Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes

Science. 2009 Oct 2;326(5949):150-3. doi: 10.1126/science.1177808. Epub 2009 Aug 27.

Abstract

Coat color and type are essential characteristics of domestic dog breeds. Although the genetic basis of coat color has been well characterized, relatively little is known about the genes influencing coat growth pattern, length, and curl. We performed genome-wide association studies of more than 1000 dogs from 80 domestic breeds to identify genes associated with canine fur phenotypes. Taking advantage of both inter- and intrabreed variability, we identified distinct mutations in three genes, RSPO2, FGF5, and KRT71 (encoding R-spondin-2, fibroblast growth factor-5, and keratin-71, respectively), that together account for most coat phenotypes in purebred dogs in the United States. Thus, an array of varied and seemingly complex phenotypes can be reduced to the combinatorial effects of only a few genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Animals
  • Dogs / genetics*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 / genetics*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Hair* / anatomy & histology
  • Hair* / growth & development
  • Haplotypes
  • Keratins, Hair-Specific / genetics*
  • Lod Score
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Thrombospondins / genetics*
  • United States

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Keratins, Hair-Specific
  • Thrombospondins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 5