The first canine biobank in Westies is launched to support human and canine health research efforts

The Westie Foundation of America and Resero Genomics Announce Alliance for Canine Genetics and DNA Banking

HOUSTON, TX, November 14, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — That Westie Foundation of America (WFA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the West Highland White Terrier, and resero genomicsa leading global genomics service provider, today announced an alliance that will provide the first West Highland White Terrier biobank in the world.

The preservation of Westie DNA samples will provide a tool to better understand diseases affecting the West Highland White Terrier as well as other dog breeds. It will also provide DNA sources for research efforts by both veterinary and human researchers working to solve some of the most devastating diseases affecting both dogs and humans.

“The WFA is honored to partner with Resero Genomics on this monumental step for the health of our Westie breed,” said Bebe Pinter, President of the Westie Foundation of America. “This is a significant milestone in our efforts to accelerate science for our dogs and humans through our One Health approach.”

Known as One Health, the translational benefits of researching naturally occurring diseases are increasingly recognized in both the veterinary and human sciences. Comparing pet disease information with human disease has been shown to significantly reduce the time it takes for a given therapy to travel from the bench to the bed of human patients and dogs. Diseases such as cancer, fibrosis and atopic dermatitis, which are relatively common in pets, are in urgent need of therapy. These naturally occurring models can often provide a more accurate disease model than many mouse models that are currently in widespread use and are known to have limitations and often cannot be extrapolated to humans.

One Health continues to gain traction as a viable and important part of human research. Recently, US Senator Kristen Gillibrand introduced a landmark One Health Act to prevent, detect and respond to biological threats. You can find more information about the invoice here:

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-introduces-groundbreaking-one-health-bill-to-prevent-detect-and-respond-to-biological-threats

In particular, naturally occurring diseases in dogs have helped usher in therapeutics for humans, including for bladder and other forms of cancer. For fibrosis, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common interstitial lung disease and a fatal disease without life-saving therapy. Mouse models often show positive results in multiple drug trials, only to later fail in human trials, costing years of research efforts and billions of dollars in funding, and yielding heartbreaking results for patients, families, and the medical experts who help them. Having genetic information about animals suffering from diseases like ILD offers an opportunity to help them and the people who are suffering.

“Since we first introduced our DNA banking services to dog owners, we’ve had tremendous success,” said Jared Larsen, genomics manager at Resero Genomics. “Those who have chosen to be part of our research program have enabled Resero to make significant advances in understanding genetic abnormalities in various dog breeds, and we are excited to continue that progress.”

DNA storage
Resero Genomics, which has been successfully storing and maintaining both animal and human DNA since 2003, focuses on providing secure long-term DNA storage. The Westie Foundation of America Biobank offers Westie owners the opportunity to record their animals’ DNA. Westie owners can learn more about requesting a kit to add their dogs DNA to the biobank by visiting: http://westiefoundation.org/BioBank

The WFA worked with Westie owners to collect DNA samples for medical and veterinary research: erinarians. An article by Tufts explains the importance of their One Health study: https://now.tufts.edu/2020/02/18/terriers-test-therapy-lung-disease. WFA has provided DNA samples worldwide and the new biobank program will serve to simplify the process and complete research faster. With direct grants and support for more than 50 studies worldwide, WFA has made an impact on Westie health. In fact, a major investment in research into a deadly condition called Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) led to a critical review of the condition. https://westiefoundation.org/files/galleries/cmo-ebook.pdf

All Westies are welcome to be included in the biobank. To learn how to order a sample collection kit, visit: https://westiefoundation.org/BioBank

About Resero Genomics
Resero is a genomics services company specializing in DNA banking, genome analysis and genetic data visualization. At Resero, we provide clinical-grade technology for animal testing and analysis, enabling customers to store DNA samples in multiple secure locations for up to 50 years. Based in Salt Lake City, we have extended human genomics technology to DNA analysis for livestock, equines, and companion animals. To learn more about Resero visit: https://www.ReseroGenomics.com

About the Westie Foundation of America (WFA):
The Westie Foundation of America, Inc., (WFA) is a not-for-profit corporation recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation’s mission is to provide financial aid and other support for medical research to advance the health and quality of life of West Highland White Terriers; and to develop and share information about Westie health, care, breeding and quality of life with Westie owners, Westie breeders and veterinarians. To learn more about the WFA Biobank and WFA’s efforts, visit: https://www.WestieFoundation.org

Teresa Barnes
Westie Foundation of America
+1 303-521-4080
email us here