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Published on: March 13, 2011
Molecular characterization of the Himalayan mink
Bernhard F Benkel1, Kirsti Rouvinen-Watt, Hossain Farid
1Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, P.O. Box 550, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada. bbenkel@nsac.ca
Summary
A rare "marbled" American mink (Neovison vison) has a mutation in the tyrosinase (TYR) gene. This genetic change causes temperature-sensitive pigment production, similar to Himalayan mice, leading to their distinctive light body and dark points.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Zoology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- A rare "marbled" color variant of the American mink (Neovison vison) exhibits a unique pigment distribution.
- This pattern, characterized by a light body and dark extremities (points), is reminiscent of Siamese cats and Himalayan mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of the marbled color variant in American mink.
- To test the hypothesis that a mutation in the tyrosinase (TYR) gene causes temperature-sensitive pigment production.
Main Methods:
- Genetic sequencing of the TYR gene in marbled American mink.
- Analysis of mutations within exon 4 of the TYR gene.
- Comparison of the identified mutation with known mutations in other species.
Main Results:
- A specific mutation (c.1835C > G) was identified in exon 4 of the TYR gene in marbled mink.
- This mutation leads to an amino acid substitution (p.H420Q) in the tyrosinase enzyme.
- The mutation's location corresponds to the site of a similar mutation in Himalayan mice.
Conclusions:
- The marbled color variant in American mink is caused by a temperature-sensitive mutation in the TYR gene.
- This genetic basis is analogous to the Himalayan trait observed in other species.
- The marbled mink variant can be accurately described as "Himalayan mink".
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