About the disease
Gangliosidosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by abnormal accumulation of lipids in nerve cells. There are two types of gangliosidosis that affect Korats, GM1 and GM2. Gangliosidosis GM1 is caused by a mutation in the feline β-Galactosidase (GLB1) gene. Affected kittens develop tremors around 3 months of age, progressing to include blindness, seizures and death by 9 to 10 months of age. The disease is autosomal recessive, meaning that two copies of the mutant gene are required for disease.
We can now test for the Korat GM1 mutation to enable breeders to identify Carrier cats and prevent breeding between them, which can produce Affected kittens.
What breeds are at risk - Korat – low prevalence, Siamese – low prevalence.
Gangliosidosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by abnormal accumulation of lipids in nerve cells. There are two types of gangliosidosis that affect Korats, GM1 and GM2. Gangliosidosis GM1 is caused by a mutation in the feline β-Galactosidase (GLB1) gene. Affected kittens develop tremors around 3 months of age, progressing to include blindness, seizures and death by 9 to 10 months of age. The disease is autosomal recessive, meaning that two copies of the mutant gene are required for disease.
We can now test for the Korat GM1 mutation to enable breeders to identify Carrier cats and prevent breeding between them, which can produce Affected kittens.
What breeds are at risk - Korat – low prevalence, Siamese – low prevalence.
Interpretation of results
A Normal Korat GM1 genetic test result means that the cat does not have the known genetic mutation causing Korat GM1 gangliosidosis.
A Carrier Korat GM1 genetic test result means that the cat has one copy of the Korat GM1 mutation. The cat will not have Korat GM1 gangliosidosis, but may pass the mutation to their offspring.
An Affected Korat GM1 genetic test result means that the cat has two copies of the Korat GM1 mutation. The cat will have Korat GM1 gangliosidosis.
Each certificate we issue will specify whether the cat is Normal,Carrier or Affected for the known Korat GM1 mutation.
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