The Ascent of Cat Breeds: New Genetic Insights

Winn funded research

Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.

The diaspora of the modern cat was traced from the presumed site of domestication to distant regions of the world. The Mediterranean was reconfirmed to be the probable site of domestication. Genetic diversity has remained broad throughout the world, with distinct genetic clustering in the Mediterranean basin, Europe/America, Asia and Africa. Most breeds were derived from indigenous cats of their purported regions of origin. However, the Persian and Japanese bobtail were more aligned with European/American than with Mediterranean basin or Asian clusters. Pure breeding was associated with a loss of genetic diversity; however, this loss did not correlate with breed popularity or age.

>> PubMed abstract

For more information:
Dr. Leslie Lyons' Feline & Comparative Genetics Laboratory

Winn Feline Foundation Library

Treatment of feline Tritrichomonas

Winn funded research

Kather, E. J., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Determination of the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 antimicrobial agents." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 966-70.

Ronidazole has been demonstrated to have in vitro and in vivo activity against the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus in cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of feline T. foetus isolates obtained from naturally infected cats to 5 antimicrobial agents and to compare the in vitro time kill of ronidazole and metronidazole.

>> PubMed abstract

For more information:
Dr. Jody Gookin's North Carolina State University website
(scroll down to see feline T. foetus links)

Winn Feline Foundation Library

Understanding Feline Calicivirus

Winn funded research

Ossiboff, R. J. and J. S. Parker (2007). "Identification of regions and residues in feline junctional adhesion molecule required for feline calicivirus binding and infection." J Virol 81(24): 13608-21.

Despite including important human and animal pathogens, the Caliciviridae family is relatively understudied. Feline caliciviruses (FCVs), members of the Vesivirus genus, are highly contagious pathogens that cause a variety of mild to severe disease syndromes in cats. Virus entry often requires multiple interactions between virus particles and cell surface receptors. These interactions are critical determinants of productive virus entry and are often important factors in viral pathogenesis.

>> PubMed abstract

For more information:
UC Davis Shelter Medicine Program Information Sheet

Winn Feline Foundation Library