On Sunday, November 27, 2022, the CBS weekly news show, 60 Minutes, featured a continuing segment from several years ago by Anderson Cooper and other reporters regarding “Studying the Genetics and Evolution of Dogs' Friendliness”. 60 Minutes interviewed several researchers, scientists, genetic specialists, and a mother whose son has Williams Syndrome (also known as Williams-Beuren Syndrome). The genetic link to this disorder is found in “Chromosome number 7”. I found the findings and information extremely interesting and wanted to include it in my blog this week and share it with all my readers.
A scientist at Duke University found the location of the friendliness mutations in dogs corresponds to the same genes that when deleted in humans, cause a rare condition called Williams Syndrome (the deleted chromosome is number 7). This specific study established one of the first genetic links in behavior between dogs and humans. An evolutionary biologist and author at Duke University has spent the last 25 years studying animal evolution. While being interviewed, the biologist stated “It may be hard to imagine, but that sweet dog you love started out as a wild, predatory wolf.” This evolutionary story began at least 20,000 years ago, when humans were hunter-gatherers. This study will continue and new information will be updated and revised to provide a better understanding to all of us between the link connected to wolves, dogs, and humans.
Anderson Cooper described Williams Syndrome as a lifelong condition that often causes serious medical problems and intellectual disabilities. During the interview of the mother whose son has Williams Syndrome explained, her son and others like him, are so trusting and friendly they can sometimes be taken advantage of having this disorder. The mother also explained her son is missing 25 genes on chromosome seven. Additionally, all those genes line up, therefore, 1/10th of 1% of their genetic makeup is missing. That deletion in her son’s DNA, and others with Williams Syndrome, involves the same genes that contains the friendliness mutations discovered in dogs.
More Information on Williams Syndrome and Common Symptoms:
· Specific facial features like a wide mouth
· Small upturned nose
· Widely spaced teeth
· Full lips
· Colic or feeding problems
· Speech delays
· Sunken chest
· Varying degrees of intellectual disability
· Low birth weight and muscle tone
· Kidney abnormalities
· Farsightedness
Personality traits common in people who have the condition include:
· An interest in music, and an aversion to physical contact
· Being overly friendly, and a sensitivity to loud noises
How is Williams Syndrome Different from Down Syndrome?
Williams Syndrome and Down Syndrome are both chromosomal disorders affecting people from birth. However, Williams Syndrome is caused by a missing chromosome, while Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome.
At What age is Williams Syndrome Diagnosed?
This disorder is usually observed before a child reaches the age of 4 years old. In some cases, it may not be diagnosed until the child starts school.
Cure and Treatment:
There is no specific cure for Williams Syndrome. Treatment and care are focused on treating specific symptoms or cardiovascular problems. Children with Williams Syndrome who have a heart defect may need heart catheterization or surgery to repair the problem, including: ballooning or stenting of blood vessels.
Life Expectancy:
Some individuals with Williams Syndrome may have a reduced life expectancy due to complications of the disease (such as cardiovascular involvement). No studies specifically exist on life expectancy, although individuals have been reported to live into their 60’s.
Source of Information: Watching the CBS 60 Minutes Program and Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
Comments