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How the cheetah loses its spots

Mutations in one gene alter felines’ coat coloring

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Mutations in a single gene can alter coat patterns in both cheetahs and domestic cats, a new study finds.

Mutations in a single gene are responsible for the difference between a cheetah with typical spots (left) and the rare king cheetah coat pattern (right). Courtesy of Greg Barsh, Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

In both types of felines, mutations in the transmembrane aminopeptidase Q, or Taqpep, gene causes spots of color to merge.