Comparative positional candidate cloning: KIT as a candidate gene for the Hereford coat colour phenotype

Coat color has been implicated in predisposition to Bovine Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma (,,cancer eye") and sunburned udders, both of which occur at higher frequencies in Hereford populations. In a backcross mapping populat ion, the S (spotting) locus has been mapped by genetic linkage to bovine ch romosome 6, showing complete linkage with microsatellite marker CA028. The phenotype and mode of inheritance of the bovine S locus is reminiscent of a llelic variation at positionally homologous murine loci Data is presented i ndicating genetic linkage between the bovine S locus and markers physically proximal to c-Kit on chromosome 6.