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Genetics of Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Laminitis Risk

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a metabolic derangement in horses defined by increased insulin resistance. Dr. Norton’s research is using genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing technologies to look at associations between known EMS phenotypes, metabolic derangements, and breed susceptibility to identify genes and putative functional alleles associated with EMS and laminitis risk, using Welsh Ponies and Morgans as a model population.

Dr. Elaine Norton is an assistant professor in the Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona.  The overall goal of her research is to expand the understanding of the pathophysiology of EMS and allow for early detection of high-risk individuals prior to onset of clinical disease.  She is currently exploring the interactions between EMS genetic risk factors and the environment. Elaine obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2009, her Master of Science in 2013 from Auburn University, her PhD in 2019 from the University of Minnesota, and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2014.