Chromosomal Localization of Acidic and Basic Keratin Genes of the Domestic Dog

The study focused on the chromosomal localization of acidic and basic keratin genes in domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris, to understand genetic organization and its conservation across species. Keratins, essential structural proteins in the epidermis, hair, and nails, are divided into type I (acidic) and type II (basic) groups. In humans, these genes are located on chromosomes 17 and 12, respectively, and similarly organized in mice. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with canine genomic library clones, researchers found that the acidic keratin gene cluster is on CFA9 and the basic keratin gene cluster is on CFA27 in dogs. This research contributed to the understanding of genetic similarities and potential disease mechanisms shared between dogs and humans.