After 60 Years, Scientists Finally Find the Gene That Makes Orange Cats Orange
Secret of Orange Cats Revealed After 60-Year Search
Two independent teams have identified the long-sought genetic basis of orange fur in cats: a 5-kilobase deletion in a non-coding region of the Arhgap36 gene on the X chromosome. This mutation boosts the gene's expression in pigment cells, shifting pigment production from dark eumelanin to reddish pheomelanin. The finding explains why most orange cats are male and why females often show calico or tortoiseshell patterns.
It's been a genetic mystery, a conundrum.
- dayyan
The article says there's no evidence of the gene being responsible for behavior.
Which means it's inconclusive if the gene is responsible for behavior.
But, collectively we know it may be.
- bookofjoe
- stuaxo
Wait, do people in the US really call them "orange cats" - I just thought that was a reddit / internet thing.
In the UK these are ginger cats.
- thesebas
https://www.reddit.com/r/OneOrangeBraincell/ I think it is relevant.
- codesnik
I wonder why there's no even a trace of "orange cats are goofy" stereotype in Russia and neighboring countries, as far as I know.
- PowerElectronix
It's extremely interesting that the genes that regulate this are non-protein coding. More light shed on the actual functionality of "junk" DNA, even if it's for cats.
- amelius
Fun fact: people with red hair have more fear for dentists:
https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/55260898/redhe...
- sleepybrett
Still no way to track the one neuron that they all share.