Haplotype analysis of the MDR1 flanking region in the dog breed Elo

A deletion mutation in the canine multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene provokes drug sensitivity in several dog breeds from the Collie lineage. A haplotype of four microsatellites containing this mdr1-1Delta mutation was conserved among affected breeds. In this study, we analysed the haplotypes of the MDR1 flanking region of 177 dogs of the breed Elo which is composed of several dog breeds including the Old English sheepdog from the Collie lineage. We detected a haplotype in the Elo breed which had previously been associated with the mutant mdr1-1Delta allele in Old English sheepdogs. Using a regression analysis for the probability of the haplotype on the proportion of genes of the founder breeds, we could exclude the Old English sheepdog as origin of this haplotype for the Elo breed. The MDR1 flanking region could be traced back to the Japanese Spitz as one of the founder dog breeds of the Elo and thus, the introgression of the mdr1-1Delta mutation into the dog breed Elo through the Collie lineage is very unlikely.     

Analysis of the canine mdr1-1Delta mutation in the dog breed Elo

A deletion mutation in the canine multidrug resistance gene, MDR1, is associated with drug sensitivity. This was shown for several purebred dog breeds from the Collie lineage such as the Collie (rough-coated and smooth-coated), the Australian Shepherd and the Old English sheepdog. To determine whether the mdr1-1Delta mutation could be found in the newly bred German dog breed Elo which is based amongst other breeds on Old English sheepdogs, 177 blood samples representative for the Elo breed were collected. After DNA extraction, a polymerase chain reaction-based method with subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used for detection of the mdr1-1Delta mutation. The mdr1-1Delta allele was not observed in the Elos investigated. The probability that the mdr1-1Delta allele originated in the Old English sheepdog breed is segregating in the Elo population was estimated at 3.68 x 10(-17).     

Canine mdr1 gene mutation in Japan

Frequency of the 4-bp deletion mutant in canine mdr1 gene was examined in 193 dogs of eight breeds in Japan. The mutant allele was found in Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, where its respective frequencies were 58.3%, 33.3%, and 1.2%. The MDR1 protein was detected on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from a MDR1/MDR1 dog, but not on PBMC from a mdr1-1Delta/mdr1-1Delta Collie. Rhodamine 123 was extruded from MDR1/MDR1 lymphocytes. That excretion was inhibited by a MDR1 inhibitor, verapamil. On the other hand, Rh123 excretion was not observed from lymphocytes derived from a mdr1-1Delta/mdr1-1Delta Collie. These results indicated that the mutant mdr1 allele also existed in Collie-breed dogs in Japan at high rates and that mdr1-1Delta /mdr1-1Delta dogs have no functional MDR1.     

Frequency of the nt230 (del4) MDR1 mutation in Collies and related dog breeds in Germany

MDR1 (ABCB1) P-glycoprotein exerts a protective function in the blood–brain barrier thereby limiting the entry of many drugs and other xenobiotics to the central nervous system. A nonsense mutation has been described for Collies and related dog breeds which abolishes this function and is associated with increased susceptibility to neurotoxic side effects of several drugs including ivermectin, moxidectin and loperamide. In order to evaluate the occurrence and frequency of this nt230 (del4) MDR1 mutation in Germany, we screened 1500 dogs. Frequency of the homozygous mutated genotype was highest for Collies (33.0%), followed by Australian Shepherd (6.9%) and Shetland Sheepdog (5.7%). Thirty-seven percent of the Wäller dogs and 12.5% of the Old English Sheepdogs were heterozygous for the mutant MDR1 (−) allele. Considering the predominant role of MDR1 P-glycoprotein in drug disposition and in particular for blood–brain barrier protection, MDR1 genotype-based breeding programs are recommended for improving the safety of drug therapy in these canine breeds.     

