Melanistic Mask – EM Locus

43.90 € inc. Vat

Gene: MC1R
Allelic series (mutation) Em (point mutation) > E (wild type) > e (point mutation)
Breeds: All breeds

Animal ID *

Name or unique identification of your animal microchip number, tattoo number, etc

SKU: CT005 Categories: ,

Product Description

Melanistic Mask – EM Locus

The dominant Em allele of MC1R is responsible for the localized distribution of eumelanin on the muzzle that resembles a darkened mask in a pheomelanic (ay) background. The melanistic mask caused by one copy of this allele is only visible on dogs that are fawn or brindle. The mask can be black, liver, blue or isabella on the muzzle and sometimes the ears. Dogs that are solid black, brown, or blue do not have a mask that is distinguishable from their body colour. However, dogs that fade to grey with age do show their mask for a time. Similarly, dogs that have white muzzles do not produce melanin in that area of the body and so they may not exhibit a mask, even if they carry this allele.

References

Newton, J.M., Wilkie, A.L., He, L., Jordan, S.A., Metallinos, D.L., Holmes, N.G., Jackson, I.J., and Barsh, G.S. (2000). Melanocortin 1 receptor variation in the domestic dog. Mamm. Genome 11, 24–30.

Schmutz, S.M., and Berryere, T.G. (2007). Genes affecting coat colour and pattern in domestic dogs: a review. Anim. Genet. 38, 539–549.

Schmutz, S.M., Berryere, T.G., Ellinwood, N.M., Kerns, J.A., and Barsh, G.S. (2003). MC1R Studies in Dogs With Melanistic Mask or Brindle Patterns. J Hered 94, 69–73.