Reprogramming Canine Stem Cells to Develop New Therapies

Dogs suffer from many orthopedic, neurological and cardiovascular injuries and diseases that could be treated with cell replacement therapies. One potential therapy is the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are artificially produced by reprogramming adult cells back to an embryonic state, thereby giving them the ability to grow indefinitely in culture and the potential to turn into any cell type. These iPSCs have enormous therapeutic potential because they can be used to grow genetically identical cells for use in transplantations without risk of being rejected by the dog’s immune system. To date, iPSCs have been successfully derived from adult human, mouse, monkey, pig, horse and sheep cells, but little has been done in dogs. The researcher will determine the factors and culture conditions required to generate canine iPSCs. This study will form the basis of future work to further characterize iPSCs and determine their potential to be used therapeutically in dogs and as a novel tool for studying canine inherited diseases.

D12CA-803
Dr. Deborah Guest, Animal Health Trust, United Kingdom, Pilot Study

Co-sponsors: Ms. Ann Campbell; Delaware County Kennel Club; Golden Retriever Foundation; Canine Health Events, Inc. and Southern Berkshire Golden Retriever Club; Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation; Pug Dog Club of America