The Tabby cat locus maps to feline chromosome B1

Abstract

SummaryThe Tabby markings of the domestic cat are unique coat patterns for which no causative candidate gene has been inferred from other mammals. In this study, a genome scan was performed on a large pedigree of cats that segregated for Tabby coat markings, specifically for the Abyssinian (T a -) and blotched (t b t b ) phenotypes. There was linkage between the Tabby locus and eight markers on cat chromosome B1. The most significant linkage was between marker FCA700 and Tabby (Z ¼ 7.56, h ¼ 0.03). Two additional markers in the region supported linkage, although not with significant LOD scores. Pairwise analysis of the markers supported the published genetic map of the cat, although additional meioses are required to refine the region. The linked markers cover a 17-cM region and flank an evolutionary breakpoint, suggesting that the Tabby gene has a homologue on either human chromosome 4 or 8. Alternatively, Tabby could be a unique locus in cats.

Defining and Mapping Mammalian Coat Pattern Genes: Multiple Genomic Regions Implicated in Domestic Cat Stripes and Spots

“…Since our results seem to be discrepant with those presented by Lyons et al (2006), who reported the mapping of Tabby to the same location that we have defined as the Ticked locus, we offer the following clarification. Lyons et al (2006) mapped Tabby under the assumption that a single locus was responsible for all coat pattern phenotypes in the domestic cat.…”

“…The genomic region for Ticked was ultimately defined as a segment of 3.8 Mb, with conserved synteny to Hsa 8: 23-19.7, 43.1-42.9 Mb. This region is equivalent to that reported by Lyons et al (2006) as linked to the Tabby locus. The defined segment occurs within a region showing an intrachromosomal break in synteny between cat and human, and an interchromosomal break between cat and dog (Table 2).…”

“…Some breeding data have suggested that these variants may not be allelic with the main Tabby locus (Lorimer 1995), but further scrutiny is required to test this hypothesis. A recent genetic study (Lyons et al 2006) considered the Abyssinian variant as an allele of Tabby, reflecting the prevalent perception that they are coded by the same locus. Testing this hypothesis, and identifying the implicated genomic region (or regions), is a first step in the process of dissecting the molecular and developmental basis for these pattern-formation phenotypes.…”

Selecting representative microsatellite loci for genetic monitoring and analyzing genetic structure of an outbred population of orange tabby cats in China

“…Our 31 microsatellite loci included 2 of the 3 loci (including FCA700 and FCA559, except locus FCA254), as reported by Lyons et al (2006) to be linked with the tabby gene. Schmidt-Kuentzel et al (2009) found significant linkage to the O locus for the markers FCA1466 and FCA1494.…”

“…Some breeds of cat are genetically distinct and have several inherited diseases (Lyons et al, 2006), which can be used as models of hereditary and infectious diseases (Dow et al, 1987). There is only 1 outbred stock of orange tabby cats in China, which has been maintained by the North China Pharmaceutical Group New Drug Research and Development Limited Company.…”