Scanning 17 candidate genes for association with primary cataracts in the wire-haired Dachshund

Primary cataracts are breed-related eye diseases and are common in many dog breeds. In this study, 17 genes (BFSP2, EYA1, FOXE3, FTL, GCNT2, GJA3, GJA8, HSF4, MAF, MIP, PAX6, PITX3, SIX5, SORD, SOX1, SPARC, TRNT1) were evaluated as candidates for primary non-congenital cataracts (CAT) in the Dachshund using microsatellites adjacent to the candidate genes. Linkage and association with CAT was tested in 15 affected and six unaffected wire-haired Dachshunds. Non-parametric linkage analysis and association tests did not reveal significant linkage or association for the candidate gene flanking microsatellites tested. Thus, it is unlikely that the 17 investigated candidate genes harbour a causative mutation for CAT in these Dachshunds.