Dr. Alison Starr
Research Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Genetics
2007, Texas A & M University
Research Interests
Canine Genetics
Office: 318 Biosystems Research Complex
Phone: (864) 656-0191
Email: astarr@clemson.edu
Research Activities
All knowledge, the totality of all questions and all answers, is contained in the dog. ~Franz Kafka
I am a researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Keith Murphy. Our laboratory is part of the Clemson Canine Genetics Research group, which studies hereditary diseases in the domestic dog. Among mammals, the domestic dog (Canis lupis familiaris) is the most diverse species, unequaled with respect to its varying morphology, coat color, and behavior. Selective breeding practices have produced more than 300 breeds of dog. These breeds were borne from a desire to create companion animals with specific behavioral and physical characteristics. Each breed is a closed population, and as such, has limited genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity caused by founder events, population bottlenecks, and the use of popular sires. Over 480 naturally-occurring hereditary diseases have been described in the dog and more than 200 of these have decidedly similar clinical presentations to corresponding diseases of the human. Almost half of the hereditary diseases in the dog occur largely in one or a few breeds. The unique population structure, clinical similarity to humans, detailed pedigrees, and superior medical surveillance makes the dog a uniquely suited animal model for the dissection of genetic traits.
One specific aim of our research is the development of genetic tests predictive for hereditary diseases. The development of a definitive test has the potential to improve existing diagnostic procedures and ensure the patient receives prompt, appropriate, and effective therapy. Determination of affected and carrier individual allows tailored breeding programs aimed at reducing the incidence of disease without major detriment to breed characteristics. Additionally, because many canine diseases occur in the human as well as dog, results from this work have the potential to be used in translational studies, thus providing contributions to scientific understanding in several areas.
I have a special interest in orthopedic disorders, and am currently investigating Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) in multiple small breeds - predominantly terrier breeds - including the West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Fox Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Welsh Terrier. LCPD is a developmental disorder of the hip joint in puppies (Figure 1). Most cases of LCPD are treated surgically to prevent early degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip.
 |
Figure 1: Radiograph of an LCPD-affected hip. The right femoral head (on the left as viewed) has become flattened and the normal contour of the bone has been lost, and the femoral neck has thickened. |
Additionally, I am investigating hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) in Irish Setters. HOD is a disease afflicting puppies of large and giant breeds. HOD is caused by a disturbance in the growth plates of long bones - primarily the radius and ulna. Severe cases of HOD may result in angular limb deformities or death.
I am also studying the structural birth defects cleft lip/palate (CL/P) (Figure 2) and spina bifida. Several breeds of dog including Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, and French Bulldogs show a high prevalence of CL/P and spina bifida, and we are interested in the relationship between brachycephalic breeds and structural birth defects.
Figure 2: Photograph of a Bulldog puppy with CL/P (left) and radiograph of the cleft.
Recent Publications
Clark L.A., Starr A.N., Tsai K.L. and Murphy K.E. 2008. Genome-wide linkage scan localizes the harlequin locus in the Great Dane to chromosome 9. Gene 418 1-2: 49-52.
Starr A.N., Famula T.R., Markward N.J., Baldwin J.V., Fowler K.D., Klumb D.E., Simpson N.L. and Murphy K.E. 2007. Hereditary evaluation of multiple developmental abnormalities in the Havanese dog breed. Journal of Heredity 98: 510-517. (work featured on cover)
Additional Publication Resources
