Coat Colour W-Locus (Dominant White KIT gene)
Code: K303
Short description
Both Dominant White (DW) and White Spotting (Ws) are controlled by the KIT gene.
General information
Both Dominant White (DW) and White Spotting (Ws) are controlled by the KIT gene. Dominant White is also referred to as the W-locus, while White Spotting is known as the S-locus. The KIT gene has three variants (alleles), which means that both DW and Ws are included in this test. The DW allele is dominant over both the Ws and N (Normal) alleles, and the Ws allele is dominant over the N allele.
Specifications
| Breeds | All Breeds |
|---|---|
| Gene | KIT |
| Chromosome | B1 |
| Organ | Integumentary System |
| Specimen | Swab, Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Semen, Tissue |
| Mode of Inheritance | Autosomal Dominant |
| Also known as | S-Locus; W-Locus |
Clinical features
The dominant DW allele results in a white coat colour. Having one or two copies of the DW allele will produce a white-coated cat, often accompanied by varying degrees of hearing impairment. The Ws allele causes white spotting on the coat, while the N allele has no effect on coat colour.
Additional information
Additionally, not all white spots or patterns result from the KIT-gene as other genes can also have mutations that result in loss of pigmentation. Not all of these genes controlling the White Spotting pattern are known.
Dominant White is distinct from albinism (c and c2 on the C-locus), which results from a mutation in the TYR gene that has no known impact on hearing.
References
Pubmed ID: 25085922
Year published: 2014
Omia ID: 209
Omia variant ID:
Turnaround information
- 25 working days