Molecular Genetics and Evolution of Melanism in the Cat Family

This influential study identified the molecular basis of black coats across multiple cat species and showed that melanism evolved independently several times in the family. The authors found that melanism in the domestic cat is caused by a deletion in the agouti signaling protein gene, while melanism in the jaguar and jaguarundi arises from distinct mutations in the agouti or melanocortin-1 receptor genes. By demonstrating that different species reached the same black phenotype through different genes, the work became a classic example of convergent molecular evolution. It also raised questions about why melanistic forms persist, linking pigmentation genes to possible immune or thermoregulatory advantages.