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Characterization and expression analysis of KIT and MITF-M genes in llamas and their relation to white coat color.
- Source :
-
Animal genetics [Anim Genet] 2019 Apr; Vol. 50 (2), pp. 143-149. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Feb 07. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- The llama (Lama glama) is a fiber-producing species that presents a wide range of coat colors, among which white is one of the most important for the textile industry. However, there is little information about the molecular mechanisms that control the white phenotype in this species. In domestic mammals, a white coat is usually produced by mutations in the KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) genes. In this work we have sequenced and described the coding regions of KIT and MITF-M, the melanocyte-specific isoform, and the two transcriptional variants MITF-M(-) and MITF-M(+). Moreover, we studied the expression of these genes in the skin of white and colored llamas. Although no variants were revealed to be associated with white coat color, significant differences between phenotypes were observed in the expression levels of KIT and MITF-M. Interestingly, white llamas expressed less MITF-M(+) than did colored ones, which is consistent with a consequent reduction in the synthesis of melanin. Even though our results indicate that downregulation of KIT and MITF-M expression is involved in white phenotype production in llamas, the causative gene of white coat color remains unknown.<br /> (© 2019 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Camelids, New World physiology
Hair chemistry
Hair Color genetics
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor metabolism
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit metabolism
Sequence Analysis, DNA veterinary
Camelids, New World genetics
Gene Expression Regulation
Genetic Variation
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor genetics
Open Reading Frames genetics
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1365-2052
- Volume :
- 50
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Animal genetics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30730042
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/age.12769