Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
[Molecular basis and applicability in equine color genetics]
Bei Li1, Xiao-Long He, Yi-Ping Zhao
1College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China. mulanlb@163.com
Yi Chuan = Hereditas
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Horse coat color is determined by eumelanin and phaeomelanin distribution, regulated by specific genes. Understanding these genetic factors aids in horse breeding and disease management.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Context:
- Horse coat color is a key identifier for individuals and species.
- It can also serve as an indicator for diagnosing certain equine diseases.
- The genetic basis of coat color involves pigment production and distribution.
Purpose:
- To review the action mechanisms of candidate genes influencing horse coat color.
- To summarize the association between DNA sequence polymorphisms and coat color phenotypes.
- To explore the link between these genetic variations and melanoma development in horses.
Summary:
- Horse coat color relies on eumelanin and phaeomelanin, produced by melanocytes.
- Key regulatory genes include MC1R, ASIP, KIT, TYRP, EDNRB, STX17, MATP, and PMEL17.
- This review details gene functions and polymorphism associations with color patterns and melanoma.
Impact:
- Provides theoretical support for selective horse breeding programs.
- Offers insights for controlling and preventing horse diseases linked to coat color genetics.
- Enhances understanding of coat color genetics for both practical and clinical applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:39Epistasis
In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
01:43Incomplete Dominance
Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.
01:11Genetic Lingo
Overview
01:49Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Diploid organisms have two alleles of each gene, one from each parent, in their somatic cells. Therefore, each individual contributes two alleles to the gene pool of the population. The gene pool of a population is the sum of every allele of all genes within that population and has some degree of variation. Genetic variation is typically expressed as a relative frequency, which is the percentage of the total population that has a given allele, genotype or phenotype.In the early 20th century,...
01:09Epistasis Analysis
Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...