Molecular and cellular insights into a distinct myopathy of Great Dane dogs

Chang, K.C., McCulloch, M.C. and Anderson, T.J. (2010) Molecular and cellular insights into a distinct myopathy of Great Dane dogs. Veterinary Journal, 183(3), pp. 322-327. (doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.11.013)

Abstract

A myopathy in the Great Dane dog with characteristic pathological and molecular features is reported. Young adults present with progressive weakness and generalised muscle atrophy. To better define this condition, an investigation using histopathology, confocal microscopy, biochemistry and microarray analysis was undertaken. The skeletal muscles of affected dogs exhibited increased oxidative fibre phenotype and core fibre lesions characterised by the disruption of the sarcomeric architecture and the accumulation of mitochondrial organelles. Affected muscles displayed co-ordinated expression of genes consistent with a slow-oxidative phenotype, which was possibly a compensatory response to chronic muscle damage. There was disruption of Z-lines in affected muscles which, at the molecular level, manifested as transcriptional dysregulation of several Z-line associated genes, including alpha-actinin, myotilin, desmin, vimentin and telethonin. The pathology of this canine myopathy is distinct from that of human central core myopathies that are characterised by cores devoid of mitochondria and by the presence of myofibrillar breakdown products.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chang, Dr Kin Chow and McCulloch, Mrs Maj-Lis and Anderson, Professor Jim
• Authors: Chang, K.C., McCulloch, M.C., and Anderson, T.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Journal
• Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
• ISSN: 1090-0233
• ISSN (Online): 1532-2971