TY  - JOUR
A1  - Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike
A1  - Heidrich, Daniela
A1  - Kehl, Alexandra
A1  - Conrad, David
A1  - Brockmann, Maria
A1  - Törner, Katrin
A1  - Beitzinger, Christoph
A1  - Müller, Tobias
T1  - KITLG copy number germline variations in schnauzer breeds and their relevance in digital squamous cell carcinoma in black giant schnauzers
JF  - Veterinary Sciences
N2  - 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.
KW  - tumour
KW  - toe
KW  - miniature schnauzer
KW  - standard schnauzer
KW  - CNV
KW  - ddPCR
KW  - breed predisposition
Y1  - 2023
U6  - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-303913
SN  - 2306-7381
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  - 
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Cerezo-Echevarria, Argiñe
A1  - Kehl, Alexandra
A1  - Beitzinger, Christoph
A1  - Müller, Tobias
A1  - Klopfleisch, Robert
A1  - Aupperle-Lellbach, Heike
T1  - Evaluating the histologic grade of digital squamous cell carcinomas in dogs and copy number variation of KIT Ligand — a correlation study
JF  - Veterinary Sciences
N2  - 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.
KW  - canine
KW  - cancer
KW  - toe
KW  - grading
KW  - haircoat
KW  - color
KW  - genetics
KW  - gene
Y1  - 2023
U6  - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-304824
SN  - 2306-7381
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -