An international group of Scholars I managed to solve a genetic puzzle fascinated for decades Biologists, veterinarians and cat lovers: What makes some cats this amazing orange?
The answer, which the researchers now confirmed from Kyusho University in Japan and Stanford University in the United States, It lies in privacy Adn It affects a specific gene.
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What is genetic change in orange cats?
Research, recently published in two simultaneous articles, reveals that Orange or red hair cats They lack a small section of the genetic code in General Arhgap36.
This absence changes the activity of the gene mentioned in the pigment cells, and the cells responsible for the production of pigment that determines the color of the fur, eyes and skin.
in Orange catsThis activity intensifies, which leads to more clear and brighter tones.
The discovery is not only raised Scientific communityBut also for thousands of cats of cats who funded the project through the Micromezgo campaign.
The initiative raised more than 10.6 million yen (some of them 73 thousand dollars), And allowing the study.
Among the donors were even Children -childrenPoint out of their love for cats.
How was the conclusion of genetic change in orange cats?
The key to comparison was Adn From many cats with and without orange fur.
Thus, it was determined that the department absent from the DNA is linked to an increase in activity General Arhgap36.
This gene, is in X chromomaIt appears to study the pigment cells to produce lighter dyes, generating the distinctive orange color.
This discovery also explains why cats with red hair are completely male.
since Male They only have X chromosome, and it is sufficient for the DNA section specified in this missing so that it is orange.
Instead, and Female They have two X chromosomes, so they must have the same genetic loss in both to develop completely reddish fur, which is less common.
This also explains the frequency Mixed fur In females, as in cats.
Professor Heruyuki Sasaki, a genetic scientist in Kyushu University And the leader of the study.
When cells multiply, this generates areas with a difference Active color genesFur production with distinctive spots. “
Although the project was implemented under strict Scientific methodologyProfessor Sasaki admitted that he started as a personal initiative after his retirement.
His love for cats on continuing the investigation, hoping that these results will also help fighting Cat diseases.
Is this gene? ARHGAP36 Not only affects the fur.
It is also active in other parts of the body, Like the brain and endocrine,, This indicates that it can have a role in the general development of the animal.
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Beginning in future research in humans
This opens the door to research in the future about the possible links between this Genetic And some health conditions, or even aspects of a cat mood.
In fact, this gene is also present in humans, and it was associated with diseases such as Skin cancer and hair loss.
However, there is no conclusive evidence that directly connects the color of cats with Behavior or preparation for diseasesAlthough scientists are interested in exploring this relationship more.
“Many cat owners believe that Color patterns Professor Sasaki said: “They are linked to the personality of their pets,” said Professor Sassaki.
“Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, it is great that I like to continue the investigation.”
Consequently, this discovery not only shows an old genetic mystery, but it can also have wider effects on both cats and human biology, which opens new exploring methods in Genetics of color, health and behavior.
(Tagstotranslate) Excélsior (T) DNA (T) Genetics (T) Orange Cats (T) Japan (T) USA
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