The dog may be ‘man’s best friend,’ but even so, it comes as a surprise that the two species share the same tumor marker for breast cancer.
Scientists suggest a specific molecule – ancient in evolutionary terms – has remained virtually unchanged in the two species. The finding of the joint Austrian study between scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine and the Medical University of Vienna may help improve cancer research.
Identical tumor marker in both dogs and humans
Researchers looked for similarities in breast cancer of dogs and humans, focusing on a specific tumor marker CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), and discovered a specific molecule, called the CEA receptor, that could lead to the rapid development of new therapeutic methods for use in dogs and humans.
Unfortunately, despite steadily improved methods for diagnosis and treatment, cancer still represents one of the most frequent causes of death in humans. What is less well-known is that this also holds true for our pets. Researchers stated that about 4,000 dogs in Austria develop cancer each year, and about half the dogs over age 10 die from a carcinoma that is biologically similar to a human tumor.
Found in high concentrations in cancer patients, CEA is considered one of the most important markers for tumors, and is thought to have a signaling function in tumor cells via a specific receptor molecule: the CEA receptor.
Canine and human share genetic ancient history
The tumor marker itself is constructed very differently in dogs and humans, however the receptor is essentially identical in the two species. Scientists believe the CEA receptor is a very old molecule in evolutionary terms and that because of its biological importance, it has remained practically unchanged in the two species.
“Because dogs have shorter life-spans than humans, similar processes place on a shorter time scale, this means that research in dogs gives faster results,” said lead author Erika Jensen-Jarolim. “By means of comparative research on the two species – so-called comparative medicine – it might be possible to develop a new generation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures much, much faster. And these may be applicable both to humans and to animals.”
Researchers next plan to address the nature of the molecules that bind to the receptor in human breast cancer or in cancer of the milk glands in dogs. The hope is that the knowledge will help guide new therapeutic approaches.
Dogs are the first domesticated species, going back at least 10,000 years, and by some estimates 30,000 years, according to experts. So, the next time Rover gazes adoringly at you, don’t forget the two of you share an ancient evolutionary genetic bond.
Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net