A-Locus (Alpaca)
A-Locus (Alpaca)
General description
The A locus or the ASIP gene (agouti signaling protein) regulates whether the black pigment eumelanin or the red-brown pigment pheomelanin is deposited in the coat. The ASIP genetic test examines three scientifically described variants that are associated with black coat color in alpacas. Black alpacas usually carry at least one of these variants as a homozygous or several variants as a heterozygous.
Breeds
Alpaca
Order details
| Test number | 8981 |
| Sample material | 0.5 ml EDTA blood, 2x cheek swab, 1x special swab (eNAT) |
| Test duration | 7-14 working days |
Test specifications
| Gene | ASIP |
| Mutation | 292C>T, 325_381del57, 353G>A |
| Literature | OMIA:000201-30538 |
Detailed description
The development of the different coat colors in alpacas is determined by numerous genetic factors. The A locus or the ASIP gene (Agouti Signaling Protein) regulates whether the black pigment eumelanin or the red-brown pigment pheomelanin is deposited in the coat.
Certain genetic variants in the ASIP gene mean that no pheomelanin is produced and an alpaca appears black. The ASIP genetic test examines three scientifically described variants that are associated with black coat color in alpacas. Black alpacas usually carry at least one of these variants as a homozygous or several variants as a heterozygous.
The black coat color follows an autosomal recessive inheritance. Therefore, non-black alpacas can also be carriers of black variants. The prerequisites for phenotypic expression of the A locus are at least one E allele at the E locus, which enables the basic storage of eumelanin in the hair.
