Gait Gene (DMRT3) – a gene influencing movement mechanics and alternative gaits

All horses naturally perform three basic gaits – walk, trot, and canter. Some breeds, however, are also capable of performing alternative gaits, in which the limbs move in an alternative rhythm. In some alternative gaits, the limbs on the same side of the body move together (lateral gaits), while in others the limbs move diagonally.

The term Gait Keeper refers to a variant of the DMRT3 gene, which plays an important role in regulating the neural pathways of the spinal cord that coordinate the movement of individual limbs during locomotion. The gene therefore affects limb coordination and the horse’s ability to perform alternative gaits.

In horses carrying the DMRT3 mutation (c.902C>A), a truncated protein is produced, which alters the function of the neural circuits controlling limb movement. As a result, horses may more easily perform alternative gaits such as tölt, pace, or other forms of ambling gaits. The mutation also affects movement coordination at higher speeds and may have a beneficial effect on the performance of some racing and trotting breeds.

However, it is important to emphasize that DMRT3 is not the only factor determining a horse’s movement pattern. The ability to perform alternative gaits is a multifactorial trait influenced not only by the DMRT3 gene but also by other genes, breed, body conformation, training, and environmental factors.

The DMRT3 variant is inherited in an autosomal manner. Its effect depends on the number of copies of the mutation as well as on the genetic background and breed.

Knowledge of the DMRT3 genotype can help to better assess a horse’s movement potential, facilitate the selection of a suitable sporting discipline, and support breeding decisions aimed at maintaining or developing a desired type of movement.

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References:

Andersson, L.S., Larhammar, M., Memic, F., Wootz, H., Schwochow, D., Rubin, C.J., Patra, K., Arnason, T., Wellbring, L., Hjälm, G., Imsland, F., Petersen, J.L., McCue, M.E., Mickelson, J.R., Cothran, G., Ahituv, N., Roepstorff, L., Mikko, S., Vallstedt, A., Lindgren, G., Andersson, L., Kullander, K. : Mutations in DMRT3 affect locomotion in horses and spinal circuit function in mice. Nature 488:642-6, 2012. Pubmed reference: 22932389