The recessive C locus in the MITF gene plays a key regulatory role in the plumage colour pattern of duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

ABSTRACT1. The c/c alleles are responsible for the white plumage colour of ducks; however, the gene corresponding to this locus is still unclear. In order to identify the locus-related candidate gene associated with duck’s plumage colour pattern, it was necessary to analyse the whole genome resequencing data.2. A total of 929,465 SNPs in chromosome 13 and 1,688 SNPs in the region of the Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) gene were identified from whole genome resequencing data analysis. After construction of an FST plot from chromosome 13, MITF was highlighted as a candidate gene, possessing the highest FST value (0.811) on chromosome 13.3. Six novel SNPs were discovered, located in the intronic region of the MITF gene. F2 progeny of Kaiya × Liancheng ducks (N = 1,061) were selected for genotyping by the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Association analysis using Haploview software was used for validation of the results.4. Association results between SNPs and p...