Development of a PCR-based diagnostic test detecting a nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation in dogs: verification in a moxidectin-sensitive Australian Shepherd

A subpopulation of dogs of the Collie and Australian Shepherd breeds show increased sensitivity to central nervous actions of ivermectin, doramectin, loperamide, and probably several other drugs. The molecular background for this greater sensitivity is a nonsense mutation in the MDR1 efflux pump, which is part of the functional blood-brain barrier and normally limits drug penetration into the brain. This report describes a rapid PCR-based method for detection of this nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation using a small amount of genomic DNA from blood cells. Thereby, homozygous intact, homozygous mutated, and heterozygous mutated MDR1 genotypes can be clearly differentiated by high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using this diagnostic test two Collies and one Australian Shepherd were screened for the nt230(del4) MDR1 mutation. The Collies had no history of altered drug sensitivity and showed homozygous intact and heterozygous mutated MDR1 alleles, respectively. However, the Australian Shepherd developed clear signs of neurotoxicity including ataxia, crawling, acoustic and tactile hyperexcitability, and miosis after a single dose of moxidectin (400 microg/kg). For this dog two mutated MDR1 alleles were detected. This report describes for the first time moxidectin neurotoxicosis in a dog with a homozygous MDR1 mutation.     

Breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta (multidrug sensitivity) polymorphism among dogs undergoing ABCB1 genotyping

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism in a large number of dogs in North America, including dogs of several herding breeds in which this polymorphism has been detected and other breeds in which this polymorphism has not yet been identified. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 5,368 dogs from which buccal swab samples were collected for purposes of ABCB1 genotyping. PROCEDURES: From May 1, 2004, to September 30, 2007, DNA specimens derived from buccal swab samples collected from 5,368 dogs underwent ABCB1 genotyping. These data were reviewed, and results for each dog were recorded in a spreadsheet, along with the dog's breed. The genotypes for each breed were tallied by use of a sorting function. RESULTS: The ABCB1-1Delta allele was identified in 9 breeds of dogs and in many mixed-breed dogs. Breeds that had the ABCB1-1Delta allele included Collie, Longhaired Whippet, Australian Shepherd (standard and miniature), Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Border Collie, Silken Windhound, and German Shepherd Dog (a breed in which this mutation had not been detected previously). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to many adverse drug reactions and with suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is present in many herding breeds of dog. Veterinarians should be familiar with the breeds that have the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism to make appropriate pharmacologic choices for these patients.     

Increased toxicity of P-glycoprotein-substrate chemotherapeutic agents in a dog with the MDR1 deletion mutation associated with ivermectin sensitivity

Lymphoma was diagnosed in a 4-year-old spayed female Collie, and treatment with a combination chemotherapy protocol incorporating prednisone, L-asparaginase, vincristine, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide was initiated. The dog had signs of gastrointestinal tract toxicosis and myelosuppression after treatment with P-glycoprotein-substrate drugs (vincristine, vinblastine, and doxorubicin) even when dosages were reduced, but did not have signs of toxicosis after treatment with cyclophosphamide, a non-P-glycoprotein-substrate drug, even when administered at the full dosage. It was postulated that a deletion mutation in the canine MDR1 gene (deltaMDR1 295-298) could be responsible for the drug toxicoses in this dog. This mutation has been identified as the cause of a functional P-glycoprotein defect in Collies susceptible to the toxic effects of ivermectin, another P-glycoprotein-substrate drug. The MDR1 genotype of this dog consisted of 1 normal and 1 mutant MDR1 allele. Because P-glycoprotein contributes to renal, biliary, and intestinal excretion of P-glycoprotein-substrate drugs, it is possible that drug excretion was delayed in this patient, resulting in clinical signs of toxicosis.     

The ABCB1-1Δ mutation is not responsible for subchronic neurotoxicity seen in dogs of non-collie breeds following macrocyclic lactone treatment for generalized demodicosis

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by the multiple drug resistance gene ABCB1 (also known as MDR1 ), is an integral component of the blood brain barrier crucial in limiting drug uptake into the central nervous system. Altered expression or function of P-gp, as seen in dogs of the collie lineage homozygous for the nt228(del4) mutation of the ABCB1 gene ( ABCB1-1Δ ), can result in potentially fatal neurotoxicosis, especially following administration of systemic macrocyclic lactones (SML). Occasionally, dogs from unrelated breeds develop subchronic signs of neurotoxicity when receiving SML to treat generalized demodicosis. It is possible that these dogs are heterozygous carriers of the ABCB1-1Δ mutation, resulting in decreased P-gp activity and central neurotoxicosis. Cheek swabs were collected from 28 dogs with generalized demodicosis that had shown subchronic signs of neurotoxicity following daily oral administration of ivermectin or other SML. Ten of these animals received concurrent systemic treatment with other confirmed or putative P-gp substrates. After DNA extraction, the relevant portion of the ABCB1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and sequenced. Twenty-seven dogs were homozygous normal while one dog was heterozygous for the ABCB1-1Δ mutation. Therefore, with the exception of one dog, the observed neurotoxicity could not be attributed to the ABCB1-1Δ mutation. Possible explanations for the adverse reactions observed include pharmacological interactions (administration of SML with other P-gp substrates or inhibitors), excessively high doses, polymorphisms in P-gp expression, uncharacterized mutations in the ABCB1 gene or in another gene, or phenomena unrelated to the SML–P-gp interaction.     

