Garfield, Puss in Boots, Aristocats' Toulouse – cultural icons maybe, ginger most certainly. And now scientists across two continents have uncovered the DNA mystery that has given our furry friends, particularly males, their notable colour. They discovered that ginger cats are missing a section of their genetic code, which means the cells responsible for their skin, eye and fur tone produce lighter colours. The breakthrough has brought delight to the scientists but also the thousands of cat lovers that originally crowdfunded the research. The scientists hope solving the puzzle could also help shed light on whether orange coloured cats are at increased risk of certain health conditions. It has been known for decades that it is genetics that gives orange tabby cats their distinctive colouring, but exactly where in the genetic code has evaded scientists till now. Two teams of scientists at Kyushu University in Japan and Stanford University in the US have now revealed the mystery in simultaneous paperspublished on Thursday. What the teams found was that in the cells responsible for giving a cat its skin, hair follicles and eyes their colour - melanocytes - one gene, ARHGAP36, was much more active. Genes are made up of pieces of DNA which give instructions to a cat's cells, like other living creatures, on how to function. By comparing the DNA from dozens of cats with and without orange fur they found that those with ginger colouring had a section of DNA code missing within this ARHGAP36 gene. Without this DNA the activity of the ARHGAP36 is not suppressed i.e. it is more active. The scientists believe that the gene instructs those melanocytes to produce lighter pigment. For decades scientists have observed that cats with completely ginger colouring are far more likely to be male. This tallies with the fact that the gene is carried on the X chromosome. Chromosomes are larger sections of DNA, and male cats like other mammals have an X and a Y chromosome, which carry different amounts of genes. As it a gene only on the X chromosome in this case controlling the pigment production then one missing piece of DNA is enough to turn a cat fully ginger. In comparison female cats have two X chromosomes so the DNA needs to be missing in both chromosomes to increase lighter pigment production to the same extent - it means a mixed colouring is more likely. "These ginger and black patches form because, early in development, one X chromosome in each cell is randomly switched off," explains Prof Hiroyuki Sasaki, geneticist at Kyushu University. "As cells divide, this creates areas with different active coat colour genes, resulting in distinct patches." Although couched in science, the study originally started off as a passion project for Professor Sasaki. He had retired from his university post, but as a cat lover said he wanted to continue working to uncover the orange cat gene in the hope it could "contribute to the overcoming of cat diseases". He and his team raised 10.6m yen (£55,109) via crowdfunding for the research from thousands of fellow cat lovers across Japan and the world. One contributor wrote: "We are siblings in the first and third grades of elementary school. We donated with our pocket money. Use it for research on calico cats." The ARHGAP36 gene is also active in many other areas of the body including the brain and hormonal glands, and is considered important for development. The researchers think it is possible that the DNA mutation in the gene could cause other changes in these parts of the body linked to health conditions or temperament. The ARHGAP36 gene is found in humans and has been linked to skin cancer and hair loss. "Many cat owners swear by the idea that different coat colours and patterns are linked with different personalities," said Prof Sasaki. "There's no scientific evidence for this yet, but it's an intriguing idea and one I'd love to explore further."
Why are ginger cats ginger? Scientists finally have the answer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scientists Discover Genetic Basis for Ginger Coloration in Cats"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Recent research conducted by scientists from Kyushu University in Japan and Stanford University in the United States has unveiled the genetic underpinnings of the distinctive orange coloration in ginger cats. The study revealed that ginger cats, particularly males, possess a missing segment in their genetic code that affects the production of pigments in their skin, eyes, and fur. Specifically, the research focused on the ARHGAP36 gene, which is significantly more active in ginger cats. This gene plays a crucial role in the functioning of melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production. The absence of a specific DNA segment within the ARHGAP36 gene leads to increased activity, causing these cats to produce lighter pigments. This genetic insight not only satisfies the curiosity of scientists but also resonates with cat enthusiasts who supported the research through crowdfunding, raising over £55,000 to aid the investigation into the orange cat gene.
The findings also shed light on the gender distribution of ginger cats, as it has long been noted that the majority of these cats are male. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that the gene responsible for their coloration is located on the X chromosome. Male cats possess one X and one Y chromosome, meaning that the presence of the gene on the X chromosome can manifest as a fully orange coat with just one copy. In contrast, female cats have two X chromosomes, requiring both to carry the missing DNA segment for a similar effect, making mixed coloring more common among females. The researchers, led by Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki, aim to explore further implications of the ARHGAP36 gene, as it is also implicated in various health conditions in humans, including skin cancer and hair loss. The study not only enhances our understanding of feline genetics but also opens the door for potential connections between coat color and health or temperament in cats, a topic that has intrigued pet owners for years.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of why ginger cats are predominantly orange, an intriguing topic that has captured the attention of scientists and cat lovers alike. By uncovering the missing genetic code linked to the ARHGAP36 gene, researchers aim to provide insights not only into feline genetics but also potential health implications for these cats.
Scientific Discovery and Public Interest
This discovery is significant as it answers a long-standing question in genetics regarding the distinctive coloring of orange tabby cats. The research, conducted by teams from Kyushu University and Stanford University, was supported by crowdfunding from cat enthusiasts, highlighting the strong community interest in understanding pet genetics. This aspect emphasizes not only a scientific breakthrough but also the power of public engagement in scientific research.
Health Implications
The scientists are hopeful that this genetic insight may lead to a better understanding of whether orange cats are predisposed to specific health conditions. This connection between color and health is a crucial avenue for future research, which may further engage cat owners and the veterinary community in discussions about breed-specific health risks.
Cultural Reflection
The article features culturally iconic ginger cats like Garfield and Puss in Boots, which adds a layer of relatability and charm. By connecting the scientific findings to popular culture, the article aims to resonate with a broader audience, making the science accessible and engaging to those who might not typically follow genetic research.
Potential Manipulation and Underlying Messages
While the article presents factual scientific findings, it also subtly reinforces the idea that certain traits (like color) can have broader implications, potentially leading to unfounded assumptions about health risks based solely on appearance. By focusing on the genetic aspects of ginger cats, there may be an underlying message that encourages the public to view their pets through a genetic lens, which could lead to increased scrutiny or anxiety regarding their health.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be rooted in credible scientific research, with findings published in reputable journals. The collaborative efforts of two respected universities lend credibility to the claims made. However, the potential for sensationalism exists, especially if the health implications are overstated without sufficient evidence.
Community Engagement and Support
The article is likely to appeal to animal lovers, particularly those invested in understanding their pets better. The engagement of the public in funding research indicates a strong community of cat enthusiasts who are eager to learn about the genetics of their pets, reflecting a broader trend of increased interest in animal welfare and genetics.
Impact on Broader Contexts
In terms of economic and social implications, the research could influence pet breeding practices and veterinary care, as a greater understanding of genetic predispositions may lead to more informed decisions among pet owners and breeders. The article could also spark conversations about responsible breeding and the ethical considerations surrounding pet ownership.
Conclusion
Overall, the article provides a fascinating glimpse into the genetics of ginger cats, appealing to a wide audience while raising questions about the implications of such research. It balances scientific discovery with cultural relevance, making it an interesting read for both laypersons and specialists.