Xinghao Li , Jia Xuan

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 2   
Received: 06 Feb., 2024    Accepted: 18 Mar., 2024    Published: 31 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study investigates the genetic basis of coat color variations in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by analyzing several key genes associated with pigmentation, and sequences the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene and identified four alleles, including two in-frame deletions linked to specific coat colors such as red/fawn/yellow and black. Additionally, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to explore fur color traits across different rabbit breeds, identifying genes like ASIP, MITF, and KIT that are associated with pigmentation. A frameshift mutation in the melanophilin (MLPH) gene was found to cause the dilute coat color phenotype, providing a model for human Griscelli syndrome type. Furthermore, a composite in-frame deletion in the MC1R gene was associated with the Japanese brindling coat color, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms. A premature stop codon in the TYRP1 gene was linked to the brown coat color, highlighting its role in eumelanin production. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying coat color variations in domestic rabbits and provide valuable insights for breeding programs.

Coat color; Domestic rabbits; MC1R gene; SNP markers; Pigmentation genetics