How Some Dogs Get Cancer: How Genetic Mutations Trigger Cancer in Dogs | Charlotte Hacker, MS, PhD #286
Dr. Charlotte Hacker discusses the complex genetics behind why dogs get cancer. Despite common beliefs, larger animals like elephants and blue whales rarely get cancer due to high levels of tumor suppressor genes like p53. Unfortunately, dogs' genetic makeup, influenced by rapid, human-directed breeding practices, makes them particularly susceptible to cancer. Â
Dr. Hacker explains the role of DNA, mutations, proto-oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. She emphasizes variability across breeds, hereditary and spontaneous mutations, and environmental factors like UV light. Preventive measures for genetic and spontaneous mutations in dogs, common cancer-related genes in different breeds, and the promise of emerging research in fields like epigenetics are also discussed.Â
Your Voice Matters! Â
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question. Â
Related Videos:Â
https://youtu.be/uBCRRQyaTgEÂ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Wvo9IjcvAÂ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlkWnaCYvfUÂ Â
Related Links:Â
Genetic Mutations and Dog Cancer: An Overview (article) https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stats-and-facts/genetic-mutations-and-dog-cancer/Â
Chapters:Â
00:00 IntroductionÂ
00:21 Meet Dr. Charlotte HackerÂ
01:09 Understanding Dog GeneticsÂ
03:06 DNA and Its Role in CancerÂ
06:48 Mutations and Their EffectsÂ
18:43 Oncogenes and Tumor SuppressorsÂ
24:14 Preventing Mutations in DogsÂ
25:49 Conclusion and ResourcesÂ
33:55 Closing Remarks and ResourcesÂ
Â
Get to know Charlotte Hacker:
https://www.dogcancer.com/people/charlotte-hacker-ms-phd/Â Â Â
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/Â Â
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices