The hunt is on to isolate this hormone for further studies, although such a chemical has not yet been isolated in humans or dalmatians to date.
Implications
Current implications: One candidate for uric acid transport is GLUT9. GLUT9 is a known glucose transporter encoded by the SLC2A9 (solute carrier family 2 member 9) gene and is found in kidneys, the liver and the intestine.2 This protein has been shown to function as a high-capacity, low-affinity urate transporter in humans and, likely, in dogs. Genetic variants in the SLC2A9 gene are associated with variations in serum uric acid level, fractional excretion of uric acid and even differential risk for gout.3,4 Causative mutations have not been determined. However, a missense mutation of this gene in dalmatians results in hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria. Humans who have loss-of-function mutations in the SLC2A9 gene have been described in familial renal hypouricemia.5
Future implications: The inhibition of SLC2A9 may result in drastic reduction in serum uric acid levels. Would this medication increase the risk of uric acid stones as seen in dalmatians? Could we selectively modulate this transporter to have a strong enough uricosuric effect to prevent hyperuricemia while concurrently avoiding increased risk of urinary stone formation?
Chances in the Tournament
We are drooling to watch Dalmatian Urate’s first-round matchup against Dog OA, and we expect them to fetch a win over their ailing archrivals. Afterward, expect Dalmatian Urate to be an underdog against the rejuvenated Axolotl Limbs or the historically dominant Dinosaur SpA.
If they do make it out of the tournament’s first round, Dalmatian Urate will have trouble chasing down any of the teams from the Cells Region, especially CAR-T cells. Everyone hopes for a matchup with Dual Energy CT in Gout, which would lend flare for a dramatic final.
Kubra Bugdayli, MD, is a first-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
Brett Capel, MD, is a second-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
Yusuf Chao, MD, is a first-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
Melissa DeFoe, MD, is a second-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
Daniel Emesiani, MD, is a second-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
Joad Eseddi, MD, is a first-year fellow in the University of Texas Southwestern Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Dallas.
