The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations.

ABSTRACT: The diaspora of the modern cat was traced with microsatellite markers from the presumed site of domestication to distant regions of the world. Genetic data were derived from over 1100 individuals, representing 17 random-bred populations from five continents and 22 breeds. The Mediterranean was reconfirmed to be the probable site of domestication. Genetic diversity has remained broad throughout the world, with distinct genetic clustering in the Mediterranean basin, Europe/America, Asia and Africa. However, Asian cats appeared to have separated early and expanded in relative isolation. Most breeds were derived from indigenous cats of their purported regions of origin. However, the Persian and Japanese bobtail were more aligned with European/American than with Mediterranean basin or Asian clu

SUBMITTER: Lipinski MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2267438 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature