1760-T: Use of Gene Therapy to Treat Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Grant Status: Open

Grant Amount: $146,774
Margaret M. Sleeper, VMD; University of Florida
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2024

Sponsor(s): American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Borzoi Club of America, Doberman Pinscher Club of America, Mastiff Club of America In Honor of Dr. Sarah Bell, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc., Saluki Health Research, Inc.

Breed(s): Doberman Pinscher
Research Program Area: Cardiology
Donate to Support this Research Program Area

One Health: Yes

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the second most common cause of heart disease in dogs, and medical management of the secondary signs is the only therapeutic option. The outcome for affected dogs depends on the stage of disease and the breed. Once diagnosed, dogs typically exhibit rapid and uniform progression to congestive heart failure (CHF), with most living less than 6 months. Previous research has shown that heart function is critically dependent upon calcium channel function. These gate-like channels found within the wall of cardiac muscle cells open and close, allowing calcium ions to flow into the cell. Calcium influx then regulates muscle contraction. Heart disease is strongly associated with malfunctioning calcium channels within cardiac cells. Gene transfer strategies to reduce calcium cycling abnormalities improve heart function in animal models as well as in human clinical trials. In this study, Dr. Sleeper will conduct a placebo-controlled, double blinded study to evaluate gene delivery approaches for treatment of Doberman Pinschers affected with DCM and CHF. If results show that the gene delivery slows progression of heart failure in Dobermans with DCM, the results will have significant ramifications for all dogs with heart disease, as calcium handling proteins are abnormally expressed in dogs with heart disease of varying causes.

Learn how you can participate in this research!

Publication(s)

None at this time.

Help Future Generations of Dogs

Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.

Learn How to Help

Get Canine Health News:
Please leave this field empty
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc

8051 Arco Corporate Dr.
Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27617
(888)-682-9696

Tax ID# 13-3813813

  

© 2021 AKC Canine Health Foundation | Privacy Policy | Site Map

Site by Blackbaud, Inc.