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Amylase activity is associated with AMY 2B copy numbers in dog: implications for dog domestication, diet and diabetes
Author(s) -
Arendt Maja,
Fall Tove,
LindbladToh Kerstin,
Axelsson Erik
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
animal genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1365-2052
pISSN - 0268-9146
DOI - 10.1111/age.12179
Subject(s) - biology , amylase , domestication , breed , copy number variation , diabetes mellitus , population , alpha amylase , glucose homeostasis , genetics , gene , endocrinology , enzyme , biochemistry , medicine , genome , insulin resistance , environmental health
Summary High amylase activity in dogs is associated with a drastic increase in copy numbers of the gene coding for pancreatic amylase, AMY 2B , that likely allowed dogs to thrive on a relatively starch‐rich diet during early dog domestication. Although most dogs thus probably digest starch more efficiently than do wolves, AMY 2B copy numbers vary widely within the dog population, and it is not clear how this variation affects the individual ability to handle starch nor how it affects dog health. In humans, copy numbers of the gene coding for salivary amylase, AMY 1 , correlate with both salivary amylase levels and enzyme activity, and high amylase activity is related to improved glycemic homeostasis and lower frequencies of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigate the relationship between AMY 2B copy numbers and serum amylase activity in dogs and show that amylase activity correlates with AMY 2B copy numbers. We then describe how AMY 2B copy numbers vary in individuals from 20 dog breeds and find strong breed‐dependent patterns, indicating that the ability to digest starch varies both at the breed and individual level. Finally, to test whether AMY 2B copy number is strongly associated with the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, we compare copy numbers in cases and controls as well as in breeds with varying diabetes susceptibility. Although we see no such association here, future studies using larger cohorts are needed before excluding a possible link between AMY 2B and diabetes mellitus.