The Genome Research Journal is reporting that researchers have completed the first full genetic map of a domestic cat. The research is already advancing the research into a common cause of human blindness.
The cat genome is showing some surprising results in that cats and humans appear to have some qualities that are uniquely in common with each other. The cat is a descendant of lab cats bred to develop retinitis pigmentosa which is a degenerative eye disease that causes blindness.
Dr. Stephen O'Brien, of the National Cancer Institute, believes that the study of cat genes can uncover some of the causes of retinitis pigmentosa and may help find treatments for the condition. Cats also are important for studying other diseases, O'Brien said. "The reasons why the cat genome is cool go on for about an hour."
One example of this is that cats are the only animals, apart from humans, who naturally become ill from immune deficiency viruses. Cats get feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) which is similar to HIV in humans. FIV was discovered in the 1960s and led scientist to realize that viruses can cause cancer. "This led to oncogene development and some of the best smart drugs that we have for cancer," O'Brien said.
[Source: Yahoo News]
[Photo Source: TopLeftPixel]
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