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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