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 GM2 is caused by a mutation in the β-subunit of the feline hexosaminadase (HEXB) gene. It causes progressive neurological dysfunction, including tremors and lack of coordination in affected kittens as early as 4 weeks of age, progressing to death by 8 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 GM2 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.
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 GM2 is caused by a mutation in the β-subunit of the feline hexosaminadase (HEXB) gene. It causes progressive neurological dysfunction, including tremors and lack of coordination in affected kittens as early as 4 weeks of age, progressing to death by 8 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 GM2 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.
Interpretation of results
A Normal Korat GM2 genetic test result means that the cat does not have the known genetic mutation causing Korat GM2 gangliosidosis.
A Carrier Korat GM2 genetic test result means that the cat has one copy of the Korat GM2mutation. The cat will not have Korat GM2 gangliosidosis, but may pass the mutation to their offspring.
An Affected Korat GM2 genetic test result means that the cat has two copies of the Korat GM2 mutation. The cat will have Korat GM2 gangliosidosis.
Each certificate we issue will specify whether the cat is Normal,Carrier or Affected for the known Korat GM2 mutation.
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