Temporal variation in coat colour (genotypes) supports major changes in the Nordic cattle population after Iron Age

Abstract

SummaryVariation in coat colour genotypes of archaeological cattle samples from Finland was studied by sequencing 69 base pairs of the extension locus (melanocortin 1-receptor, MC1R) targeting both a transition and a deletion defining the three main alleles, such as dominant black (E D ), wild type (E + ) and recessive red (e). The 69-bp MC1R sequence was successfully analysed from 23 ancient (1000-1800 AD) samples. All three main alleles and genotype combinations were detected with allele frequencies of 0.26, 0.17 and 0.57 for E D , E + and e respectively. Recessive red and dominant black alleles were detected in both sexes. According to the best of our knowledge, this is the first ancient DNA study defining all three main MC1R alleles. Observed MC1R alleles are in agreement with calculated phenotype frequencies from historical sources. The division of ancient Finnish cattle population into modern Finnish breeds with settled colours was dated to the 20th century. From the existing genotyped populations in Europe (43 breeds, n = 2360), the closest match to ancient MC1R genotype frequencies was with the Norwegian native multicoloured breeds. In combined published genotype data of ancient (n = 147) and genotypes and phenotypes of modern Nordic cattle (n = 738), MC1R allele frequencies showed temporal changes similar to neutral mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal haplotypes analysed earlier. All three markers indicate major change in genotypes in Nordic cattle from the Late Iron Age to the Medieval period followed by slower change through the historical periods until the present.

Polymorphism of the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) Gene and its Role in Determining the Coat Colour of Central European Cattle Breeds

“…In addition, a comparative analysis by Niemi et al [36] of ancient DNA of cattle from Finland and contemporary Scandinavian cattle showed that the frequency of MC1R alleles exhibits changes over time that are similar to those found in studies of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplotypes.…”

“…In addition, a comparative analysis by Niemi et al [ 36 ] of ancient DNA of cattle from Finland and contemporary Scandinavian cattle showed that the frequency of MC1R alleles exhibits changes over time that are similar to those found in studies of mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome haplotypes. At the locus of the MC1R gene as well as the other two markers there was a significant change in genotypes in Scandinavian cattle from the late Iron Age to the Middle Ages, followed by a period of slower change, continuing up to the present day.…”

“…The estimated frequency of alleles and genotypes at the MC1R locus and the observed variations in coat colour in the Central European cattle breeds may also be due to their geographic distribution. In a study by Niemi et al [ 36 ], which assessed polymorphism at the MC1R locus in native Scandinavian breeds, the phenotypes were strongly influenced by the environment of the region where the animals were kept. High proportions of heterozygotes (from 26% to 57%) were observed among individuals of the native Scandinavian breeds, with both uniform and multi-coloured coats.…”

High-density genotyping reveals signatures of selection related to acclimation and economically important traits in 15 local sheep breeds from Russia

“…Another gene found in a region of putative positive selection, the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), was top-ranked in the hapFLK-reported region in GROUP1 and in the DCMS interval identified in the Altai Mountain breed. MC1R has a pleiotropic effect, known, among other traits, to influence coat colour in sheep [52] and cattle [53]. The microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) is a regulator of melanocyte development, and is associated with coat colour in mouse Fig.…”

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Mink (Neovison vison) Skin Reveals the Key Genes Involved in the Melanogenesis of Black and White Coat Colour

“…However, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying coat colour regulation in minks are not fully understood because few candidate genes potentially involved in pigmentation have been identified except for the MLPH, LYST, tyrosinase (TYR), MITF and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) genes 4 – 8 . Despite considerable knowledge of the genetic regulation of coat colour in mice 9 – 11 , cows 12 , 13 , goats 14 , 15 , sheep 16 , 17 and pigs 18 – 20 , the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating coat colour in fur-bearing species, such as mink, are not fully understood. This information is critical for enhancing our basic understanding of the regulation of melanogenesis and for identifying novel pharmacological and molecular genetics approaches to regulate or select for coat colour in fur-bearing species.…”