Genome diversity and evolution of transmissible cancers in dogs and Tasmanian devils Event

There are only three known naturally occurring clonally transmissible cancers and these are the Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), the canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) and the disseminated neoplasia of soft-shell clams. These cancers are transmitted between individuals by the transfer of living cancer cells. DFTD is transmitted between Tasmanian devils by biting and CTVT is spread between dogs during coitus. DFTD is threatening its host, the Tasmanian devil, with extinction. We use genetics, genomics and molecular biology to understand the origins, evolution and disease dynamics of the DFTD and CTVT clones. We also study genetic factors influencing host susceptibility, disease pathogenesis and treatment responses. We aim to understand how DFTD and CTVT have emerged and adapted to their hosts with the goal of developing DFTD and CTVT treatment options and using transmissible cancers to gain general insights into cancer evolution. Our research is supported by a Wellcome Trust New Investigator Award. The Transmissible Cancer Group lab website can be found here: http://www.tcg.vet.cam.ac.uk/