Abstract
Simple SummaryCoat color is an important breed characteristic and economic trait for rabbits, and it is regulated by a few genes. In this study, the gene frequencies of some pigmentation genes were investigated in four Chinese native rabbit breeds with different coat colors. A total of 14 genetic variants were detected in the gene fragments of MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH genes, and there was low-to-moderate polymorphism in the populations. The gene frequency showed significant differences among the four rabbit populations. The above results suggest that these genetic variations play an important role in regulating the coat color of rabbits. This study will provide potential molecular markers for the breeding of coat color traits in rabbits.Pigmentation genes such as MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH play a major role in rabbit coat color. To understand the genotypic profile underlying coat color in indigenous Chinese rabbit breeds, portions of the above-mentioned genes were amplified and variations in them were analyzed by DNA sequencing. Based on the analysis of 24 Tianfu black rabbits, 24 Sichuan white rabbits, 24 Sichuan gray rabbits, and 24 Fujian yellow rabbits, two indels in MC1R, three SNPs in MITF, five SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in TYR, one SNP in TYRP1, and three SNPs in MLPH were discovered. These variations have low-to-moderate polymorphism, and there are significant differences in their distribution among the different breeds (p < 0.05). These results provide more information regarding the genetic background of these native rabbit breeds and reveal their high-quality genetic resources.
Highlights
Coat color is one of the important characteristics of animals
The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene is a key regulator in melanin synthesis; melanin participates in the proliferation, differentiation, and transport of melanocytes [8]
A 606 bp fragment of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, a 729 bp fragment of the MITF gene, a 741 bp fragment of the TYR gene, a 682 bp fragment of the TYRP1 gene, and a 498 bp fragment of the MLPH gene were amplified by PCR
Summary
Coat color is one of the important characteristics of animals. It often reflects breed characteristics, production value, species purpose value, and economic value [1,2]. The diversity of animal coat color is regulated by several genes, and the different colors are usually regulated by the major genes. These genes affect the change of coat color after mutation, and control the formation of coat color through interaction [3,4]. After MITF silencing in human melanocytes, the expression of TYR and TYRP1 protein decreased significantly at different levels, while the expression of TYRP2 protein increased significantly
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