Has the Mystery of Orange Cats Finally Been Solved?
The Genetic Enigma of Ginger Felines
The scientific community has long been puzzled by the genetic mutation responsible for the orange or ginger color of some cats, affectionately known in Malaysia as “Oyen“. Two independent research teams may have finally cracked the code.
The Role of Mc1r Protein
In most mammals, including humans, ginger hair is caused by mutations in the Mc1r protein. This protein instructs melanocytes to produce either dark or light pigment with red-yellow highlights. When it is less active, these skin pigment cells are limited to producing a light pigment with a red-yellow hue, resulting in red hair. However, in cats, the gene coding for the Mc1r protein does not appear to be the cause of ginger hair, as the majority of ginger cats do not have Mc1r mutations.
Uncovering the Genetic Mechanisms
Greg Barsh, a geneticist at Stanford University, and his colleagues sought to understand the genetic mechanisms that produce orange hair in cats. They took skin samples from eight cat fetuses – four ginger and four non-ginger – from neuter clinics and analyzed the RNA produced by melanocytes.
The Discovery of Arhgap36
The researchers found that the melanocytes of the cats produced 13 times more RNA from a specific gene, Arhgap36, located on the X chromosome. This discovery could explain the origin of the orange color, the researchers suggested. However, upon closer examination of the Arhgap36 gene, the scientists found no mutations that could account for the orange color of some cats.
The Role of Genetic Deletion
Instead, they discovered that the orange cats were missing a nearby stretch of DNA located just upstream of this gene. This deletion didn’t affect the protein’s amino-acid components but was likely to influence skin or, pertinently, hair pigmentation.
Confirmation by Professor Sasaki
Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki at Kyushu University corroborated these findings, demonstrating the role of the Arhgap36 gene in the orange coloration of certain cats’ coats. He and his colleagues revealed the same genetic deletion in 24 feral and pet cats from Japan, as well as among 258 cat genomes collected from around the world.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand the genetic mechanisms behind orange cats, this discovery is a significant step forward. Experts are thrilled by the findings, and the scientific community is eager to learn more about these fascinating felines.
FAQs
Q: What is the genetic basis of orange cats?
A: The genetic basis of orange cats is a deletion of a nearby stretch of DNA located just upstream of the Arhgap36 gene, which is located on the X chromosome.
Q: Why is the Mc1r protein not responsible for orange hair in cats?
A: The majority of ginger cats do not have Mc1r mutations, indicating that the Mc1r protein is not the cause of orange hair in cats.
Q: Can this discovery help us better understand cat genetics?
A: Yes, this discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind orange cats and highlights the importance of genetic research in understanding feline biology.