Dogs, and Us, help find Tumor cure

Who would have thought our pet pooch is being considered in the chase to find a cure for Brain Cancer. As man's best friend down through the ages past, an elevation to a higher order for our doggie friends seems very emminant, according to new research.
North Carolina State University have discovered a gene believed to be involved in meningiomas, that affects the meninges of the human brain. Designated intercranial tumors, meningiomas do not grow within Brain tissue, but grow within the space between skull and Brain.
By comparing human chromosomes with that of a dog, research has found some similarity in the genetics of both, pinpointing a tumor-suppressing gene on human chromosome 22, known as NF2, a possible contributor to meningioma development.
Professor of Genomics at NC State, Dr.Matt Breen, says their research has compared human chromosome 22 to the canine conterpart, discovering a split-up across three separate canine chromosomes, with NF2 appearing on dog chromosome 26.
While researchers focusing on the portion of human chromosome 22, found that dogs with a meningioma were rarely affected, casting doubt on this gene as playing a role in the desease.
In meningioma-affected canines, which correlaters with part-human chromosome 1 involved in almost 70% of human meningioma cases, with a poor patient outcome.
Prof. Breen's team hope they can use this correlation to further narrow the search of specific genes involved in the desease.
"The data support that dog and human tumors are very similar at the genitic level, show both species will benefit from the research", Breen concluded.
Acknowledge North Carolina State University. Geoff.