[Effects of Kit gene on coat depigmentation in white horses].

The research article looks into the effects of the kit gene on the coat depigmentation in white horses, especially targeting the Mongolian white horse, which is known for its entirely faded color, unlike other horse breeds.

Importance of Horse Coat Color

• Coat color is crucial in species identification and individual recognition in horses.
• It is an essential trait considered in horse breeding.
• The study of coat color fade in horses is crucial as it can provide insights into the genetic traits and tendencies of different horse breeds.

Kit Gene and Coat Color

• Research has traced back the manifestation of the white phenotype to the mutation of the kit gene found on chromosome 3.
• The kit gene is responsible for the formation of melanoblasts and melanin in the epidermis of horses, which in turn determines whether a horse will exhibit a white phenotype or not.
• Nevertheless, the mutation and subsequent effects of the kit gene vary significantly across different horse species.

Case Study: Mongolian White Horses

• Horses with completely faded coat colors are few and rare, typically found in select species. Still, the Mongolian white horse, mainly found in West Ujimqin, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia, is renowned for its completely faded coat – a rare feature in horses.
• However, the genetic mechanism inducing this coat color fading in Mongolian white horses remains unclear.
• Recent studies haven’t found any notable mutations in the 21 exons of kit gene in Mongolian white horses.

Aims and Objectives of the Study

• The article seeks to summarize recent international studies on the molecular mechanism of color fading in horses.
• It aims to establish a firm foundation for the study of the formation mechanism of the Mongolian white horse.
• Ultimately, the research seeks to provide valuable insights and references for future studies on the patterns of horse coat color and the breeding prospects tied to this feature.