Identification of genes associated with longevity in dogs: 9 candidate genes described in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

In the past years, dogs have served as a convenient natural model organism for longevity due to their similarity with humans concerning not only their environment but also the diseases and complications occurring in older age. Since many dog breeds have significantly shorter lifespan than their closely related breeds, identification of genes associated with longevity may help to elucidate its background and serve as a possible tool for selective breeding of long-living dogs. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken to identify the candidate genes associated with longevity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel individuals that have reached the age of more than 13 years. We described 15 SNPs localized in nine genes: <i>B3GALNT1, NLRP1</i> like, <i>PARP14, IQCJ-SCHIP1, COL9A1, COL19A1, SDHAF4, B3GAT2,</i> and <i>DIRC2</i> that are associated with longevity in purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These results are promising for future research and possible selective breeding of companion dogs with extended lifespan.