The blotched tabby pattern is characterized by dark stripes that expand to form broad swirls. This pattern is due to variants in the LVRN gene, which influences the distribution of dark and light patterns in the cat`s coat.
Definition
The brindle pattern is characterized by two components: a light background with hairs having light colored bands and a darker part where the hairs have almost no bands. In cats with the blotched tabby pattern, the dark part expands to form wide swirls. This color distribution is determined by the T locus, related to the LVRN gene (formerly known as Taqpep), which regulates the periodicity of brindle markings during skin development.
Genetic basis
The allele related to the blotched brindle pattern is called Ta^b. In this case, we analyzed the c.2522G>A mutation (Ta^b3). This variant follows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, which means that two copies of the variant are required for the trait to be expressed. The presence of a single copy will not result in the expression of the blotched phenotype, but it can be passed on to the cat`s offspring with a 50% probability. There are other alleles that may influence the expression of this phenotype, such as those that produce the spotted or mackerel tabby patterns.
Other relevant information
Although this pattern is inherited recessively, its expression can vary considerably between individuals. Some cats may have very distinct swirls and spots, while others may show a more diffuse pattern.
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