I am studying the genetic architecture of equine exertional rhabdomyolysis in non-Throughbred breeds.

We are currently recruiting Warmblood, Arabian and Iberian horses (eg Andalucian, Lusitano or PRE), and Connemara ponies for genetic studies into recurrent tying-up. If you would be interested in supplying a non-invasive DNA sample, please email me ( vlindsay18@rvc.ac.uk ).

I am a BBSRC LIDo funded PhD student investigating the genetic architecture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats, supervised by Dr Androniki Psifidi, Professor Virginia Luis Fuentes, Professor David Connolly (RVC) and Professor Perry Elliot (UCL).

HCM is strikingly similar in both cats and humans with a significant clinical heterogeneity making diagnosis challenging. This project aims to identify both genetic and environmental risk factors of HCM across cat breeds. Enhancing our understanding of HCM genetics will facilitate the development of targeted DNA tests in cats to enable disease control though selective breeding alongside identifying genetically susceptible individuals prior to clinical onset. Results of this work may also lead to the discovery of new drug targets for HCM.

Identification of genomic biomarkers associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats.

BBSRC LIDo iCASE PhD student working in partnership with Zoetis to identify genomic biomarkers of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. Supervised by Dr Androniki Psifidi, Professor Virginia Luis Fuentes and Professor David Connolly.

HCM affects 1/7 cats (and 1/500 humans) and is associated with increased risk of cardiac death and decreased life expectancy. While >1000 HCM-associated variants have been identified in humans, there have been only 3 identified in cats and there is no current treatment to slow or halt the progression of the disease. Identification of genomic biomarkers will enable identification of target genes and pathways for treatment development.