Animal Genetics Lab

At the 'Animal Genetics Lab' (LDG), we perform molecular research in a range of animals, more specifically bovines, pigs, sheep, goat, horses, dogs, cats and honey bees. The research projects are both fundamental and clinically-oriented and are spread over six main domains:

The identification of disease-causing variants in dogs and cats
The development of novel molecular techniques (e.g. whole exome sequencing) and analysis tools (e.g. R-packages) suited to analyze high-throughput sequencing data.
The search for (epi)genetic biomarkers associated with the development of diseases
The development of improved diagnostical techniques to detect disease, both clinically (e.g. the laxity-method to detect hip dysplasia) and genetically.
Unravelling genetic aspects of infectious diseases. In the past, this was oriented towards scrapie (sheep, goat), bluetongue (sheep), mastitis (bovine) and E. coli ETEC infection (pig).Currently, we focus mainly on honey bees (in collaboration with Prof. De Graaf, Faculty of Sciences), more specifically on Varroa- and virus-resistance.
The function of small non-coding RNA molecules, like microRNAs and circular RNA in the early embryonal development to develop non-invasive biomarkers associated with embryo quality (bovine, horse).

Recently published research

Veterinarians’ competence in applying basic genetic principles and daily implementation of clinical genetics : a study in a university environment
Analysis of a laxity index database and comparison with the fédération cynologique internationale grades of this population
Truncating SLC12A6 variants cause different clinical phenotypes in humans and dogs
Poster, ISAG 2017: "A simple, cheap and universal nucleic acid integrity assay based on the ubiquitin C gene (UBC)"

International society of veterinary clinical genetics and genetic counselling

Together with professionals from all over the globe, we are currently establishing a new, multidisciplinary organisation.
This organisation has the following mission and objectives:

Mission statement

The mission of the Society is to contribute significantly to the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of professionals in clinical genetics and genetic counselling globally at the highest possible level so as to ensure that improved veterinary clinical genetics and genetic counselling services will be provided to the public.

Objectives

The objectives of the society shall be the advancement of activities in the field of clinical genetics and genetic counselling by:

Defining and promoting standardised procedures, guidelines, recommendations, consensus statements and position papers in veterinary clinical genetics and/or genetic counselling;
Supporting and promoting continued, graduate and/or post-graduate education and developing training programs in veterinary clinical genetics and/or genetic counselling;
Supporting the development and recognition of expertise in veterinary clinical genetics and/or genetic counselling;
Encouraging research and other contributions to knowledge in all aspects of clinical genetics and genetic counselling, and promoting communication and dissemination of this knowledge;
Promoting co-operation with veterinary associations, breeders’ associations, academic institutions, genetic testing laboratories and authorities;
Promoting awareness and representation of veterinary clinical genetics and/or genetic counselling among professionals and the general public;
and providing a collaborative and supportive community for everyone interested in the field.

A dedicated website will follow soon. We will keep you informed on the progress here.

Furthermore, the LDG gives breeding advice regarding large and small pet animals, and offers DNA tests for private persons as wel as companies. You can also contact us for data-analysis and bio-informatics for a wide range of “-omics” techniques.

LDG also participates in the teaching activities of our faculty.