After decades of research, scientists discovered why some cats, especially mottants, have orange fur.
Orange/photo cat: Istock
It is known that genetics is the one that gives the orange cats their distinctive color, but so far scientists did not know exactly where the genetic code is. It is also known that tiger cats are more prone to certain conditions.
Two teams of researchers at Kyushu University in Japan and Stanford University in the US have now revealed the mystery in simultaneous works published on Thursday, writes BBC.
Teams found that a gene, Arhgap36, was much more active in the cells responsible for the color of the skin, hair follicles and cat eyes – melanocytes.
The genes are made up of DNA fragments that give instructions to the cells of a cat, as well as other living beings, on how to operate.
By comparing the DNA of dozens of cats with and without orange fur, it was discovered that those with red fur was missing part of the DNA code within the Arhgap36 gene.
Without this DNA, the activity of the archgap36 gene is not suppressed, ie it is more active. Scientists believe that the gene instructs these melanocytes to produce lighter pigment.
Also, for decades, researchers have noticed that orange cats are generally male, given that the gene is worn by chromosome X. Chromosomes are larger DNA sections, and mottans, like other mammals, have an X chromosome, which bears different amounts of genes.
Given that, in this case, the gene that controls pigment production is only on X chromosome, then a single piece of DNA is missing for a cat becomes reddish.
In comparison, female cats have two X chromosomes, so DNA must be missing in both chromosomes to increase the more light pigment production – this means that a mixed coloring is more likely.
Tricolora cat, or Calico/Photo: Pexels
“These red and black spots are formed because, at the beginning of the development, an X chromosome in each cell is randomly deactivated. As these cells are divided, areas with different active genes of coat color are created, resulting in distinct spots”Explains Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki, geneticist at Kyushu University.
The teacher had retired from his university post, but, as a cat lover, said he wanted to continue to work to discover the orange cat’s gene, hoping he could “Contribute to the overcoming of cat disease.”
He and his team gathered 10.6 million Yen (65,478 euros) through crookedfunding for thousands of cat -loving colleagues in Japan and around the world.
The Arhgap36 gene is also active in many other areas of the body, including the brain and hormonal glands, and is considered important for development.
Researchers believe that it is possible that the DNA mutation in the gene may cause other changes in these parts of the body, related to health or temperament conditions. The archgap36 gene is also found in humans and is related to skin cancer and hair loss.
