Somatic Mutation Patterns in Cloned Dogs: Implications for Aging

Studies on somatic mutations in cloned animals have revealed slight genetic variances between clones and their originals but have yet to identify the precise effects of these differences within the organism. Somatic mutations contribute to aging and are implicated in tumor development and other age-related diseases. To explore this, we compared whole genome sequencing data of an original dog with cloned dogs, identifying 8,155 candidate somatic mutations. By analyzing mutational signatures and rates within relevant genes, we identified potential associations with aging. Further analysis of 239 homozygous mutations within 189 genes revealed significant enrichment of traits related to chronotype, adult body size, height, spherical equivalent or myopia, and age at first sexual intercourse, suggesting these genes play roles in both growth and aging, as indicated by changes during adolescence.