24.10.2012Gone to the dogs: Neurogenetics

Prof. Dr. Jörg T. Epplen, Human genetics, Faculty of Medicine

“Man’s best friend”, the dog, can suffer from various diverse hereditary diseases, just like his or her owner. Depending on the breed of dog, such diseases can actually occur more frequently in the household pet. With clarification about what the causes of these illnesses are, so-called Gen-Tests can be developed with which a breed can be freed of hereditary disease through selective breeding. Modern research methods can even give us deeper insight into the corresponding diseases in people. Prof. Dr. Jörg T. Epplen shows this in his talk with the example of hereditary vision disorders. His research also endeavorsto develop brand new strategies for the treatment of hereditary diseases for both dog and man.