Nuclear gene indicates coat-color polymorphism in mammoths.
Römpler. Holger H; Rohland. Nadin N; Lalueza-Fox. Carles C; Willerslev. Eske E; Kuznetsova. Tatyana T; Rabeder. Gernot G; Bertranpetit. Jaume J; Schöneberg. Torsten T; Hofreiter. Michael M
Key Findings
- Complete MC1R gene sequence retrieved from woolly mammoth DNA
- Two alleles identified: one functional, one with greatly reduced activity
- Evidence suggests coat‑color polymorphism (dark and light fur) existed in mammoths
Practical Outcomes
- There are no direct applications for health optimization or peptide use. The finding is mainly of evolutionary interest and does not inform any real‑world protocols for longevity, metabolism, or performance.
Summary
Scientists decoded a gene that controls pigment in woolly mammoths and found two versions—one that works well and one that works poorly—meaning ancient mammoths likely had both dark and light fur. This discovery is about ancient animal genetics, not about using the peptide melanotan‑i for health or performance.
Abstract
By amplifying the melanocortin type 1 receptor from the woolly mammoth, we can report the complete nucleotide sequence of a nuclear-encoded gene from an extinct species. We found two alleles and show that one allele produces a functional protein whereas the other one encodes a protein with strongly reduced activity. This finding suggests that mammoths may have been polymorphic in coat color, with both dark- and light-haired individuals co-occurring.
Study Information
pubmed
2006
2006-07-07T00:00:00.000Z
10.1126/science.1128994
154
13