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Rex mutant in the Norway rat

The Journal of Heredity

|March 1, 1981

Summary

A new dominant gene, Rex (Re), causes a distinct curly coat and bent vibrissae in Norway rats. Homozygotes show more severe effects, including temporary baldness, differentiating it from other rexoid mutants.

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Area of Science:

Genetics and Animal Science
Mammalian Genetics
Coat Mutants

Background:

Norway rats are a common model organism in genetic research.
Coat texture and hair morphology are important phenotypic traits influenced by specific genes.
Previous studies have identified several rexoid mutants in Norway rats, each with unique characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To report and characterize a newly identified rex or curly coat mutant in the Norway rat.
To determine the mode of inheritance and genetic basis of this new mutation.
To compare the new mutant with previously described rexoid mutations in Norway rats.

Main Methods:

Phenotypic observation of the coat and vibrissae in affected Norway rats.
Genetic crosses to determine the mode of inheritance (dominant/recessive, homozygous/heterozygous effects).
Comparative analysis with existing literature on Norway rat rexoid mutants.

Main Results:

A new dominant gene, designated Rex (Re), was identified as the cause of the curly coat and bent vibrissae.
Homozygous (ReRe) rats exhibited a more severe phenotype, including transient baldness around five weeks of age, compared to heterozygotes (Re+).
The observed phenotype and inheritance pattern suggest this Rex mutation is distinct from four previously described rexoid mutants in Norway rats.

Conclusions:

The newly identified Rex mutation represents a novel genetic variation in Norway rats.
The dominant nature of the Re gene and its distinct phenotypic expression, particularly in homozygotes, provide valuable insights into coat development genetics.
This finding contributes to the understanding of genetic diversity within Norway rat populations and their utility in research.

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