Prevalence of a genetic mutation in Maine Coons causing HCM in comparison to other cat breeds

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This is a table showing the prevalence of a genetic mutation in Maine Coons causing HCM in comparison to other cat breeds in which it is not present as per the chart. HCM is a well-known heart disease in cats. It stands for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Tabby Maine Coon
Tabby Maine Coon. Photo in public domain.

This is a study which discusses how common a genetic mutation is in Maine Coon cats which is responsible for the heart disease called HCM in that cat breed. The scientists identified a dominant mutation in what is called the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene of Maine Coons (MCs). I know I am repeating myself but I think it helps.

The study wanted to find out how prevalent it was in this attractive and popular cat breed. The table show below shows you. It is highly prevalent and, on this table, exclusive to the MC.

 

The study concerned 3,310 cats which were mainly Maine Coons. It's a retrospective study in which they reviewed other studies. As I understand it, blood samples for DNA testing and swabs were taken from the cats. They were submitted for evaluation of this genetic mutation which is described as the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation.

They found that on a worldwide basis 34% of Maine Coons carry the MYBPC3 mutation. My interpretation of that is that the same percentage of Maine Coon cats are predisposed to HCM or they may certainly develop HCM. I don't know but they certainly carry this mutation which causes HCM.

ASSOCIATED: HCM in Bengal cats.

The scientists stated that if a recommendation is made to eliminate all Maine Coons carrying this mutation from breeding lines it would "have a substantial impact on the gene pool". That probably is why Maine Coon cats are known to be predisposed to HCM i.e. because they don't want to remove the cats from the breeding lines.

ASSOCIATED PAGE: Maine Coon Health Problems

The table is interesting because it's a nice comparison and it shows us that other breeds don't have this mutated gene. The word "autosomal" means not sex-linked. The word "dominant" means that you only need one copy of a mutation in order for it to be effective.


The study: Prevalence of the Myosin-Binding Protein C Mutation in Maine Coon Cats by R. Fries, A.M. Heaney, K.M. Meurs (2008).

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