Elaine
04-25-2008, 04:17 AM
http://www.vetgen.com/
Our History
Years of Canine Genetic Research
In 1988, a team of Ph.D. molecular geneticists from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine (MSU) and University of Michigan's Department of Human Genetics (UM) came together to form the nucleus of a research effort to learn about canine genetic diseases. Through contact with key veterinary researchers, dog breeders, and through their personal experience as dog owners, the team quickly verified that there was indeed a significant genetic disease problem in purebred dogs.
Specific goals were established. In particular, a scientific strategy was formed to address this canine genetic problem. The plan they formed was to create an exhaustive body of canine genetic markers which would saturate the canine chromosome. It was theorized that these markers would be extremely useful in researching genetic diseases and in the development of disease detection tests. Through this strategy, the team intended to attack canine genetic diseases and thus enhance the health of purebred dogs.
In 1989, the MSU/UM team was successful in bringing together the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to provide significant grant money dedicated to developing this body of genetic markers and to researching specific genetic diseases and services. With this unprecedented trio of organizations supporting them, the project was underway.
The team worked to develop specific genetic disease detection services drawing upon the growing number of informative genetic markers. One such effort was the development of a "Linkage" based DNA test to detect copper toxicosis (CT) in Bedlington terriers. Although Bedlingtons were a relatively small breed, the CT problem within the breed was known to be severe. (The CT gene frequency, it was eventually determined, was as high as 50%.) In 1995, drawing upon one of the markers within the CMGR TM the research team successfully developed a linkage test which would allow Bedlington breeders to determine whether their dog carries copies of this marker.
VetGen, a University Spin-Off, Is Born
The research team recognized that in order for the value of these discoveries to be optimized by the breed, they had to move as quickly and effectively as possible from the university environment into the marketplace. Accordingly, in 1995, the team joined forces with an entrepreneurial firm to develop an autonomous commercial enterprise dedicated to researching and developing genetic tests for purebred dogs.
In October of 1995, VetGen opened its doors for business. The company moved into a state of the art facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in close proximity to MSU and UM. While research efforts were maintained at the university laboratories, VetGen established an independent but complementary research effort in its own genetics laboratory to supplement the on-going MSU/UM efforts. VetGen also established a clinical service laboratory with the charter of providing efficient and reliable service to customers.
Staffing the VetGen research and service laboratories are some of the world's finest canine genetics researchers. We have taken great care and pride in assembling this "dream team" of experts. Review our Canine Research information to learn about their ongoing research efforts.
Since its inception, VetGen has launched a variety of genetic disease detection services which are applicable in a variety of breeds. These DNA tests provide key insight as to whether a dog is clear, carrier, or affected of the targeted disease. VetGen has also developed informative DNA Profiling which provides positive identification of tested dogs, as well as, long term (10 year) storage of your dog's DNA sample for convenient, future usage.
In 1997, VetGen was selected by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to offer the test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency "SCID" in Arabian Horses. This test, discovered at the University of Texas, after many years of research by Dr. Kathy Meek and Dr. Lance Perryman will eliminate this deadly condition in Arabian horse foals.
Our Future
In a race against the many genetic diseases that affect purebred animals, we are working hard to expand the genetic disease detection services offered through VetGen. In addition to the research that is taking place in our own lab, we are seeking collaborations with other leading canine researchers so that ultimately their research may be offered to animal breeders and owners as well. We at VetGen strongly believe that by using our unique, cutting edge science we can eliminate the problem of targeted genetic diseases in purebred dogs. With the support of dog breeders, owners, and care providers, that is exactly what we will do.
Our History
Years of Canine Genetic Research
In 1988, a team of Ph.D. molecular geneticists from Michigan State University's School of Veterinary Medicine (MSU) and University of Michigan's Department of Human Genetics (UM) came together to form the nucleus of a research effort to learn about canine genetic diseases. Through contact with key veterinary researchers, dog breeders, and through their personal experience as dog owners, the team quickly verified that there was indeed a significant genetic disease problem in purebred dogs.
Specific goals were established. In particular, a scientific strategy was formed to address this canine genetic problem. The plan they formed was to create an exhaustive body of canine genetic markers which would saturate the canine chromosome. It was theorized that these markers would be extremely useful in researching genetic diseases and in the development of disease detection tests. Through this strategy, the team intended to attack canine genetic diseases and thus enhance the health of purebred dogs.
In 1989, the MSU/UM team was successful in bringing together the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) to provide significant grant money dedicated to developing this body of genetic markers and to researching specific genetic diseases and services. With this unprecedented trio of organizations supporting them, the project was underway.
The team worked to develop specific genetic disease detection services drawing upon the growing number of informative genetic markers. One such effort was the development of a "Linkage" based DNA test to detect copper toxicosis (CT) in Bedlington terriers. Although Bedlingtons were a relatively small breed, the CT problem within the breed was known to be severe. (The CT gene frequency, it was eventually determined, was as high as 50%.) In 1995, drawing upon one of the markers within the CMGR TM the research team successfully developed a linkage test which would allow Bedlington breeders to determine whether their dog carries copies of this marker.
VetGen, a University Spin-Off, Is Born
The research team recognized that in order for the value of these discoveries to be optimized by the breed, they had to move as quickly and effectively as possible from the university environment into the marketplace. Accordingly, in 1995, the team joined forces with an entrepreneurial firm to develop an autonomous commercial enterprise dedicated to researching and developing genetic tests for purebred dogs.
In October of 1995, VetGen opened its doors for business. The company moved into a state of the art facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in close proximity to MSU and UM. While research efforts were maintained at the university laboratories, VetGen established an independent but complementary research effort in its own genetics laboratory to supplement the on-going MSU/UM efforts. VetGen also established a clinical service laboratory with the charter of providing efficient and reliable service to customers.
Staffing the VetGen research and service laboratories are some of the world's finest canine genetics researchers. We have taken great care and pride in assembling this "dream team" of experts. Review our Canine Research information to learn about their ongoing research efforts.
Since its inception, VetGen has launched a variety of genetic disease detection services which are applicable in a variety of breeds. These DNA tests provide key insight as to whether a dog is clear, carrier, or affected of the targeted disease. VetGen has also developed informative DNA Profiling which provides positive identification of tested dogs, as well as, long term (10 year) storage of your dog's DNA sample for convenient, future usage.
In 1997, VetGen was selected by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to offer the test for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency "SCID" in Arabian Horses. This test, discovered at the University of Texas, after many years of research by Dr. Kathy Meek and Dr. Lance Perryman will eliminate this deadly condition in Arabian horse foals.
Our Future
In a race against the many genetic diseases that affect purebred animals, we are working hard to expand the genetic disease detection services offered through VetGen. In addition to the research that is taking place in our own lab, we are seeking collaborations with other leading canine researchers so that ultimately their research may be offered to animal breeders and owners as well. We at VetGen strongly believe that by using our unique, cutting edge science we can eliminate the problem of targeted genetic diseases in purebred dogs. With the support of dog breeders, owners, and care providers, that is exactly what we will do.