Splashed White 10 (SW10)
Gene or Region: PAX3
Reference Variant: C
Mutant Variant: T
Affected Breeds: PRE
Research Confidence: High - Mutations in MITF and PAX3 have been well-documented to cause white spotting in both the horse and other species, even humans!
Explanation of Results: SW10/SW10 = homozygous for Splashed White 10, unknown. Possibly white markings to all white, no known cases to date. SW10/n = heterozygous for Splashed White 10, white markings likely with blue eyes possible n/n = no variant detected
General Description for Splashed White 10
Splashed White 10 / Giltor (SW10) is found in Pura Raza Espanola (PRE) horses and presents as white markings giving the horse the appearance of being dipped in paint with the edges of the white often sharp.
SW10 Discovered In: Carmela GT
SW10 Phenotype: White markings that give the horse the appearance of being dipped in paint with the edgest of the white often sharp.
Gene Information
PAX3 is a transcription factor that is vital for normal development. Mutations in other species have led to white spotting, deafness, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. In the horse, only deafness and white spotting have been reported.
References
McFadden, A., Martin, K., Foster, G., Vierra, M., Lundquist, E., Everts, R., Martin, E., Volz, E., McLoone, K., Brooks, S., Lafayette, C. (2023) Two Novel Variants in MITF and PAX3 Associated with Splashed White Phenotypes in Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, July 2023.
Patterson, et. al., "Non-frameshift deletion on MITF is associated with a novel splashed white spotting pattern in horses (Equus caballus)" (2022) Anim Genet. 2022 Jun 7. doi: 10.1111/age.13225
Henkel, et al., "Whole-genome sequencing reveals a large deletion in the MITF gene in horses with white spotted coat colour and increased risk of deafness" (2019) Anim Genet. 50: 172-4.
Hauswirth R et al., “Mutations in MITF and PAX3 cause "splashed white" and other white spotting phenotypes in horses.” (2012) PLoS Genet. 8: e1002653.
Hauswirth R et al., “Novel variants in the KIT and PAX3 genes in horses with white-spotted coat colour phenotypes.” (2013) Anim Genet. 44: 763-5.
Magdesian, KG et al., "A de novo MITF deletion explains a novel splashed white phenotype in an American Paint Horse." (2020) The American Genetic Association
More Horse Color Genetics
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness & Leopard Complex
Congential Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) is characterized by the inability to see well in low light and no-light situations. It is linked to Leopard Complex Spotting (LP), where homozygous horses (LP/LP) will have CSNB. Congential Stationary Night Blindness is present at birth and is non-progressive.
Champagne
Champagne (CH) is a dilution that affects all coat colors. Champagne foals are born with pink skin and blue eyes that slightly darken with age. Adult champagne horses have a distinct pumpkin colored skin with mottling in the hairless regions, as well as amber/green/tan eyes. Horses with multiple dilutions can be difficult to accurately identify color without genetic testing.