Does urbanization level predict C-kit-ligand allele frequency in domestic goat suggesting a role in Human-animal relationship?

Abstract

The c-kit-ligand (KITLG) is a pigmentation gene that has a strong selection signal in the majority of domestic animals. Recent studies in human and rodent populations have indicated a role for KITLG in the response to social stress. Regression analysis revealed three significant predictors of KITLG minor allele frequency (MAF) in domestic goat populations: urbanization level (β = +0.0037, p < 0.001), latitude (β = +0.0019, p = 0.010), and solar radiation (β = -0.00029, p < 0.001). Together, these factors explained 53.6% of the variation in the KITLG gene MAF (adjusted R² = 0.527). The results obtained indicate a complex influence of anthropogenic and natural factors on the genetic structure of domestic goat populations. We used local urbanization level as an indirect indicator of human-animal relationship, suggesting that the KITLG pleiotropy links human-recognizable pigmentation patterns to certain behavioural phenotypes. This association can be considered as a possible mechanism for facilitating and maintaining domestication.