Amy Hicks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>It has been discussed at length that modifying genes are likely responsible
>for the variation of the markings in gerbils who are Sp+.
>
>I am curious to know if there are any theories as to the possible role of
>such modifying genes in the rates of development of coloration of the
>colorpoint/light colorpoint ee gerbil. There are sometimes dramatic
>differences between littermates who most likely carry the same known
>genotypes. Pamela mentioned that she has had a couple of "late bloomers,"
>that is, CPN's and one CP/LCP DEH that did not show their full pattern until
>5-6 months of age. I have also seen some LCPN's that are "early bloomers."
>An example would be my LCPN female who began to show points and ticking at
>7-8 weeks.
>
>Amy H. aka MScottMGP
>
I would not be surprised if there was such modifiers.
The expression of ee is well known to be subject to polygenic modifiers
in other species, although such modifiers have not as yet appeared in
yellow gerbils.
More importantly, cat breeders know the body colour in Burmese and
Siamese cats is subject to polygenic modifiers that can alter the
intensity of the colour.
We know there is a lot of variation in Siamese and Burmese gerbils. If
similar modifiers acted on the more dilute colour points it would not
surprise me.
--
Julian
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* Jackie and Julian *
* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* National Gerbil Society *
* http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
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