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Determination of the candidate gene responsible for BEL (Blue Eye Leucistic) expression in the ball python (Python
1Rangsit University, Faculty of Science, Pathobiology Unit, Pathumthani, Thailand.
Abstract:
The ball python, scientifically known as Python regius, is a popular exotic pet due to its beautiful colors and patterns. One of the most famous characteristics of the ball python is the white coloration seen in the blue-eyed leucistic (BEL) variant. This study indicates that the endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) gene is a candidate gene responsible for the white color and blue eyes characteristic of the BEL. The results from quantitative PCR (qPCR) show an 11.83% difference in the cycle threshold (Ct) values between the wild type and the platinum complex group. This finding suggests that both alleles in the wild type carry normal EDNRB genes, while the platinum complex group shows that one of its alleles possesses a normal EDNRB gene, indicating a heterozygous condition. Notably, there were no qPCR products detected in the BEL, implying that it lacks a normal EDNRB gene. This is the first finding demonstrating that the EDNRB gene is the candidate gene which responsible for the BEL phenotype.
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