Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Genetic Link Found

neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, Science - By Staff Writer on Monday, August 30, 2010 - 15:38

Scientists found a genetic mutation that is linked to Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses in American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers.  The gene mutation causes NCL which leads to neurological deterioration and eventually death.  The isolation of a gene or genetic mutation is often the first phase in developing increased screening and finding cures for illnesses. 

The disease became so prevalent because it was a recessiveA recessive gene requires a copy of the gene from both parents to exhibit a trait. Having only one gene makes the dog a carrier but it will not exhibit the trait. disease with late onset. Carriers of a single copy of the mutated gene never develop symptoms, and dogs with two copies of the gene might not show symptoms until five or six years of age, so the mutation was able to take hold in the breeding population

The fact that they have isolated the gene is a step in the right direction for dog owners and humans that have NCLs like Batten Disease.

Full Article [BusinessWeek]