Therapeutic implications of the MDR-1 gene

Drug transporters significantly influence drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene, is among the most well-characterized drug transporters, particularly in veterinary medicine. A number of clinically relevant, structurally and functionally unrelated drugs are substrates for P-gp. P-gp is expressed by a variety of normal tissues including the intestines, renal tubular cells, brain capillary endothelial cells, biliary canalicular cells, and others, where it functions to actively extrude substrate drugs. In this capacity, P-gp limits oral absorption and central nervous system entry of many substrate drugs. A number of MDR1 polymorphisms have been described in human patients, some of which result in altered drug pharmacokinetics and susceptibility to diseases such as Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, refractory seizures, and others. An MDR1 polymorphism in herding breed dogs, including collies and Australian shepherds, has been demonstrated to be the cause of ivermectin sensitivity in these breeds. Recent evidence suggests that this polymorphism, a 4-bp deletion mutation, results in increased susceptibility to the toxicity of several drugs in addition to ivermectin. Furthermore, data in rodent models suggest that P-gp may play an important role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.     

Evaluation of canine heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) as a candidate gene for primary cataracts in the Dachshund and the Entlebucher Mountain dog

OBJECTIVE: Testing of the cataract-causing insertion/deletion mutation in the canine HSF4 gene for its linkage and association with primary cataracts (CAT) in Dachshunds and Entlebucher Mountain dogs. MATERIALS: Exon 9 with flanking intronic regions of the canine HSF4 gene was sequenced in 24 Dachshunds and 20 Entlebucher Mountain dogs. The HSF4 cDNA sequence of lens tissue was analyzed in a CAT-unaffected mixed-breed dog and in three CAT-affected dogs of different breeds, including a Wire-haired Dachshund, a Dachshund-mix and a German Shepherd dog. RESULTS: In all dogs investigated here, the previously reported CAT-causing mutation did not exist. We found a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 9, which was neither associated nor linked with the CAT phenotype in the two dog breeds. CONCLUSION: The CAT phenotype in the two dog breeds investigated here was not caused by the same mutation found to be associated with early-onset CAT in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Boston Terrier. The intronic SNP may be useful to test HSF4 for linkage with CAT in further dog breeds.     

SNP genetic polymorphisms of MDR-1, CYP1A2 and CYPB11 genes in four canine breeds upon toxicological evaluation

The fields of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics have become increasingly promising regarding the clinical application of genetic data to aid in prevention of adverse reactions. Specific screening tests can predict which animals express modified proteins or genetic sequences responsible for adverse effects associated with a drug. Among the genetic variations that have been investigated in dogs, the multidrug resistance gene (MDR) is the best studied. However, other genes such as CYP1A2 and CYP2B11 control the protein syntheses involved in the metabolism of many drugs. In the present study, the MDR-1, CYP1A2 and CYP2B11 genes were examined to identify SNP polymorphisms associated with these genes in the following four canine breeds: Uruguayan Cimarron, Border Collie, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. The results revealed that several SNPs of the CYP1A2 and CYP2B11 genes are potential targets for drug sensitivity investigations.     

ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism can predict hematologic toxicity in dogs treated with vincristine.

