Contributors to the Lyons' Den Feline Genome Project

Cooperate Sponsorship

Ralston Purina Company, Inc.

Dr. Steven Hannah of Ralston Purina and Dr. Lyons were first introduced at a Canine Health Foundation gathering in 1996 in Chicago, Il. After this meeting, collaborations were developed to assist feline genetics in the development of feline genetic resources and research.

1). Ralston Purina has funded the construction of the Feline BAC Library, which was a collaborative effort between Drs. Lyons and Pieter DeJong at the Roswell Park Cancer Reseach Institute in Buffalo, NY.

2). A project was developed and is continuing for the genetic mapping of basic feline coat colors using the Ralston Purina cat colony.

3). Supplied feed for the cats at the NCI feline research colony.

4). Ralston Purina has underwritten the Feline Genetic and Inherited Disease Conferences that were held at the University of Pennsylvania (June, 1998) and at the University of California, Davis (July, 2000).

Winn Feline Health Foundation

Through their competitive grants program, the Winn Foundation has supported the research of Dr. Lyons. We appreciate the guidance and perspectives provided by the Winn Board and particularly the assistance of Joan Miller, Hilary Helmrich and Janet Wolf.

1). Burmese Cranial-Facial Defect Project (1995, 1997, 2003, 2004 - $60,000.00)

2). Havana Brown Genetic Diversity Project (1996 - $5,000.00)

3). Polycystic Kidney Disease Project (2000, 2001 - $30,000.00)

Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)

The CFA office has been most helpful with providing suggestions, means to contact breeders, obtaining data sets and generally supporting efforts in feline genetics. In particular we would like to thank Thomas Dent, Joan Miller, Carol Krzanowski, and Karen Lawrence. I appreciate the assistance from all the breeders who have let me share hotel rooms and cab rides along the way and all the opportunities to address the various breed councils at the CFA Annual meetings.

The International Cat Association (TICA)

The TICA administrative office have been of great assistance with sample collections and general insight to feline genetic issues. None of the feline geneitc research is association specific and we particularly appreciate the recognition of genetic research for cats by TICA breeders. We have had the opportunity to interact with members of the TICA genetic advisory board, particularly Solveig Pfleuger and Gloria Stephens with invaluable insight into the cat fancy!

2nd International Feline Inherited Disease Conference

Ralston Purina and the UCDavis Center for Companion Animal Health were the major supporters of this conference. We would also like to thank the breeders who participated in the "Parade of Breeds", who helped make the conference a big success. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Nancy Thomas-Abbott and Bill Talbot for assisting with the set-ip for the "Parade of Breeds". We could not have done it with out you!!

Breed Club Sponsorship

Breed clubs and individuals assist the genetic research by donating to the Winn Foundation for general and breed specific projects. We greatly appreciate all contributors whose funding eventually helps the genetic research. In general, our lab is not aware of the funding sent to the Winn Foundation, but we would like to thank those who have specifically contacted the lab and have ear-marked funding for our research. If you would like to be noted on this page, we apologize if we have missed you, please contact the Lyons Den at: felinegenome@ucdavis.edu

National Alliance of Burmese Breeders

The call for research proposals for the Burmese Cranial-Facial Defect Project was initiated by NABB and supportive funding to Winn was provided by Burmese breeders and particularly the Jiminy Christmas.

Birman

Sample Collection Assistance

We have been able to greatly increase our sample size with the assistance of specific individuals and breed clubs. The recent invitations to cat shows for the collection of cheek swab DNA have been a wonderful chance to interact with the breeders, explain research goals and projects, collect samples, meet old friends and of course, meet the cats! We appreciate the assistance of the original contacts, the show managers, the club presidents and the breed clubs for the invitations, funding, support and enthusiam for attendance at the shows.

CFA International Cat Show (November, 1999, 2000, 2001- Kansas City, Houston)

Janet Wolf and Allene Tartaglia

San Diego Cat Show (January, 2000 - San Diego)

San Francisco Revelers Cat Show ( March, 2000 - San Francisco)

Gayla Pierce

Garden State Cat Club (July, 2000 - New Jersey)

Janet Wolf, Geri Fellerman and Jeff Miller

TICA Annual Cat Show sponsored by Jazzy Cats (September, 2000 - Las Vegas)

Paul Huntley and Gloria Mahan

The Evergreen Cat Fanciers show (February, 2001 - Seattle)

Elaine Weitz

Heroic Individual Efforts

As important as funding are the diligent breeders throughout the world who have really been the initiators and the strongest supportors of the research. Without the proper samples, the research can not be accomplished. Their efforts to persuade fellow breeders to send in samples and information have been heroic and most greatly appreciated. These are truly the unsung heros of the Feline Genome Project. We are happy to list the most significant participants and we request permission to list your name. Individuals may have provided samples, cats, pedigrees, background information and just general encouragement.

Spasticity Project

Persian Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Burmese Cranial-Facial Defect

Lymphosarcoma

Heart Disease

Hip Dysplasia