A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs.

Cell Metab
Authors
Abstract

Sequencing of candidate genes for obesity in Labrador retriever dogs identified a 14 bp deletion in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) with an allele frequency of 12%. The deletion disrupts the β-MSH and β-endorphin coding sequences and is associated with body weight (per allele effect of 0.33 SD), adiposity, and greater food motivation. Among other dog breeds, the deletion was only found in the closely related flat-coat retriever (FCR), where it is similarly associated with body weight and food motivation. The mutation is significantly more common in Labrador retrievers selected to become assistance dogs than pets. In conclusion, the deletion in POMC is a significant modifier of weight and appetite in Labrador retrievers and FCRs and may influence other behavioral traits.

Year of Publication
2016
Journal
Cell Metab
Volume
23
Issue
5
Pages
893-900
Date Published
2016 May 10
ISSN
1932-7420
URL
DOI
10.1016/j.cmet.2016.04.012
PubMed ID
27157046
PubMed Central ID
PMC4873617
Links
Grant list
MC_UU_12012/1 / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom
MC_UU_12012/5 / Medical Research Council / United Kingdom