Identification of Polymorphism in the MC1R Gene and Its Association with the Melanin Content in Feathers of Chinese Yellow Quails

MC1R plays a crucial role in controlling the type of melanin synthesized in the melanocytes, which greatly affects plumage color in birds. One g.16796362G/T SNP was found in the MC1R gene coding region, which caused a Met120Ile mutation in the amino acid sequence. The Met120Ile mutation was located in the third transmembrane domain of the MC1R protein and decreased protein stability. The g.16796362G/T locus achieved medium polymorphism and had significant association with feather melanin content in Chinese yellow quails. The contents of total melanin and pheomelanin with AA genotype were significant lower than those with AB or BB genotypes in skin tissues, while the expression levels of MC1R mRNA had no significant difference in feathers with different genotypes. This experiment indicated that the Met120Ile mutation could affect the function of the MC1R protein and change the biosynthesis of melanin in Chinese yellow quails.