International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 244-253 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 244 Research Insight Open Access Disease Resistance in Canids: Genetic Variations between Wild Wolves and Domestic Dogs Xiaofang Lin Tropical Animal Medicine Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: xiaofang.lin@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0028 Received: 07 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 08 Dec., 2024 Published: 20 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lin X.F., 2024, Disease resistance in canids: genetic variations between wild wolves and domestic dogs, International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 14(6): 244-253 (doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0028) Abstract This study explores the comparative genomics of wild wolves and domestic dogs, focusing on genetic differences influencing immunity and disease susceptibility. Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole-genome sequencing, we identified key genes involved in immune responses and analyzed the effects of domestication on immune gene diversity. Furthermore, evolutionary and ecological factors, including habitat and behavior, were examined for their roles in shaping disease resistance. A case study on rabies resistance in wild wolves highlights adaptive genetic mechanisms and their conservation implications. The findings advance our understanding of canid immunogenomics and suggest strategies for breeding disease-resistant dogs, conserving genetic diversity in wolves, and improving zoonotic disease management. This research bridges genomics with practical applications in veterinary science and wildlife conservation, offering pathways for future exploration of genetic resilience in canids. Keywords Canid genomics; Disease resistance; Wild wolves; Domestic dogs; Immune gene diversity 1 Introduction Canids, a family that includes both wild wolves (Canis lupus) and domestic dogs (Canis lupus Familiaris), exhibit significant genetic and phenotypic diversity. Wild wolves are known for their robust health and adaptability to various environments, while domestic dogs have undergone extensive artificial selection, resulting in a wide range of breeds with diverse physical and behavioral traits (Tang et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2018). This domestication process has led to structural variations (SVs) in the genome, which are linked to phenotypic evolution, disease susceptibility, and environmental adaptations. The genetic divergence between wild wolves and domestic dogs provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of domestication on disease resistance and other health-related traits. Understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance in canids is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can provide insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the health and survival of these species. For instance, structural variations and copy number variations (CNVs) in the genomes of domestic dogs have been associated with breed-specific disease susceptibilities and phenotypic traits (Marsden et al., 2015; Serres-Armero et al., 2021; Zhang, 2024). Additionally, the domestication process has introduced deleterious genetic variations in dogs due to population bottlenecks and selective breeding practices, which have increased their genetic load compared to wild wolves. Studying these genetic differences can help identify the genes and regulatory elements involved in disease resistance, which is essential for improving breeding programs and conserving genetic diversity in both domestic and wild canids (Ostrander et al., 2019; Mallil et al., 2020). This study attempts to explore the genetic variations between wild wolves and domestic dogs that contribute to disease resistance, discuss the impact of domestication on genetic load and disease susceptibility in domestic dogs, and provide an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications, such as methylation patterns, in regulating genes associated with disease resistance. Additionally, it aims to offer insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these genetic variations and their implications for the health and conservation of canid species, ultimately contributing to strategies for improving the health and longevity of both wild and domestic populations.
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