K-Locus (Dominant Black)

Description

Coat coloration is controlled by several different genes in dogs. The K locus, also known as the dominant black gene, is due to a mutation in a Beta-defensin gene (CBD103). This gene binds with proteins and other pigment type cells to produce the different variations of the K-Locus. This gene occurs in certain breeds and has an important impact on many types of colorations.

The K locus is dependent on the E-Locus. If the E-Locus genotype is e/e (recessive), the K-Locus is not expressed. However, if the E-Locus is coded as E/E or E/e, the K-Locus is still expressed. To learn more about the E-Locus, click here.

The “K^B” Allele

The dominant black gene consists of three different alleles, or variants. The first allele, which is dominant, is notated as "K^B," or dominant black. The dominant black allele is actually a mutation that reduces or eliminates the expression of the agouti gene (A-Locus). To learn more about the agouti gene, click here. Because this mutation is dominant, a dog only needs to have one copy of the mutation to affect the agouti locus. If a dog is K^B/K^B or K^B/n that means that they will be solid black in color.

The “K^br” Allele

The second allele is known as the "brindling" allele, and is represented as "K^br." The K^br allele is a separate mutation that allows the A locus to be expressed. However, the expression causes a brindling of the agouti patterns. The A locus represents several different colors, such as fawn/sable, tricolor, tan points, or recessive black. The K^br allele is recessive to the KB allele. This means that if a dog’s genotype is K^B/K­^br, they will still be black in color. K^br is, however, dominant over the third allele, K^y.

The “K^y” Allele

The third allele is represented as "K^y.” This allele allows the agouti gene to be expressed without brindling. If a dog is K^y/K^y at the K locus, the A locus then determines the dog's coat color. The K^y allele is recessive to both K^B and K^br. This means that if the dog has a genotype of K^B/K^y or K^br/K^y, the dog will not express the A locus like a K^y/K^y dog would. A K^B dog would be black and the K^br dog would express a brindled A-Locus allele.

For example, a dog that is A^y/A^yat the A locus could be fawn/sable if the dog is K^y/K^y. However, if that same dog is K^B/K^B at the K-locus, the A locus expression will be hidden. His coloration will be determined at the B and E loci and there is a good chance the dog will be black. However, if that same dog is K^y/K^y at the K locus, he will then be able to express the coloration of the A locus, and will be fawn/sable.

At this time, there is no direct test for the K^br allele. The allele can generally be inferred through testing for the presence of the dominant black allele, as well as through the phenotypes of the parents and offspring. Testing for the dominant black mutation determines if the dog is able to express the agouti phenotypes (A-Locus). However, the test is limited in that it will not tell you if the dog will pass on brindle colorations.