An unusual form of cancer that can be transmitted between individuals has been observed among dogs, wolves, and coyotes. Understanding the phenomenon may help advance techniques for stopping the progression of cancer in other species.
The canine transmissible venereal tumor, spread by licking, biting, or sniffing tumor-infected areas, survives through a process of stealing mitochondria from the host animal.
The research is being conducted at Imperial College London, supported by the U.K. Natural Environment Research Council.
Source: Imperial College London, www.ic.ac.uk.