Differential Expression and Analysis of TBX3 Gene in Skin Tissues of Dun Mongolian Horses with and Without Bider Markings.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: The dun coat color, a wild-type phenotype in horses characterized by pigment dilution and primitive markings, is regulated by TBX3. This study explored the expression and localization of TBX3 in the Bider marking (a primitive mark unique to the shoulder of horses); (2) Methods: We compared skin tissues from Bider-marked and non-Bider dun Mongolian horses. Samples were collected from the Bider area (dark-colored/light-colored shoulder), dorsal midline, and croup. Histological staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to analyze pigment distribution and TBX3 expression at mRNA and protein levels; (3) Results: Histology revealed asymmetric pigment deposition in hair shafts from light-colored areas of both Bider and non-Bider horses, whereas dark ar

SUBMITTER: An T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837385 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature