@article{ConradKehlMuelleretal.2023,
  author    = {Conrad, David and Kehl, Alexandra and M{\"u}ller, Tobias and Klopfleisch, Robert and Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike},
  title     = {Immunohistochemical and molecular genetic analysis of canine digital mast cell tumours},
  series = {Animals},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {Animals},
  number    = {10},
  issn      = {2076-2615},
  doi       = {10.3390/ani13101694},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-319199},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Grading, immunohistochemistry and c-kit mutation status are criteria for assessing the prognosis and therapeutic options of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs). As a subset, canine digital MCTs have rarely been explored in this context. Therefore, in this retrospective study, 68 paraffin-embedded canine digital MCTs were analysed, and histological grading was assessed according to Patnaik and Kiupel. The immunohistochemical markers KIT and Ki67 were used, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mutational screening in c-kit exons 8, 9, 11 and 14. Patnaik grading resulted in 22.1\% grade I, 67.6\% grade II and 10.3\% grade III tumours. Some 86.8\% of the digital MCTs were Kiupel low-grade. Aberrant KIT staining patterns II and III were found in 58.8\%, and a count of more than 23 Ki67-positive cells in 52.3\% of the cases. Both parameters were significantly associated with an internal tandem duplication (ITD) in c-kit exon 11 (12.7\%). French Bulldogs, which tend to form well-differentiated cutaneous MCTs, had a higher proportion of digital high-grade MCTs and ITD in c-kit exon 11 compared with mongrels. Due to its retrospective nature, this study did not allow for an analysis of survival data. Nevertheless, it may contribute to the targeted characterisation of digital MCTs.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{AupperleLellbachHeidrichKehletal.2023,
  author    = {Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike and Heidrich, Daniela and Kehl, Alexandra and Conrad, David and Brockmann, Maria and T{\"o}rner, Katrin and Beitzinger, Christoph and M{\"u}ller, Tobias},
  title     = {KITLG copy number germline variations in schnauzer breeds and their relevance in digital squamous cell carcinoma in black giant schnauzers},
  series = {Veterinary Sciences},
  volume    = {10},
  journal   = {Veterinary Sciences},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {2306-7381},
  doi       = {10.3390/vetsci10020147},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-303913},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Copy number variations (CNVs) of the KITLG gene seem to be involved in the oncogenesis of digital squamous cell carcinoma (dSCC). The aims of this study were (1) to investigate KITLG CNV in giant (GS), standard (SS), and miniature (MS) schnauzers and (2) to compare KITLG CNV between black GS with and without dSCC. Blood samples from black GS (22 with and 17 without dSCC), black SS (18 with and 4 without dSSC; 5 unknown), and 50 MS (unknown dSSC status and coat colour) were analysed by digital droplet PCR. The results are that (1) most dogs had a copy number (CN) value > 4 (range 2.5-7.6) with no significant differences between GS, SS, and MS, and (2) the CN value in black GS with dSCC was significantly higher than in those without dSCC (p = 0.02). CN values > 5.8 indicate a significantly increased risk for dSCC, while CN values < 4.7 suggest a reduced risk for dSCC (grey area: 4.7-5.8). Diagnostic testing for KITLG CNV may sensitise owners to the individual risk of their black GS for dSCC. Further studies should investigate the relevance of KITLG CNV in SS and the protective effects in MS, who rarely suffer from dSCC.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CerezoEchevarriaKehlBeitzingeretal.2023,
  author    = {Cerezo-Echevarria, Argi{\~n}e and Kehl, Alexandra and Beitzinger, Christoph and M{\"u}ller, Tobias and Klopfleisch, Robert and Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike},
  title     = {Evaluating the histologic grade of digital squamous cell carcinomas in dogs and copy number variation of KIT Ligand — a correlation study},
  series = {Veterinary Sciences},
  volume    = {10},
  journal   = {Veterinary Sciences},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {2306-7381},
  doi       = {10.3390/vetsci10020088},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-304824},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {Dark-haired dogs are predisposed to the development of digital squamous cell carcinoma (DSCC). This may potentially suggest an underlying genetic predisposition not yet completely elucidated. Some authors have suggested a potential correlation between the number of copies KIT Ligand (KITLG) and the predisposition of dogs to DSCC, containing a higher number of copies in those affected by the neoplasm. In this study, the aim was to evaluate a potential correlation between the number of copies of the KITLG and the histological grade of malignancy in dogs with DSCC. For this, 72 paraffin-embedded DSCCs with paired whole blood samples of 70 different dogs were included and grouped according to their haircoat color as follow: Group 0/unknown haircoat color (n = 11); Group 1.a/black non-Schnauzers (n = 15); group 1.b/black Schnauzers (n = 33); group 1.c/black and tan dogs (n = 7); group 2/tan animals (n = 4). The DSCCs were histologically graded. Additionally, KITLG Copy Number Variation (CNV) was determined by ddPCR. A significant correlation was observed between KITLG copy number and the histological grade and score value. This finding may suggest a possible factor for the development of canine DSCC, thus potentially having an impact on personalized veterinary oncological strategies and breeding programs.},
  language  = {en}
}