Description: The ASIP gene or locus A is responsible for many different color patterns in dogs. Specific products of locus A can interact with functional MC1R and thus interfere with the production of black melanin. The ASIP gene has four different alleles with the following hierarchy of dominance: Ay> aw> at> a. The most dominant allele present will be expressed.
Ay – sable in other breeds called fawn – red-yellowish with black or no black markings on the body,
aw – standard agouti type – color similar to a wolf,
at – Black and Tan – black body with red markings on muzzle, chest, eyebrows, legs,
a – recessive black (no color markings on the coat)
The genes at locus A (agouti) only appear if the dog at locus K does not have the allele KB (KB/KB or KB/n) and/or at locus E does not have the e/e combination. In dogs capable of expressing locus A, the base color may be additionally modified by locus B or D.
Inheritance: autosomal recessive
Mutation:
Ay – (sable/fawn) – c.246G>T (A82S) and c.248G>A (R83H)
aw – standard allele – grey wolf
at – black and tan – insertion SINE (short interspersed nuclear element) was identified in intron 1 of ASIP gene
a – recessive black – c.288C>T (R96C) in exon 4 of the ASIP gene
Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or 2 buccal brushes. For official purposes, the confirmation of the dog’s identity by Veterinarian is recommended.
The analysis is suitable for the following breeds: all breeds
Notes:
Results are given using the following symbolic notation:
