Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing and treating multiple-system atrophy (MSA) in a subject, the method comprising: determining in a subject-derived biological sample an expression level of a gene from the group consisting of: QKI, GGCX, MOCS1, NF1, LINC01572, PRRG3, HMBOX1, PLP1, PPP1CA, C8orf88, TGFB2, MASP1, TIAM1, SYNGAP1, ACTN1, EMP1, NFIL3, GPNMB, PGAM2, ST5, STON1, RFTN1, and MMP14; comparing the subject-derived expression level of the gene with a normal control expression level of the gene obtained from a non-neurodegenerative biological sample; diagnosing the subject as a having MSA by detecting a differential expression of the gene in the subject-derived biological sample as compared to the normal control expression level; and administering a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ? (PPAR?) agonist or a retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist to the subject diagnosed as having MSA.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in humans and canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) in canines. The methods include detecting expression of genes found to indicate a predisposition, a risk, or a presence of IPF: SDHAF2, CPSF7, and MUC5B. One variant, rs22669389, corresponding to position 54992254 on canine (CanFam3.1) chromosome 18, was identified at a suggestive level of significance to be associated with CIPF. The methods further comprise performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) of DNA in the sample to confirm detection of a variant indicating a predisposition, a risk, or a diagnosis of IPF or CIPF. The method further includes treating a subject for IPF or CIPF, based on the diagnosis of IPF or CIPF.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods of identifying a dog at risk of developing a an autoimmune disease or condition, for example a hypothyroid disease or condition, comprising testing whether the dog exhibits one or more selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), together with diagnostic kits for carrying out such methods, methods of treatment or prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, e.g., comprising administering an effective amount of tea extract to a dog in need thereof, and a canine diet or supplement comprising tea extract, useful for treatment of prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, or for maintenance of thyroid health in a dog.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods of identifying a dog at risk of developing a an autoimmune disease or condition, for example a hypothyroid disease or condition, comprising testing whether the dog exhibits one or more selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), together with diagnostic kits for carrying out such methods, methods of treatment or prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, e.g., comprising administering an effective amount of tea extract to a dog in need thereof, and a canine diet or supplement comprising tea extract, useful for treatment of prophylaxis of such autoimmune disease or condition, or for maintenance of thyroid health in a dog.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) with a modulator of a metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7).