The "silver" Japanese quail and the MITF gene: causal mutation, associated traits and homology with the "blue" chicken plumage.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) gene has been investigated in mice and various vertebrates but its variations and associated effects have not yet been explored much in birds. The present study describes the causal mutation B at the MITF gene responsible for the "silver" plumage colour in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), and its associated effects on growth and body composition, and tests its allelism with the "blue" plumage colour mutation Bl in Gallus gallus.

Results

The semi dominant B mutation results from a premature stop codon caused by a 2 bp deletion in exon 11 of MITF. Homozygous "white" (B/B) quail which have a white plumage also show a slightly lower growth, lower body temperature, smaller heart, and lighter pectoralis mu

SUBMITTER: Minvielle F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2841575 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature