Detection of Microsatellite Polymorphisms in Van Cats on Some Phenotype Characteristics

Using molecular genetic markers, it is possible to determine the desired genotypes while preserving the genetics of endangered species, thereby increasing or decreasing genetic diversity in populations. The Van cat is one of the endangered species living in the Lake Van region. Microsatellite markers are commonly used to estimate genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in a population. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic structure and determine the genetic differentiation of the protected Van cat population based on the phenotypes of eye color, coat length and three points on the head. For this purpose, 25 male and 41 female cats were selected and four microsatellite loci (FCA 176, 478, 547, 688) were selected from the whole genome of the domestic cat. Based on the results of the statistical analysis, it was found that the influence of the 4 microsatellites on gender was not significant (p0.05). In addition, loci FCA176, 478, 547 and 688 had no effect on eye color and distribution. Although coat length and locus FCA176 were not statistically significant, it had a value of p=0.0534, which is very close to the p-value of 0.05. An important result was that the association between the three-point birthmark on the head and the FCA478 marker was highly significant (p≤0.05).