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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Coloration in Equine: Overview of Candidate Genes Associated...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(12); doi: 10.3390/ani14121802

Coloration in Equine: Overview of Candidate Genes Associated with Coat Color Phenotypes.

Abstract: Variation in coat color among equids has attracted significant interest in genetics and breeding research. The range of colors is primarily determined by the type, concentration, and distribution of melanin pigments, with the balance between eumelanin and pheomelanin influenced by numerous genetic factors. Advances in genomic and sequencing technologies have enabled the identification of several candidate genes that influence coat color, thereby clarifying the genetic basis of these diverse phenotypes. In this review, we concisely categorize coat coloration in horses and donkeys, focusing on the biosynthesis and types of melanin involved in pigmentation. Moreover, we highlight the regulatory roles of some key candidate genes, such as MC1R, TYR, MITF, ASIP, and KIT, in coat color variation. Moreover, the review explores how coat color relates to selective breeding and specific equine diseases, offering valuable insights for developing breeding strategies that enhance both the esthetic and health aspects of equine species.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-17 PubMed ID: 38929421PubMed Central: PMC11200706DOI: 10.3390/ani14121802Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is an overview of the genetic factors influencing coat color in horses and donkeys. It highlights the role of certain genes, the types of melanin involved in pigmentation, and the connection between color, breeding, and some equine diseases.

Introduction and Objectives

  • The authors of the study explain their interest in the variation of coat color among equids, or members of the horse family, due to its relevance in genetic and breeding research.
  • Their intent is to investigate and categorize coat coloration in horses and donkeys, by focusing on the biosynthesis (the production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells) and types of melanin involved in their pigmentation.

Melanin and Coat Colors

  • The authors discuss how different shades of equine coat colors rely heavily on the type, concentration, and distribution of melanin pigments. Specifically, the balance between two types of melanin – eumelanin (responsible for brown and black pigmentation) and pheomelanin (responsible for yellow and red pigmentation) – plays a key part.
  • They also note how sophisticated genomic and sequencing technologies have been instrumental in identifying the genes that influence such melanin balance, thereby revealing the genetic foundation of diverse coat colors.

Role of Key Candidate Genes

  • The research outlines numerous candidate genes, such as , , , and , that have important regulatory roles in coat color variation.
  • These genes interact with each other and the production of eumelanin and pheomelanin, influencing the color and marking patterns seen in different equids.

Coat Color, Breeding, and Diseases

  • They also investigate the linkages between coat color, selective breeding, and specific equine diseases. This exploration provides valuable insights for the development of breeding strategies that promote both aesthetic (coat color) and health aspects of pony and horse species.
  • Recognizing associations between certain coat colors and health conditions could allow breeders to select for or against specific traits, ensuring the health and vibrancy of future equine populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Liu X, Peng Y, Zhang X, Wang X, Chen W, Kou X, Liang H, Ren W, Khan MZ, Wang C. (2024). Coloration in Equine: Overview of Candidate Genes Associated with Coat Color Phenotypes. Animals (Basel), 14(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121802

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 12

Researcher Affiliations

Liu, Xiaotong
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Peng, Yongdong
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Zhang, Xinhao
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Wang, Xinrui
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Chen, Wenting
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Kou, Xiyan
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Liang, Huili
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Ren, Wei
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Khan, Muhammad Zahoor
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.
Wang, Changfa
  • Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 522000, China.

Grant Funding

  • 31671287 / The National Natural Science Foundation of China

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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