Divergent Genetic Mechanism Leads to Spiny Hair in Rodents

February 2018 in “ bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) ”

Gislene L. Gonçalves, Renan Maestri, Gilson R. P. Moreira, Marly A. M. Jacobi, Thales R. O. Freitas, Hopi E Hoekstra, Gislene L. Gonçalves, Renan Maestri, Gilson R. P. Moreira, Marly A. M. Jacobi, Thales R. O. Freitas, Hopi E Hoekstra

Edar gene V370A substitution

TLDR Rodent spiny hair traits are due to genetic factors other than the Edar gene.

In this study, researchers investigated the evolution of spiny hairs in six rodent families, identifying two distinct hair morphologies: grooved cross-section and near cylindrical form, both exhibiting higher tension and stiffness compared to ancestral elliptical-shaped hairs. The study explored the genetic basis of this convergent evolution, specifically examining the Edar gene, known for influencing hair traits in humans. Despite finding variations in the Edar gene among rodents, such as the V370A substitution, these were not linked to differences in hair morphology. This indicated that the Edar mutation affecting human hair did not modify rodent hair, suggesting that other genetic factors were responsible for the spiny hair traits observed in rodents.

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