Files
Download Full Text (4.9 MB)
Instructor/Advisor
Charlotte Berkes
Keywords
DNA, genes, dogs
Abstract
Canis familiaris (the domestic dog) exhibits incredible diversity in size, build, and overall appearance. The goal of our experiment was to explore the connection between the genotype and phenotype of an organism. One variable feature in dogs is the presence of furnishings, or a “moustache” and “eyebrows” displayed by many popular breeds including most terriers. Growth of furnishings is controlled by a gene called R-spondin 2 (RSPO2). There are two major RSPO2 alleles in the C. familiaris population: an ancestral allele also found in wolves, and an allele with a 167 bp insertion. In this study, we analyzed RSPO2 genotype in over 40 dogs. We isolated DNA from cheek swabs and used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a portion of the RSPO2 gene. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results show that dogs lacking furnishings are homozygous for the shorter ancestral allele, whereas dogs with furnishings have either one or two RSPO2 insertion alleles. These results indicate that the insertion allele acts in a dominant fashion to influence the pattern of muzzle fur growth.
Recommended Citation
Allen, Abigail; Ayotte, Jacqueline; Bailey, Remy; Bain, Erica; Balsamo, Johnny; Bowah, Mazai; Brito, Biaraliz; Chute, Leya; Comeau, Alana; Creamer, TJ; Curtis, Hayden; DaSilva, Gianna; Edouard, Sedric; Estrella, Ryan; Flores-Castaneda, Emely; Gadbois, Maggie; Gallivan, Ashley; Gordinas, Lilly; Gordonsmith, Julia; Hanson, James; Heilman, Colin; Heinis, Christian; Holt, Julia; Hutchins, Kaci; Jiminez Soto, Mia; Joergensen, William; Kelley, Rachael; Lavoie, Jordan; Leute, Emma; Llorens, Olivia; Mancaniello, Gianna; Martin, Demetris; Martins, Giulia; Matera, Sofia; Mitchell, Casey; Moy, VyVy; Naamani, Ryan; Nagel, Ashleigh; O’Connell, Jake; O’Rourke, Ryan; Olsen, Pierce; Paasewe, Shalom; Parker, Parker; Pendola, Gianna; Picard, Ava; Piccinato, Isabella; Rivera, Mya; Santolucito, Jaclyn; Smith, Amber; Tinkham, Olivia; Tozier, Katrina; Trowt, Jordyn; Vesey, Brianna; Vilardi, Steven; Vogel, Kyle; Walsh, Daniel; Watson, Mya; Welch, Emily; Wohr, Taiya; Yoh, Meagan; and Zouein, Izabella, "Doggie DNA: Exploring the relationship between genes and appearance in Canis familiaris" (2025). RCAC 2025 Posters. 168.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/168