Dr. Leslie Lyons is well known for her work in genomics and her passion for cats. Her recent work has included the analysis of the origin of cat breeds and the sites of cat domestication. This body of knowledge was recently featured by the National Geographic program, 'The Science of Cats'.
National Geographic - The Science of Cats I
National Geographic - The Science of Cats II
Leslie Lyons was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania, one hour south of Pittsburgh, in Uniontown. Dr. Lyons received her graduate degrees from The University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Human Genetics. Both her Masters and Doctorate degrees are in human genetics, specializing in both laboratory and data analysis of human disease gene mapping.
In 1992, Dr. Lyons joined the National Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Genomic Diversity for her post-doctoral career in comparative genetics. While at the NCI, she helped organized the Feline Genome Project. Dr. Lyons developed a feline genetic mapping pedigree using natural mating and assisted reproductive techniques between domestic and Asian Leopard cats. These hybrid cats are known as Bengals by cat breeders. Dr. Lyons was promoted to Research Fellow at the NCI and expanded her interests by initiating population genetic and disease gene mapping projects for the domestic cat.
In the fall of 1999, Dr. Lyons joined the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, to further pursue disease gene mapping and genetic map construction in companion animals, including the cats, dogs, horses and primates. The laboratory’s major focus is the genetics of the domestic cat, including disease, inherited traits, and population diversity.
Dr. Lyons’ research laboratory has had recent success with the identification of the gene causing Persian cat polycystic kidney disease, which is the most prevalent inherited disease in cats. The laboratory has also identified the mutations for Siamese, Burmese, albino, chocolate and cinnamon coat colors as well as the mutation causing cat blood group B. Each of these mutations can now be used as a genetic test in cats.
The Lyons’ laboratory has also led an international collaboration to develop a worldwide genetic panel for parentage and identification profiling in cats, which is even being used in forensic applications.
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