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The analysis of inherited diseases in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) provides a resource for the continued use of this species as a model system for human diseases. Many different dog breeds are affected by congenital sensorineural deafness. Since mutations in various genes have already been found causative for sensorineural hearing impairment in humans or mice, 20 of these genes were considered as candidates for deafness in dogs. For each of the candidate genes a canine BAC clone was isolated by screening with heterologous human or murine cDNA probes. The gene-containing BAC clones were physically assigned to the canine genome by FISH and the BAC-derived STS-markers were positioned with the RHDF5000 panel on the canine RH map. The mapping data, which confirm the established conservation of synteny between canine and human chromosomes, provide a resource for further association studies in segregating canine populations and the basis for new insights into this common canine and human disease.

Mutations in the myosin XVA gene (MYO15A) cause congenital non-syndromic deafness in humans and mice. Therefore, the M YO15A gene represents a candidate gene for hereditary hearing loss in dogs. Using a human cDNA to screen a dog BAC library, we isolated a canine BAC clone. Sequencing of the BAC ends confirmed homology to the human gene. To facilitate future linkage studies, we report the physical mapping of the canine MYO15A gene to CFA5q23-q24 by FISH and RH mapping.

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