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MC1R studies in dogs with melanistic mask or brindle patterns
S M Schmutz1, T G Berryere, N M Ellinwood
1Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5A8. shmutz@sask.usask.ca
The Journal of Heredity
|April 15, 2003
Summary
The melanocortin receptor 1 gene (MC1R) influences coat color in dogs. A specific MC1R allele, M264V, is linked to the black mask pattern, while brindle patterns show no consistent genetic link.
Area of Science:
- Canine genetics
- Molecular biology
- Coat color genetics
Background:
- The black mask pattern in dogs involves a melanistic muzzle, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in some breeds.
- A known MC1R mutation (R306ter) causes red or yellow coat colors in specific breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of the black mask pattern in dogs.
- To differentiate the genetic cause of black mask from brindle patterns.
Main Methods:
- Examined the amino acid sequence of the melanocortin receptor 1 gene (MC1R) in dogs with and without black masks.
- Analyzed MC1R sequences in brindle dogs, including those with black masks.
Main Results:
- Dogs with a black mask consistently possessed at least one copy of the M264V allele and lacked the R306ter homozygous mutation.
- No consistent amino acid changes in MC1R were found in brindle dogs.
Conclusions:
- The black mask trait in dogs is likely caused by a specific MC1R allele (M264V).
- The brindle coat pattern does not appear to be caused by the same specific MC1R allele.