Decoding the orange fur color gene in cats

DNVN - After years of research, scientists have discovered the gene that determines orange-yellow fur color in cats, solving a long-standing genetic mystery in the field of research.

A breakthrough from two new studies.

Two studies published on the bioRxiv repository, from the team of Greg Barsh at Stanford University (USA) and Hiroyuki Sasaki at Kyushu University (Japan), have identified the Arhgap36 gene as the determinant of orange-yellow coat color in cats.

Normally, in most mammals, melanin pigmentation is controlled by the membrane protein MC1R. However, cats have a completely different mechanism. Instead of MC1R, the Arhgap36 gene on the X chromosome directly influences coat color.

"This explains why only female cats can have tricolor (black/orange/white) or bicolor (black/orange) fur," according to the researchers. Because male cats only possess one X chromosome, they usually only have a single fur color, either black or orange.

The uniqueness of calico cats

According to scientists, mammals only have two types of melanin pigments: eumelanin, which creates dark brown or black colors, and pheomelanin, which creates yellow, red, or orange colors. In male cats with the Arhgap36 gene mutation, or the orange fur area in calico cats, this mutation interferes with eumelanin production, allowing pheomelanin to be produced instead.

In particular, in calico female cats, the random inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes during development is the cause of the unique patterns on their fur. Researchers note: "If the inactivation occurs early, the spots will be larger. Conversely, if the inactivation occurs late, the spots will be smaller."

A new perspective on the genetics of cat coat color.

This research has opened a new avenue in deciphering the genetic mechanisms that determine coat color in cats. According to the scientists, the discovery of the Arhgap36 gene not only clarifies the complex genetic phenomenon in cats but also provides new insights into the evolution of pigment regulation mechanisms in mammals. These findings could lay the foundation for future research on color inheritance in other animal species, and contribute to explaining the relationship between genes and phenotype in nature.

Viet Anh (compiled)

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/giai-ma-gen-mau-long-cam-o-meo/20241209092100255