CMAH Mutations and Cat Blood Types
Author Information
Author(s): Bighignoli Barbara, Niini Tirri, Grahn Robert A, Pedersen Niels C, Millon Lee V, Polli Michele, Longeri Maria, Lyons Leslie A
Primary Institution: Istituto di Zootecnica, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Hypothesis
Mutations in the CMAH gene may cause the different blood types in domestic cats.
Conclusion
Mutations in type B cats likely disrupt the gene function of CMAH, leading to a predominance of NeuAc.
Supporting Evidence
- Five SNPs and an indel formed haplotypes that were consistent with each blood type.
- Approximately 8,650 samples of cat blood have been typed, with 133 cats identified as type AB.
- The study identified mutations in the CMAH gene that correlate with blood types A and B.
Takeaway
Cats have different blood types, and changes in a specific gene can affect which type they have.
Methodology
Genomic and cDNA analyses were performed on blood samples from various cat breeds to identify mutations in the CMAH gene.
Limitations
The study did not identify specific mutations responsible for the AB blood type.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 107 type A, 79 type B, and 35 type AB cats from 18 breeds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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