Let me be your little dog till your big dog comes: Science unlocks the genetic secrets of dog size.
Courtesy Rollinho
Every dog on the planet, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, is a member of the same species. Yet they vary in size tremendously – more so than any other mammal. Scientists have finally figured out why.
A researcher at the University of Utah has discovered a tiny piece of DNA in the dog genome that shuts off the production of growth hormones. It affects a gene called IGF-1, which also exists in humans. For us, it not only regulates growth, but also plays a role in cancer and some bone disease. Learning how this gene works in dogs can be a first step towards treating these diseases in humans.
Okay this seems like it could have some real research benefits, but on the other hand does this mean that we will see perpetually cute small dogs in the future? Will you be able to get a genetically altered puppy that stays a puppy? That would be sick (in the negative way). Or am I missing the point here?
I didn't see anything in the article to indicate that anyone was going to use this genetic information to breed small dogs, though I suppose that is a possibility. However, dog breeders have already achieved small sizes through more conventional means -- no need to go in for any fancy, hi-tech gene-splicin' stuff. I think it was more an issue of figuring out why dogs come in such a variety of sizes. And, now that we know, this knowledge may have some implications for human growth diseases.
I would love to have a dog like that I would spoil it rotten with all the Love I have for dogs
I'm more worried about little tiny "cute" humans running around. Or maybe giant ones...
This puppy is so cute! If it was for sale I would buy the little fella or fellow!!!
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