BACKGROUND: Dogs that harbor the naturally occurring ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism experience increased susceptibility to avermectin-induced neurological toxicosis as a result of deficient P-glycoprotein function. Whether or not the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism affects susceptibility to toxicity of other P-glycoprotein substrate drugs has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs that possess the ABCB1-1Delta mutation are more likely to develop hematologic toxicity associated with vincristine than ABCB1 wild-type dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-four dogs diagnosed with lymphoma were included in this study. METHODS: Cheek swab samples were obtained from dogs diagnosed with lymphoma that were to be treated with vincristine. DNA was extracted from cheek swabs and the ABCB1 genotype was determined. Hematologic adverse drug reactions were recorded for each dog and graded according to the Veterinary Comparative Oncology Group's criteria for adverse event reporting (Consensus Document). In order to avoid possible bias, ABCB1 genotype results for a particular patient were not disclosed to oncologists until an initial adverse event report had been submitted. RESULTS: Dogs heterozygous or homozygous for the ABCB1-1Delta mutation were significantly more likely to develop hematologic toxicity, specifically neutropenia (P= .0005) and thrombocytopenia (P= .0001), after treatment with vincristine than ABCB1 wild-type dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: At currently recommended dosages (0.5-0.7 mg/M(2)), vincristine is likely to cause hematologic toxicity in dogs with the ABCB1-1Delta mutation, resulting in treatment delays and unacceptable morbidity and mortality. Assessing the ABCB1-1Delta genotype before vincristine administration and decreasing the dosage may prevent toxicity and treatment delays resulting from neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.     

Determination of MDR1 gene expression for prediction of chemotherapy tolerance and treatment outcome in dogs with lymphoma

The multidrug resistance gene 1(MDR1) expression levels were analysed in 27 dogs with different types of malignant lymphomas receiving a standard chemotherapy protocol. Blood samples were used for MDR1 real‐time PCR expression analysis. Treatment tolerance and outcome were evaluated on a regular basis by clinical examination and client questioning. Dogs developing severe adverse effects under treatment showed significantly lower basal MDR1 gene expression levels when compared with those who tolerated the drugs well. In the longitudinal MDR1 gene expression analysis during treatment, four dogs showed a greater than two‐fold MDR1 up‐regulation, compared to baseline expression. All four of these dogs, but none of the others, showed disease progression. In conclusion, basal and follow‐up MDR1 gene expression levels could be of predictive value for the occurrence of severe adverse drug reactions and/or the development of MDR during chemotherapy for lymphoma in dogs.     

NHLRC1 homozygous dodecamer expansion in a Newfoundland dog with Lafora disease

Lafora disease is a genetic disease caused, in humans, by mutations in EPM2A and NHLRC1 genes, resulting in accumulation of polyglucosan bodies within neurons. Affected subjects present progressive neurological signs characterised primarily by myoclonic epilepsy. In dogs, Lafora disease has been described mainly in miniature wire-haired Dachshunds, where a dodecamer expansion in NHLRC1 gene has been identified. The same mutation has then been detected in the Basset Hound, Beagle, Chihuahua and Pembroke Welsh Corgi breeds. This is the first case of a Newfoundland dog with myoclonic epilepsy diagnosed with Lafora disease based on confirmed dodecamer expansion in the NHLRC1 gene. Lafora disease is being progressively recognised in different unrelated breeds suggesting a wider distribution in the canine population than previously thought.     

Canine ABCB1 and macrocyclic lactones: heartworm prevention and pharmacogenetics

The impact of drug transporters on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics has been increasingly recognized in recent years. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the ABCB1 (formerly MDR1) gene, is among the most well-characterized drug transporters, particularly in veterinary medicine. P-gp is expressed by a variety of normal tissues, including the intestines, brain capillary endothelial cells, renal tubular cells, and biliary canalicular cells, where it functions to actively extrude substrate drugs. In this capacity, P-gp limits oral absorption and central nervous system entry of many substrate drugs and enhances their excretion from the body. Many drugs used in veterinary medicine are substrates for P-gp, including many chemotherapeutic agents and macrocyclic lactones (avermectins and milbemycin). A 4-base pair deletion mutation in the ABCB1 gene occurs in many herding breed dogs, including collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. The mutation (ABCB1-1Delta) renders affected animals extremely susceptible to toxicosis induced by substrate drugs, such as the macrocyclic lactones at doses well below those tolerated by dogs with the wild-type ABCB1 gene. However, at the manufacturer's recommended dose, all FDA-approved heartworm preventive products marketed in the United States are safe, even for dogs with the ABCB1 mutant/mutant genotype.     

