Professor of Veterinary Clinical Genetics Royal Veterinary College London, England, United Kingdom
Disclosure(s):
Lucy J. Davison, MA VetMB PhD DSAM DECVIM: No relevant disclosure to display
Presentation Description / Summary: This presentation will present new data from hyperthyroid cats relating to the pathogenesis and genetic basis of feline hyperthyroidism. The data presented will illustrate the complex role of genetics in risk of developing hyperthyroidism, as well as the way in which acquired genetic mutations in the thyroid gland itself can drive disease. This will be compared to the human disease toxic multinodular goitre. Data presented will include a study of genetic risk factors in hyperthyroidism, as well as a transcriptomic study of thyroid tissue from related and untreated hyperthyroid cats, compared to euthyroid cats. This will be cross-referenced with histopathological data as well as functional in vitro evidence demonstrating how acquired mutations in key signalling genes may drive increased thyroid hormone production. The potential impact of these results on our ability to predict or treat or prevent feline hyperthyroidism will also be considered.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to appreciate that feline hyperthyroidism is a combination of genetics, aging and environment, with multiple genes likely to affect risk.
Upon completion, participant will be able to understand how transcriptomics (RNA-sequencing) can help to identify which genes are expressed in thyroid nodues, as well as recognising that gene expression can be related to histological evaluation of the thyroid gland.
Upon completion, participant will be able to recognise that acquired mutations in genes associated with signalling in the thyroid gland can drive the increase in thyroid hormone production seen in hyperthyroid cats
