Developmental Genetics of Color Pattern Establishment in Cats

September 2021 in “ Nature communications ”

Christopher B. Kaelin, Kelly A. McGowan, Greg Barsh

epidermal thickness gene expression Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf 4 Ticked pattern hair follicles

TLDR Cat color patterns are determined early in development by gene expression and epidermal changes, with the Dickkopf 4 gene playing a crucial role.

This study investigates the establishment of color patterns in cats, focusing on the developmental stage in fetal skin. The researchers found that stripe-like changes in epidermal thickness occur early in development, which are preceded by a specific pattern of gene expression. A key player in this process is the secreted Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf 4, which, when mutated, results in the Ticked pattern type in cats. These findings enhance the molecular understanding of how cats develop their distinctive color patterns and suggest that the mechanisms involved may also be related to the spacing of hair follicles. Additionally, the study identifies potential targets for influencing pattern variation in other mammals.

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Research cited in this study

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research Feather Arrays Are Patterned by Interacting Signaling and Cell Density Waves

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research Hierarchical Patterning Modes Orchestrate Hair Follicle Morphogenesis

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research LHX2 Is a Direct NF-κB Target Gene That Promotes Primary Hair Follicle Placode Down-Growth

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research An Integrated Transcriptome Atlas of Embryonic Hair Follicle Progenitors, Their Niche, and the Developing Skin

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The study identified unique genes in hair follicle cells and their environment, suggesting these genes help organize cells for hair growth.

research Tabby Pattern Genetics: A Whole New Breed of Cat

11 citations , May 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research”

Two genes, Tabby and Ticked, determine cat coat patterns.

research Activation of Beta-Catenin Signaling Programs Embryonic Epidermis to Hair Follicle Fate

193 citations , May 2008 in “Development”

Activating β-catenin can turn skin cells into hair follicles.

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