Progress In Identifying The Genetics Of Appaloosa Spotting

Since equine coat color testing first became a reality, Appaloosa breeders have been waiting for the day when they could test their horses for the main Appaloosa gene, LP.

We are now one step closer. Dr. Rebecca Bellone and her associates have just published the results of a study aimed at identifying SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with Appaloosa spotting (LP). The results of this study can be viewed in this month’s special issue of Animal Genetics: Horse Genomics and the Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation. “We have identified three polymorphisms that are in perfect association with LP in several breeds of horses, “says Bellone, chief molecular biologist for the Appaloosa Project. “We will continue to work to determine the causative mutation, but in the meantime, these SNPs could be utilized to evaluate potential breeding animals.” Why is this so exciting? These SNPs can be used to DNA test horses for LP. Having the option to test a young Appaloosa will revolutionize breeding. Many horses that have inherited the LP mutation don’t display obvious coat patterning or “characteristics”. Others don’t have coat patterns that allow for easy classification of probable LP genotype by their appearance. {sidebar id=3}For additional information on this new research, visit www.appaloosaproject.info. Here breeders and others interested in the topic will find resource information pages freely accessible to the public that include FAQ’s about Appaloosa spotting. Persons who wish to address questions directly to members of the research team are invited to subscribe to the site’s Electronic Classroom. About The Appaloosa Project:
The Appaloosa Project is a research initiative being conducted by a team of researchers from Canada and the US. It is a long-term effort designed to identify and isolate the main genes responsible for Appaloosa patterning, and to investigate key physical traits associated with these genes. By finding the genetic mechanisms involved in the Appaloosa’s physical traits, The Appaloosa Project contributes to worldwide efforts to study the genome of the horse.