Population genomics reveals that a missense mutation in EDNRB2 contributes to white plumage color in pigeons

Plumage color is an important economic trait for breed feature identification and consumer's requirements in pigeons. The domestic pigeon has multi-ple types of plumage color, thereby providing a unique opportunity to identify the genetic basis of plumage col-oration. White feather color is common for meat and medicinal use. To investigate the genetic variation asso-ciated with white plumage color in pigeons, we use genome resequencing and population genomics to identify the genomic regions with strong selective signa-ture between pigeons with brown and white plumage color. Meanwhile, we obtained some candidate genes with melanin or melanosome biosynthesis in selected regions. Finally, we identified a missense mutation p. E256K in the EDNRB2 completely associated with white plumage color. These findings provide a basis for genetic variation in pigeons with plumage color phenotype.