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H-locus (harlequin)

General description

The H-locus in conjunction with the M-locus causes an unregular black and white pattern called harlequin in Great Danes.

Breeds

Great Dane

Order details
Test number8254
Sample material0.5 ml EDTA blood, 2x cheek swab, 1x special swab (eNAT)
Test duration3-5 working days
Test specifications
InheritanceAllelic series: H dominant over h
GenePSMB7
MutationT-G
LiteratureOMIA:001454-9615
Detailed description

Harlequin is a typical coat colour of Great Danes, which show black patterns on white background. This characteristic is caused by a modifier-gene for the M-locus. The dominant H-allele changes the Merle pattern to harlequin. Therefore, the genotype N/M at the M-locus is needed in addition to H/h. The dominant H-allele is lethal when found homozygous (H/H). Affected puppies die before birth.