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Yi chuan = Hereditas2018; 40(5); 357-368; doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.17-371

[Overview of the genetic control of horse coat color patterns].

Abstract: Mammalian coat color is one of the first phenotypic changes resulting from positive selection by humans, and it serves important roles in genetic and evolutionary processes. Among them, horses show a broad variety of coat color patterns, based on which it is difficult to distinguish the real phenotypes, resulting in confused records in horse breed registration. Thus, research in the genetic mechanisms on the development of coat color patterns is significant in horse reproduction and breeding. With the recent establishment of genomics and sequencing technologies, there are significant advances in research in the genetics of horse coat colors, which demonstrate that special coat colors could be associated with certain diseases. In this review, we classify horse coat colors from the perspective of genetics, and summarize the recent research progresses of the associated genes and molecular mechanisms on horse coat color development and its application, thereby providing references to further systematic research on horse coat color patterns and their practical uses in horse breeding.
Publication Date: 2018-05-23 PubMed ID: 29785944DOI: 10.16288/j.yczz.17-371Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

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The research article details the advances in the genetic understanding of horse coat color patterns. The research concludes that certain coat colors in horses could be associated with particular diseases and has implications for horse breeding.

Significance of the Study

  • This study delves into the genetic mechanisms causing a variety of horse coat color patterns – a topic not previously fully understood and often recorded inaccurately in horse breed registrations.
  • It suggests that a more profound understanding of these mechanisms can help in the succinct classification of horse breeds and their appropriate registration. This can significantly influence horse breeding and reproduction.
  • The research also bears significance in the medical realm as it proposes that specific horse coat colors might correlate with certain diseases.

Methodology and Findings

  • With the help of recent advancements in genomics and sequencing technologies, the researchers have been able to dive deep into the genetics of horse coat colors and the molecular mechanisms behind them.
  • The article is more of a review, summarizing the collected research advancements, and classifies horse coat colors from a genetic perspective.
  • The research not only covers the genetic and molecular pathways leading to different coat colors but also delves into their applications in practical horse breeding and disease predictions.

Implications of the Study

  • Post this study, researchers and horse breeders can refer to the presented horse coat color genetics for easier, more accurate breed categorization and registration.
  • The highlight of this research, linking coat colors to diseases, opens up a novel area for medical research. The symptoms or susceptibility to certain diseases in horses can now be linked to their coat color, leading to preventive healthcare measures and early treatment options.
  • This research can also influence the choice of breeding, allowing breeders to selectively choose horse pairs to get desirable, disease-resistant offspring.

Cite This Article

APA
Zhao RY, Zhao YP, Li B, Bou G, Zhang XZ, Mongke T, Bao T, Gereliin S, Gereltuuin T, Li C, Bai DY, Dugarjaviin ML. (2018). [Overview of the genetic control of horse coat color patterns]. Yi Chuan, 40(5), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.16288/j.yczz.17-371

Publication

ISSN: 0253-9772
NlmUniqueID: 9436478
Country: China
Language: chi
Volume: 40
Issue: 5
Pages: 357-368

Researcher Affiliations

Zhao, Ruo Yang
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Zhao, Yi Ping
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Li, Bei
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Bou, Gerelchimeg
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Zhang, Xin Zhuang
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Mongke, Togtokh
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Bao, Tugeqin
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Gereliin, Shurenchimeg
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Gereltuuin, Tsimbai
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Li, Chao
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Bai, Dong Yi
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.
Dugarjaviin, Mang Lai
  • Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equus Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Hohhot 010018, China.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Fur / chemistry
  • Animal Fur / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Breeding
  • Color
  • Horses / genetics
  • Horses / metabolism
  • Phenotype

Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Jafari H, Abebe BK, Cong L, Ahmed Z, Zhaofei W, Sun M, Muhatai G, Chuzhao L, Dang R. Review: Genomic insights into the adaptive traits and stress resistance in modern horses. Stress Biol 2026 Jan 12;6(1):5.
    doi: 10.1007/s44154-025-00274-1pubmed: 41521281google scholar: lookup
  2. Wu D, Fan J, Pang Y, Wen B, Li W, Yang G, Cheng H, Shi J, Wang T, Hu S, Li C, Liu B, Yin J, Wu J. Identification and Expression Patterns of Critical Genes Related to Coat Color in Cashmere Goats. Genes (Basel) 2025 Feb 14;16(2).
    doi: 10.3390/genes16020222pubmed: 40004551google scholar: lookup
  3. Bacon EK, Donnelly CG, Bellone RR, Haase B, Finno CJ, Velie BD. Preliminary investigation of potential links between pigmentation variants and opioid analgesic effectiveness in horses during cerebrospinal fluid centesis. BMC Vet Res 2024 Jul 12;20(1):311.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04139-zpubmed: 38997753google scholar: lookup
  4. Mura MC, Carcangiu V, Cosso G, Columbano N, Sanna Passino E, Luridiana S. Discrepancies between Genetic and Visual Coat Color Assignment in Sarcidano Horse. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 6;14(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14040543pubmed: 38396512google scholar: lookup
  5. Munds RA, Titus CL, Moreira LAA, Eggert LS, Blomquist GE. Examining the molecular basis of coat color in a nocturnal primate family (Lorisidae). Ecol Evol 2021 May;11(9):4442-4459.
    doi: 10.1002/ece3.7338pubmed: 33976821google scholar: lookup