The genetics laboratory of Dr. Leslie Lyons focuses on inherited traits, gene flow and breed dynamics and genomic tool development in several species, including cats, dogs, horses and rhesus macaques. The laboratory has a very active program with a variety of undergraduate and graduate students who focus on Forensics, Genetics, Comparative Pathology and Animal Biology. Genetics is cross disciplinary, thus, veterinary students may select a project that involves direct work with cats and interactions with veterinary specialties within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital or with rhesus macaques and the Californai National Primate Research Center. Most all projects do not result in harm or euthanasia of any animals. Primate research focuses on reproduction, behavior, allergen response and asthma. Current projects involving the domestic cat include studies on heritable lymphoma, progressive retinal degeneration, polycystic kidney disease and coat color and fur type traits. Thus, students may also interact with ophthalmology, nephrology and oncology. Direct genetic experiments include management of cat colonies for breeding purposes and the localizations of causative genes in the laboratory. Veterinary students will likely learn pedigree development, segregation analysis, clinical disease work-up and management, feline husbandry practices, and genetic laboratory procedures, such as, PCR, genotyping and sequencing. The Lyons’ genetics laboratory is housed in the Center for Companion Animal Health, above the oncology clinic and in close contact with the VMTH and specialty clinics.
Staff Scientist, CNPRC
Office: (530) 754-5546
Email: lalyons@ucdavis.edu