What Is The Bernese Mountain Dog DNA And Tissue Repository?

The Bernese Mountain Dog DNA and Tissue Repository (The Repository) at Michigan State University (MSU) has been launched with the joint efforts of researchers at Michigan State University and the Berner Garde Foundation. The Repository is envisioned to be a reliable resource for investigations of genetic and complex diseases that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs. Such studies have the potential to help Bernese Mountain Dogs as well as other dog breeds and humans that have similar diseases.

We are collecting samples from dogs that are both affected with a disorder and from healthy dogs, with emphasis on sample collection from families of dogs. The samples will be used to support research into genetic and other diseases that affect this breed as well as to define the presence or absence of known disease markers in the Bernese Mountain Dog.

How Can I Take Part In Donating To The Repository?

The Repository welcomes the submission of cheek swabs and blood samples from any Bernese Mountain Dog. We are also interested in tumor samples. Since correct diagnosis of each tumor is critical for the quality of the Repository, we encourage that the submission of a formalin-fixed tumor sample be sent for pathology to the Diagnostic Center here at MSU. In addition, we request a separate submission of frozen tumor tissue to the Repository for RNA analysis. Fresh frozen tumor samples require special storage and shipping instructions therefore we ask you to contact us for these details before shipping the sample to us. Please visit our website for submission information and to view the specific sample collection protocols. You may also contact us directly for further information.

Repository Information

For detailed project information, sample submission instructions, shipping kits, and project submission forms, please contact us at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University.


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