Genome analysis of American minks reveals link of mutations in Ras-related protein-38 gene to Moyle brown coat phenotype

Abstract

Over 35 fur colours have been described in American mink (Neovison vison), only six of which have been previously linked to specific genes. Moyle fur colour belongs to a wide group of brownish colours that are highly similar to each other, which complicates selection and breeding procedures. We performed whole genome sequencing for two American minks with Moyle (m/m) and Violet (a/a m/m /p/p) phenotypes. We identified two frame-shift mutations in the gene encoding Ras-related protein-38 (RAB38), which regulates the trafficking of tyrosinase-containing vesicles to maturing melanosomes. The results highlight the role of RAB38 in the biogenesis of melanosomes and melanin and the genetic mechanism contributing to hair colour variety and intensity. These data are also useful for tracking economically valuable fur traits in mink breeding programmes.

Identification of mutant gene for Black crystal coat and non-allelic gene interactions in Neogale vison

“…Taken together, our present study adds COPA gene to the list of mapped mink colour genes 4 – 9 and provides valuable data that can contribute to improving global mink fur production through selective breeding programmes. Furthermore, considering the potential role of COPA gene mutation in nervous system functions, Black crystal minks may serve as a new unique model for studies of animal behaviour mechanisms.…”

“…Additionally, we used whole-genome sequencing data from 3 standard dark brown, 3 silverblue, 1 moyle and 1 violet mink from our previous studies (Table 1 ) 8 , 9 .…”

“…By the classical genetic analysis presents of 35 mutations affecting fur colour were predicted 2 , 3 . However, to date, only 8 of them have been linked with specific genes and DNA mutations 4 – 9 .…”

“…The American mink genome (NNQGG.v01) was used as a reference. Sample Colour name Colour symbol Mapped % Duplicates % Coverage mink_4-131 Black crystal* C r /C r 98.06 0.86 9.37 mink_3-247 8 Standard dark brown + / + 98.70 2.72 7.07 mink_3-261 8 Standard dark brown + / + 97.89 4.23 9.08 mink_3-265 8 Standard dark brown + / + 98.07 2.30 8.53 mink_7-331 9 Moyle m/m 98.15 0.70 8.11 mink_7-317 9 Violet a/a m/m p/p 98.46 8.53 40.32 mink_0-329 8 Silverblue p/p 98.30 3.13 5.43 mink_1-663 8 Silverblue p/p 97.14 11.82 5.73 mink_9-431 …”

Genome Analysis of Sable Fur Color Links a Lightened Pigmentation Phenotype to a Frameshift Variant in the Tyrosinase-Related Protein 1 Gene

“…At least twelve brown fur colors have been described for this animal [ 7 ]. We and others revealed links between several fur colors including brown colors and variants in certain genes in mink [ 8 , 9 ].…”