Neurotoxic effects of ivermectin administration in genetically engineered mice with targeted insertion of the mutated canine ABCB1 gene

Objective-To develop in genetically engineered mice an alternative screening method for evaluation of P-glycoprotein substrate toxicosis in ivermectin-sensitive Collies. Animals-14 wild-type C57BL/6J mice (controls) and 21 genetically engineered mice in which the abcb1a and abcb1b genes were disrupted and the mutated canine ABCB1 gene was inserted. Procedures-Mice were allocated to receive 10 mg of ivermectin/kg via SC injection (n = 30) or a vehicle-only formulation of propylene glycol and glycerol formal (5). Each was observed for clinical signs of toxic effects from 0 to 7 hours following drug administration. Results-After ivermectin administration, considerable differences were observed in drug sensitivity between the 2 types of mice. The genetically engineered mice with the mutated canine ABCB1 gene had signs of severe sensitivity to ivermectin, characterized by progressive lethargy, ataxia, and tremors, whereas the wild-type control mice developed no remarkable effects related to the ivermectin. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The ivermectin sensitivity modeled in the transgenic mice closely resembled the lethargy, stupor, disorientation, and loss of coordination observed in ivermectin-sensitive Collies with the ABCB1-1Δ mutation. As such, the model has the potential to facilitate toxicity assessments of certain drugs for dogs that are P-glycoprotein substrates, and it may serve to reduce the use of dogs in avermectin derivative safety studies that are part of the new animal drug approval process.     

NHLRC1 repeat expansion in two beagles with Lafora disease

Lafora disease is a fatal genetic disorder characterised by neurotoxic deposits of malformed insoluble glycogen. In humans it is caused by mutation in the EPM2A or NHLRC1 genes. There is a known mutation in miniature wirehaired dachshunds which has not been documented in other dog breeds, including beagles, in which the disease is relatively commonly reported. This case report describes the causative defect in two affected beagles, namely the same massive expansion as in miniature wirehaired dachshunds of a 12‐nucleotide repeat sequence that is unique to the canine NHLRC1 gene. This is the first mutation described in beagles with Lafora disease, and so far the only Lafora disease genetic variant in dogs.     

Establishment of a cell line for assessing drugs as canine P‐glycoprotein substrates: proof of principle

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), encoded by the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene, dramatically impacts drug disposition. P‐gp is expressed in the intestines, biliary canaliculi, renal tubules, and brain capillaries where it functions to efflux substrate drugs. In this capacity, P‐gp restricts oral absorption, enhances biliary and renal excretion, and inhibits central nervous system entry of substrate drugs. Many drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine are known substrates for canine P‐gp (vincristine, loperamide, ivermectin, others). Because these drugs have a narrow therapeutic index, defective P‐gp function can cause serious adverse drug reactions due to enhanced brain penetration and/or decreased clearance. P‐gp dysfunction in dogs can be intrinsic (dogs harboring ABCB1‐1Δ) or acquired (drug interactions between a P‐gp inhibitor and P‐gp substrate). New human drug candidates are required to undergo assessment for P‐gp interactions according to FDA and EMA regulations to avoid adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions. Similar information regarding canine P‐gp could prevent adverse drug reactions in dogs. Because differences in P‐gp substrates have been documented between species, one should not presume that human or murine P‐gp substrates are necessarily canine P‐gp substrates. Thus, our goal was to develop a cell line for assessing drugs as canine P‐gp substrates.     

Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction diagnostic test for the functional MDR1 polymorphism in dogs

The major multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp) contributes to the barrier function of several tissues and organs, including the brain. In a subpopulation of Collies and seven further dog breeds, a 4 base pair deletion has been described in the Pgp-encoding MDR1 gene. This deletion results in the absence of a functional form of Pgp and loss of its protective function. Severe intoxication with the Pgp substrate ivermectin has been attributed to the genetically determined lack of Pgp. An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening method has been developed to detect the mutant allele and to determine if a dog is homozygous or heterozygous for the mutation. Based on this validation, the allele-specific PCR proved to be a robust, reproducible and specific tool, allowing rapid determination of the MDR1 genotype of dogs of at risk breeds using blood samples or buccal swabs.