Japan Team Finds Gene that Determines Calico Cats' Color Patterns

Japan team finds gene that determines calico cats' color patterns

Researchers led by Kyushu University professor Hiroyuki Sasaki found that the coloring was decided by the ARHGAP36 gene on the X chromosome.

A team of cat-loving researchers led by Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki of Kyushu University announced in the scientific journal Current Biology on the 15th that they have identified the gene that determines the coat color of calico cats, which have spotted white, black, and brown (orange) fur. The mechanism by which body patterns are created has been studied for over 120 years.