How Age and Diet Affect Dog Muscle Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Middelbos Ingmar S., Vester Brittany M., Karr-Lilienthal Lisa K., Schook Lawrence B., Swanson Kelly S.
Primary Institution: University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
Hypothesis
This study investigates the effects of age and dietary composition on gene expression in the skeletal muscle of dogs.
Conclusion
Age has a more significant impact on gene expression in canine skeletal muscle than diet.
Supporting Evidence
- Age had the greatest effect on gene transcription with 262 differentially expressed genes.
- Diet had a relatively small effect with only 22 differentially expressed genes.
- Geriatric dogs showed predominantly down-regulated genes related to metabolism and cell cycle.
Takeaway
As dogs get older, their muscle genes change more than when they eat different types of food. This can help us understand how to keep their muscles healthy as they age.
Methodology
The study used microarray analysis to evaluate gene transcription in the skeletal muscle of 12 female beagles fed different diets for 12 months.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size of 12 dogs and focused only on specific muscle genes.
Participant Demographics
Twelve female beagle dogs, six aged 1 year and six aged 12 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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