€57,48 €47,50 excl. VAT
This test is for a mutation on the RETN gene.
10 working days
From €5,95 shipping and administration per order (incl. VAT)
Specifications
| Breeds | |
|---|---|
| Gene | |
| Organ | |
| specimen | Swab, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Semen, Tissue |
| Mode of Inheritance | |
| Chromosome | |
| Also known as | |
| Year Published |
General information
This test is for a mutation on the RETN gene. Labradors carrying one or two copies of this RETN mutation appear to have a lower risk of developing copper toxicosis. The RETN gene interacts with two other genes, ATP7A and ATP7B. The ATP7B gene is associated with an increased risk of developing copper toxicosis. RETN and ATP7A both seem to have protective effects. They seem to lower the risk of copper toxicosis in dogs that are ATP7B carriers or affected. Because the genes interact with each other, we recommend testing RETN along with ATP7A and ATP7B. Being a carrier or sufferer of this RETN mutation does not cause any known complaints or health problems.
Clinical features
Copper levels in the body are regulated by both dietary intake and secretion from specific bodily organs, such as the bile ducts. Multiple genes play crucial roles in maintaining optimal copper levels. A mutation in the ATP7B gene is associated with increased copper accumulation, leading to Wilson Disease. Conversely, mutations in modifier genes ATP7A or RETN appear to confer a protective effect against copper buildup in the liver, formerly known as Menkes Disease. Currently, these modifier genes are only relevant for Labrador Retrievers. However, the ATP7B mutation can cause clinical symptoms in both Labrador Retrievers and Dobermans.
The ATP7B mutation follows an inheritance pattern consistent with incomplete dominance. Dogs carrying this mutation, whether as carriers or affected individuals, are at heightened risk of developing copper toxicosis, with affected dogs being at the greatest risk. Dysfunction in the ATP7B protein disrupts copper transport, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis and neuronal degeneration, with onset varying across individuals. Disease severity is also influenced by dietary copper intake levels.
In Labrador Retrievers, the modifier genes ATP7A and RETN can mitigate copper levels, thereby reducing the risk and severity of Wilson Disease. Dogs carrying or affected by mutations in ATP7A and/or RETN are thus afforded protection against Wilson Disease in the presence of an ATP7B mutation. The modifiers do not confer benefits in the absence of an ATP7B mutation. Consequently, testing Labradors for all three mutations is recommended.
Additional information
In the context of dog breeding, especially within certain breeds, giving priority to Wilson Disease (ATP7B) outcomes is essential for making informed breeding decisions, outweighing the significance of ATP7A and RETN modifiers.
While there is some scientific indication suggesting that the mutation analysed in this test may offer protection against copper toxicosis, its exact efficacy remains unproven. Ongoing research aims to establish conclusive evidence.
References
Pubmed ID: 33142854
Omia ID: 2609