Rex Hair Coat Trait in Rabbits Linked to LIPH Gene Mutation
Author Information
Author(s): Diribarne Mathieu, Mata Xavier, Chantry-Darmon Céline, Vaiman Anne, Auvinet Gérard, Bouet Stéphan, Deretz Séverine, Cribiu Edmond-Paul, de Rochambeau Hubert, Allain Daniel, Guérin Gérard
Primary Institution: INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify the gene responsible for the rex hair coat phenotype in rabbits.
Conclusion
A deletion in the LIPH gene is responsible for the rex hair coat phenotype in rabbits.
Supporting Evidence
- The deletion of a single nucleotide in LIPH exon 9 leads to a frameshift and a premature stop codon.
- The mutation was found in a homozygous state in all rex rabbits tested.
- The study confirmed the recessive inheritance of the rex phenotype through segregation analysis.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific gene mutation causes the soft fur of rex rabbits, making them different from normal rabbits.
Methodology
The researchers used a positional cloning approach and fine mapping to identify the gene and mutation associated with the rex phenotype.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific genetic trait and may not account for other factors influencing hair coat characteristics.
Participant Demographics
The study involved different strains of rabbits, including 187 rabbits for genome scanning and additional rabbits for fine mapping.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website