A defective gene in rabbits has become a prominent study in the past two years, causing bunnies to make bunnies walk on their front paws only, rather than hopping around.
What looks like a cute little party trick the bunnies were taught is really a gene tied to limb movement. This very unique trait is shown in a specific breed of domesticated rabbits called ¨Sauteur d´Alfort¨ rabbits. Although it sounds like a very bizarre genetic trait, these rabbits aren´t the only animals to have adopted this trait. It´s a rare and uncommon sight for sure, and it was named ¨RORB¨ by scientists, standing for RAR-related orphan receptor B. This is a gene that, when mutated or altered, causes a loss of function for the vertebrate´s nerve development. RORB highly affects the spinal cord´s mobility, restricting movement and mobility. This makes animals such as rabbits, mice, hares, and, in some rare cases, kangaroos have mobility issues or adapt by walking with their front limbs only.
Diving deeper into the details of this study, molecular genetic scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden came to work with Satueur d´Alfort rabbits in New Zealand to see if they could uncover any more information. Scientists bred together hop-less (not hopeless!) male rabbits with female rabbits that can hop. The team then scanned and studied the genetic blueprints of the offspring that couldn´t hop and looked for any unusual mutations.
¨I wish I had a gene that could make me do handstands to get around. I hope these bunnies know how cool they are, haha.¨ Says Malina Sheraton, a high school gymnastics athlete.
Sheraton believes that these animals are born with a natural talent, and scientists were able to find out how and why from the offspring. RORB creates faulty versions of genetic instructions that cells use to make proteins, and as a result, studies show that there appears to be less of the needed proteins that are required to stabilize specialized nerve cells.
¨Dang… If I were a bunny that could only walk on my front paws, I wouldn´t be very hoppy. Get it?¨ Jokes Camila Vazquez, a high school humane society activist.
