Genetics of Coat Color I: The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R)

ISSN: 1937-9056 Copyright © 2008 Answers in Genesis. All rights reserved. Consent is given to unlimited copying, downloading, quoting from, and distribution of this article for non-commercial, non-sale purposes only, provided the following conditions are met: the author of the article is clearly identified; Answers in Genesis is acknowledged as the copyright owner; Answers Research Journal and its website, www.answersresearchjournal.org, are acknowledged as the publication source; and the integrity of the work is not compromised in any way. For more information write to: Answers in Genesis, PO Box 510, Hebron, KY 41048, Attn: Editor, Answers Research Journal. The views expressed are those of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of the Answers Research Journal Editor or of Answers in Genesis. Abstract The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is located on the surface of melanocytes (pigment cells) and is involved with switching melanin synthesis from the lighter red to yellow pheomelanin to the darker brown to black eumelanin. Most animals are capable of producing both pigments and have various shades of color distributed throughout their hair coats. Mutations in the MC1R can add interesting color patterns ranging from the all black phenotype of Chinese Meishan pigs to the all red color of the Irish Setter. Given the number of alleles within baramins (created kinds), much of the diversity at this locus must have developed since the genetic bottleneck at the Flood where only a single breeding pair was preserved for most baramins. Similarly, humans carry more alleles than can be accounted for by Noah and his family. Since mutations at this locus are not known to directly cause any disease and they add to the beauty and variety we see today, it appears that this locus was designed to vary. Furthermore, since there are non-random patterns that have been observed which cannot be explained by known selection factors, it appears plausible that many of these mutations may actually be directed.