Coat Colour A-Locus (Charcoal)
Code: K378
Short description
Charcoal coat is a rare colouration pattern unique to the Bengal cat, resulting in a darker coat colour and so-called “Zorro markings” on the face and back.
General information
Charcoal coat is a rare colouration pattern unique to the Bengal cat, resulting in a darker coat colour and so-called “Zorro markings” on the face and back. Believed to derive from the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), which was hybridized with the common domestic cat to create the Bengal breed. The Charcoal genotype consists of several mutations to the gene ASIP.
The trait inherits in a semi-dominant manner: only a cat with one copy of the Charcoal allele and one copy of the non-Agouti allele will display a Charcoal coat.
Specifications
| Breeds | |
|---|---|
| Gene | ASIP |
| Organ | Integumentary System |
| Specimen | Copan eNAT swab, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Semen, Tissue |
| Mode of Inheritance | Autosomal Semi-Dominant |
| Chromosome | A3 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
Clinical features
A Charcoal coat features distinctive dark markings: a “mask” along the forehead, nose and around the eyes; and a “cape” that goes down the length of the back with a “ghost” pattern visible beneath. Charcoal Bengals have dark grey, brown or carbon-coloured fur, with little to no visible red.
Additional information
Coat colour is a complex trait that is caused by the interaction of multiple different genes. Several different tests may be required to form the most accurate image of an animal's coat colour genetics. A rare variant (A2) is found recently, though the structure and effects of this A2 genotype are not yet fully understood.
References
Pubmed ID: 25143047
Omia ID: 2549
Turnaround information
- 15 working days