Scientists discovered the mutation that gives pugs their appearance
Scientists have recently discovered the mutation that gives pugs their appearance.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute saw the discovery of the mutation gene that gives pugs their distinctive, flat-faced appearance.
Their research, which involved the analysis of DNA samples from 374 pet dogs from various breeds and pedigrees, included performing CAT scans that resulted in 3D images of the dogs’ heads and then pinpointing the DNA variations associated with various head shapes.
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Scientists were thus able to find that one variation, seen as disrupting the activity of gene SMOC2, was strongly linked to the length of the animal’s face. The mutation in this gene leads to significantly flatter faces in dogs such as bulldogs and pugs, in a condition know as brachycephaly, which can also be found in human babies.
Screening children for changes in the respective gene might lead to a discovery in diagnosing the condition, the scientists stated.
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