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DNA Study
MCPI finally received the thumbs up for an independent poly study in 2004. This work is still being continued.
Below is a reminder of the information regarding this 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 been noted as early as 1868 if not earlier and on many occasions since that date.
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Because of the above historical references, Dr Leslie Lyons, University of California, to investigate the trait of polydactyl, is still collecting DNA studies.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.”
Swabs can be taken with regular Q Tips and be sent to:
Leslie A. Lyons PhD
Polydactyl Cat DNA Project
1114 Tupper Hall
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis
CA 95616
USA
Click here to visit the Lyons Den Homepage.
You can e-mail Dr Lyons directly here
You can also get more information by contacting those who run the polydactyl database at Polytrak.
Distinct or Extinct?
The polydactyl Maine Coon and MCPolys had its debut TV interview in Canada, June 2005 courtesy of KC Colby at The New VR. To view the interview please click here. There is also information posted on The New VR's web site to be found at http://www.thenewvr.com
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