy for scientists to isolate genes and mutations related to human health, the authors say.

“The study of the strains of very fungal dogs is an excellent tool for finding the genetic cause of many morphological features and diseases in humans,” said Savolinin. “In humans, there is a lot of genetic variation, which makes it difficult to determine the exact genetic mutation that causes a specific disease.”