December 2021 in “Molecular genetics and genomics” This study found that two unrelated domestic shorthair cats had novel DSG4 gene mutations causing defective hair shafts, representing the first report of pathogenic DSG4 variants in domestic animals.
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June 2021 in “Research Square (Research Square)” This study identified a novel missense mutation in the FGF5 gene associated with the longhair phenotype in about 3% of Maine Coon cats, suggesting it may be a breed-specific variant.
October 2025 in “HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)” This research observed that, in domestic cats like Maine Coon and Rex breeds, a "piebald" coat color pattern is likely influenced by the Silver locus, although the specific mutations involved are yet to be published.
May 2024 in “Animal genetics” The researchers investigated a Maine Coon cat with suspected classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and discovered a heterozygous deletion in the COL5A1 gene, underscoring the value of whole-genome sequencing for precise veterinary diagnostics.
This study identified a missense variant in the EDA gene of a male cat, which likely caused hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, characterized by hair and teeth abnormalities; this represents the first report of such a genetic condition in cats.