Skin Transcriptomic and Selection Signature Analyses Identify ASIP as a Key Gene in Cattle Coat Color Determination

The study identifies the ASIP gene as a crucial determinant of coat color in cattle, with significant differences in melanin content and gene expression between black and brown cattle breeds. Researchers conducted skin transcriptome analysis on 19 cattle and whole genome analysis on 262 cattle, revealing that ASIP expression is several dozen-fold higher in brown cattle compared to black cattle. The gene is under strong positive selection, particularly in Simmental cattle, where mutation types are predominant, while the reference allele is more common in Angus cattle. The study highlights the genetic mechanisms influencing coat color, emphasizing the role of ASIP and its associated pathways in pigmentation.