Detection of MLPH gene polymorphism in population of the Belgian Shepherd variety Malinois

Melanophilin (MLPH) gene affects dilution of coat colour. It focuses on D locus alleles and in c.-22G>A polymorphism 2 alleles were described. Dominant D allele controls regular colour whereas recessive d allele causes dilution. Diluted colouration in Belgian Shepherd variety Malinois is undesirable and excluded from breeding. Dilution of the coat colour can sometimes be accompanied by skin disease (CDA or BHFD). ¬ Methods of molecular genetics including PCR-RFLP method were used to identify c.-22G>A polymorphism in MLPH gene. Within the analysed population of 56 dogs following genotypes were discovered: 50 dogs with homozygous DD genotype, i.e. 89.29% frequency of occurrence and 6 dogs with heterozygous Dd genotype, i.e. 10.71% frequency of occurrence.