New cat coloration discovered to be defying genetic norms: Salmiak

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In a remarkable breakthrough, scientists have identified a unique genetic mutation responsible for a new cat coat pattern, dubbed 'salmiak’. This intriguing coloration, first spotted in Finland in 2007, has been captivating cat enthusiasts and geneticists alike.

 

The salmiak pattern, named after a popular Finnish snack 'salty licorice’, presents a fascinating spectacle. Each hair strand on these felines starts black at the base, gradually transitioning to white towards the tip. This distinctive pattern is most noticeable in solid black cats but can also manifest in other fur colors.

 

Researchers embarked on a quest to decode the genetic mystery behind this unusual coat pattern. Initial DNA tests on salmiak-colored cats revealed typical genes for full color and no genes for white fur. This led to the realization that the salmiak pattern was not a result of known genes affecting fur color.

 

Source: Heidi Anderson, Milla Salonen, Sari Toivola, Matthew Blades, Leslie A. Lyons, Oliver P. Forman, Marjo K. Hytönen, Hannes Lohi from Wiley Online Library (CC BY 4.0 DEED) Photo credits: (a) Ari Kankainen and (b-e) courtesy of cat owners

 

 

Scientists found a specific deletion, or missing piece of DNA, near a gene called KIT. This missing sequence, named ‘wsal’, was found to be perfectly matched with the salmiak fur pattern. The study further revealed that two copies of the wsal variant are needed for the salmiak fur to manifest.

 

This discovery has not only added a new dimension to our understanding of feline genetics but also opened up a world of possibilities for future research.

 

What are your thoughts on this fascinating discovery? Do you think there might be other undiscovered genetic variations in our feline friends waiting to be discovered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

 

Read more:

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/age.13438
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38721753/
• https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a60872696/new-cat-color/
• https://www.newscientist.com/article/2431348-genetic-mutation-gives-cats-a-salty-liquorice-coat-colour/
• https://www.newsweek.com/secret-cats-new-coat-pattern-study-1904376

 

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