A unique single nucleotide polymorphism in Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) gene changes coat colour of Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) to dark black
M. G. C. Sooriyabandara, Asitha Bandaranayake, Shyaman Jayasundara, Bhagya M. Hathurusinghe, M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe, Gajadeera Arachchige Tharaka Prasad, Vithana Pathirannehalage Malaka Kas Abeywardana, Manoj Akalanka Pinidiya, R. M. R. Nilanthi, P. C. G. Bandaranayake
The paper identifies a unique single nucleotide polymorphism in the ASIP gene causing melanism in Sri Lankan leopards, suggesting a species-specific mutation contributing to coat color variation.
PLoS ONE · Jul 13, 2023Peer-reviewedGenomics