Tabby Pattern Genetics: A Whole New Breed of Cat

The study of tabby pattern genetics in domestic cats by Eizirik et al. (2010) revealed that two loci, Tabby and Ticked, played crucial roles in determining coat patterns such as ticked, mackerel, blotched, and spotted. The research identified a 'spatially oriented' mechanism for prepattern formation in the skin and a 'pigmentation-oriented' mechanism for pigment expression regulation. The Tabby gene influenced pattern shape, while the Ticked gene affected pattern presence. The persistence of tabby markings despite disruptions in Agouti or Mc1r signaling suggested an unidentified signaling system regulating melanogenesis. This study opened avenues for further genetic exploration of coat patterns in cats and other mammals.