Piebaldism?

[MsPrada]

So I am taking a Genes and Dev. class and we talked about piebaldism today. So Piebaldism is a genetic event that causes certain symptoms in humans such as: anemia, colorless patches of skin, sterility, and digestive tracts that cant digest correctly . Now, I know humans arent snakes, but these genetic mutations can be triggered in mice and other model species for study and I was wondering, do piebald snakes show any of these conditions? Again, I know a snake is not a human, or even a rat, but I was just curious when I was in class today.

[AaronP]

Nope, only thing Piebald about a Piebald Python is the white patches.

[MsPrada]

So im curious then. Is it a piebald gene that causes this--or a gene mutation--or did someone breed and then decide to call the morph piebald because of the color?

[Freakie_frog]

Thing is Pied happens in horses, birds, mice, rats, snakes, lizards ext..the mutation is different in each species but the common factor is the Skin pigmentation issue. The Pied Ball Python is simply named as such cause it resembles but in the recessive factor and in the pigmentation presentation.

[MsPrada]

Well I know it happens in other animals, I just wasnt sure if there were issues in the snakes that can arise in the humans and the mice. I dont know much about the piebald horses and the most we've ever discussed horse genetics was to talk about how many genes control coat color. Then again, I guess you can also ask if Piebald horses are called Pieds because of only the color, same with the birds etc, or if it is really the genetic mutation. Then which came first, the mutation or the word. Lol. So I guess im biting off and trying to chew more than what really matters. Anyhow, thanks

[panthercz]

So im curious then. Is it a piebald gene that causes this--or a gene mutation--or did someone breed and then decide to call the morph piebald because of the color?

Not sure what you're asking but, piebald ball pythons are a naturally occurring morph that was brought over from the wilds of Africa. They were not bred to appear the way they do.

[MsPrada]

What I was asking is if the piebald name is piebald because of the color (did someone decide to name this morph piebald) or does it have something to do with the actual piebald genetic mutation.

But I got my answer, so thanks anyhow

[BallPythonGeek13]

yea its only the colors

[GenePirate]

What I was asking is if the piebald name is piebald because of the color (did someone decide to name this morph piebald) or does it have something to do with the actual piebald genetic mutation.

It's a mutation and a phenotype. Piebaldism stems from a defect in neural crest development during embryogenesis. This defect affects distribution of melanocytes which causes the white patches that you see in humans, rats, horses, (and we assume) snakes, etc. Usually, the more white you see in mammals, the more severe the neurological disorders. That's why breeding for high white in horses is discouraged. I wouldn't be surprised if pied BPs have some sort of disorder that we're not aware of. They certainly can't tell us if they're having visual disturbances or digestive issues. Or, the mutation may be quite benign. It depends on which gene and where along the gene the mutation is located, or if more than one mutated gene is working in tandem with another. I've heard complaints from some breeders that their pieds are picky eaters. If this turns out to be a common complaint, there might be evidence that there is some consequence of this mutation. Hope this helps.

[h00blah]

So im curious then. Is it a piebald gene that causes this--or a gene mutation--or did someone breed and then decide to call the morph piebald because of the color?

i understand the question, i would like to x2 it too =p.

like if someone named the green tree boa an emerald green bc its literally made of emeralds, or is it just bc it resembles it.
did someone name the piebald pied bc it literally is pied? or is it just bc it resembles one?