Characterization of Gene and Its Potential Impact on the Expression of Genes Involved in Fur Color Formation in Rex Rabbit.

The naturally colorful fur of the Rex rabbit is becoming increasingly popular in the modern textile market. Our previous study found that POU class 2 homeobox 1 gene () potentially affects the expression of genes involved in fur color formation in the Rex rabbit, but the function and regulation of has not been reported. In this study, the expression patterns of in Rex rabbits of various colors, as well as in different organs, were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Interference and overexpression of were used to identify the potential effects of on other genes related to fur color formation. The results show that the levels of expression were significantly higher in the dorsal skin of the brown and protein yellow Rex rabbits, compared with that of the black one. mRNAs were widespread in the tissues examined in this study and showed the highest level in the lungs. By transfecting rabbit melanocytes with an -overexpression plasmid, we found that the POU2F1 protein was located at the nucleus, and the protein showed the classic characteristics of a transcription factor. In addition, abnormal expression of significantly affected the expression of pigmentation-related genes, including , , , , and , revealing the regulatory roles of on pigmentation. The results provide the basis for further exploration of the role of in fur color formation of the Rex rabbit.