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Coat colour in alpacas is controlled by a wide range of different genes working together often referred to as “loci”.
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Specifications
| Breeds | |
|---|---|
| Gene | |
| Chromosome | 21 |
| Mutation | c.82A>G |
| Organ | |
| Specimen | Swab |
| Mode of Inheritance | Autosomal Recessive |
| Also known as | E-Locus |
General information
Coat colour in alpacas is controlled by a wide range of different genes working together often referred to as “loci”. One of the two main loci responsible for base colour is the Extension locus (E-locus). The E-locus contains the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which regulates the distribution and balance of the two key pigments in the coat: eumelanin (black/brown pigment) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow pigment). By influencing how and where these pigments are deposited in the hair, MC1R plays a central role in determining an alpaca’s base colour and pattern.
MC1R interacts with the Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP), also known as the A-locus. Variations at both loci contribute to the diversity of coat colours seen in alpacas. Together, MC1R and ASIP influence whether more dark or light pigment is produced.
There are three mutations in the E-locus associated coat colour variations. This test specifically detects the e2 allele (c.82A>G)
Clinical features
The E-locus plays a crucial role in producing various coat patterns, contributing to the diversity of coat colours and patterns observed in Alpacas. The E-locus determines whether or not eumelanin can be produced. A mutation in the E-locus typically results in a lighter coat colour. However, overall coat colour is also dependent on other factors like the A-locus and Classic Grey.
Additional information
Coat colour is an intricate trait that involves a combination of multiple different genes. Testing for a range of different loci will give the most complete prediction of an alpacas coat colour genetics.
References
Pubmed ID: 25685836
Year published: 2015
Omia ID: 1199
Omia variant ID: