I locus intensity dilution
Summary
This is a test for a coat colour intensity dilution gene in dogs. The gene, a variant of the MSFD12 gene, causes dilution or lightening of a special pigment called phaeomelanin (a yellow to reddish-brown pigment). It dilutes tan markings or golden coats into a lighter cream or white colour.
Dilution is a recessive trait. This means that dogs can have the gene for dilution without showing it in their coat colour. These dogs are called "dilute carriers". If two dilute carriers have puppies, there's a chance their puppies will have the diluted coat colour.
Other genes may also contribute to a light coat colour, but further research into these is still needed.
Gene or region and technical reference
Gene: MFSD12 (causative). Reference: Hédan et al. (2019)
Reported alleles
n. Test developed using artificial DNA, animal controls.
In. Test developed using artificial DNA, animal cases.
Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together
This test is not in any panels.
