DNA Study At The University of California: Maine Coon Polydactyl Study
For the past several years Dr
Leslie Lyons has been collecting DNA samples from Maine Coon Cats. These samples
have been taken from polydactyl Maine Coons and their non-poly relatives.
The idea of the study is to find the DNA markers for the trait of
polydactyl. In the past samples were
taken from one non-poly kitten and one poly kitten in a litter plus their
parents. This was done for as many
generations as available. Since these cats are related they should have similar
DNA profiles. It is hoped that there
will be a pattern seen in the DNA tests for the polydactyl cats that is not
visible in the non-polys.
The gene for polydactyl is thought
to be a dominant gene, symbolized by Pd. According
to Robinson’s Genetics for Cat Breeders & Veterinarians, 1999 “this
anomaly has bee noted as early as 1868 if not earlier and on many occasions
since that date. There is
considerable variation from animal to animal in the number of extra toes and how
perfectly formed they may be. This
may range from an enlargement of the inside digit to resemble a thumb to the
formation of three apparently well formed extra toes making a total of seven
toes on one foot. This variation in
expression may occur between different feet on the same cat.
In fact, the hind feet are never, or rarely, affected unless the front
paws are abnormal.”
Robinson, 1999, continues saying
“Reviewing the various reports of polydactyly, it is remarkable how
many given either direct or indirect evidence of the dominant mode of heredity.
This aspect is remarkable as not all of the separate cases need be caused
the same mutant gene. It is possible
that the same gene may have arisen by mutation in different localities, and at
different times. This could account
for the similar heredity. However,
it would be wise to remember that other cases of polydactyly might behave
somewhat differently.”
Because of the above historical
references, Dr Leslie Lyons, University of California, to investigate the trait
of polydactyl, is still collecting DNA studies.
Many more samples need to be collected in order to see if it is possible
to run the samples. Dr Lyons has set
up the following guidelines.
“The study wants DNA
from all cats in the litter, no matter what the toes look like.”
“This is just the beginning. Currently we are just trying to
collect enough DNA samples to see if we can even do a study. Enthusiasm at
the breeder level will help! Then, we want to find the poly gene, nothing
else.”
“Two swabs per cat and copy the form for the breeders. We want a
copy of the pedigree too, with the forms and swabs.”
This study will address the identification of “only the polydactyl gene, nothing else.”
Thank you for your co-operation
