A team of researchers from Kyushu University has identified the gene behind orange fur in domestic cats, revealing a complex mechanism that governs pigment production and skin cell activity. The discovery sheds light on why most orange tabbies are male, while calicos and tortoiseshell coats are nearly always female.
According to the study published in Current Biology, the gene responsible for orange fur is a deletion mutation in the X-linked ARHGAP36 gene. This mutation increases gene activity in pigment-producing skin cells, resulting in the production of lighter pigments that create the characteristic orange coloration.
The researchers found that all 18 orange cats analyzed had this specific deletion, while non-orange cats did not. The study also reveals that the gene is active in many areas of the body, including areas of the brain and hormonal glands, suggesting potential connections between coat color and other bodily functions.
Interestingly, the researchers suggest that the mutation may have far-reaching effects beyond just coat color, possibly influencing personality traits or even medical conditions like skin cancer and hair loss. Further studies are planned to explore these possibilities and uncover more about the origins of the orange gene.
The discovery brings a sense of resolution to decades-long mystery surrounding feline fur coloration and opens up new avenues for research into genetics, pigmentation, and animal biology.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/genetics-orange-cat-28945