Identification and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the myosin VA (MYO5A) gene and its exclusion as the causative gene of the dilute coat colour locus in rabbit

<p>Classical genetic studies have identified different coat colour loci in rabbit and comparative analyses have established corresponding loci across species. In particular, the rabbit <em>dilute</em> locus is determined by a recessive coat colour mutation that modifies the basic colours influenced by the <em>agouti</em> and <em>extension</em> mutations. In mice, similar phenotypic effects are determined by a similarly named locus. This locus encodes the myosin VA (<em>Myo5a</em>) gene, whose protein product is an unconventional myosin that plays an essential role in melanosome transport in the melanocytes. We selected the same gene as a strong candidate for explaining the <em>dilute</em> coat colour in rabbit. To this end, 1399 bp were re-sequenced, spanning 4 exons out of 41 exons and a portion of intronic regions of the rabbit <em>MYO5A</em> gene to identify polymorphisms that could be useful to confirm or exclude this gene as causative of the rabbit <em>dilute</em> locus. Nine polymorphisms were identified, one of which was used to follow the segregation of the blue and black colours in a Checkered Giant F1 family. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysed did not co-segregate with the two colours. These results excluded the <em>MYO5A</em> gene as determinant of the <em>dilute</em> locus in rabbit. The two alleles of this SNP were also present in several other breeds with different coat colours, further indicating that this marker is not associated with the <em>dilute</em> mutation in rabbits. Other candidates should be investigated to identify the causative gene of this locus in rabbit.</p>

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA

A person counts once a day per paper. We keep no cookie and no address: a reader is a hash that changes every day. Any month under five reads shows no number.