Heterozygosity for a Short INterspersed Element (SINE) insertion in canine PMEL causes a striking pigmentation pattern, known as merle, that is unique to domesticated dogs. During domestication and breed formation, genes responsible for these phenotypes underwent strong selective pressure, including the pigmentation gene PMEL (aka SILV). PMEL is a protein found in specialized organelles responsible for producing the black and brown pigments that give hair its color. Like other domesticated species, dogs show great diversity in the coloring and patterning of their coats. In this blog, researchers from Clemson University examined how these coat pattern varieties differ on the genetic level. Merle coat patterns, prevalent in breeds like Dachshunds, Great Danes, and Collies, can vary greatly. The genetics of merle coat patterns in dogs
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