In 2010 we published our findings from a collaborative research project with our colleagues at the University of Missouri, into primary lens luxation (PLL) in Lancashire Heelers, Miniature Bull and Jack Russell Terriers. The causative variant for the condition was found to be a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in the ADAMTS17 gene. Further research found the variant to segregate in a number of additional dog breeds.
Whilst this finding was a welcome discovery for the breeds affected, the variant was absent in some of the Lancashire Heeler PLL cases. This suggests that there is another genetic variant causing PLL in these dogs. Additionally, it is possible that the disease aetiology differs from dogs who have two copies of the ADAMTS17 variant. We are actively investigating both of these avenues, to find the unknown variant and to tease apart the clinical signs of the disease in this breed.
We would love to receive more samples from PLL affected Lancashire Heelers who are clear of or who carry the ADAMTS17 variant. If you can help with our research please request a DNA swab kit here : https://www.criedd.org/getting-involved. If you click on the ‘Submit a sample’ box it will take you through to a simple form to complete and we will get the kit sent to you.
