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Butler MW, Cullen ZE, Garti CM, Howard DE, Corpus BA, McNish BA, Hines JK. Physiologically Relevant Levels of Biliverdin Do Not Significantly Oppose Oxidative Damage in Plasma In Vitro. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:294-303. [PMID: 37418605 DOI: 10.1086/725402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAntioxidants have important physiological roles in limiting the amount of oxidative damage that an organism experiences. One putative antioxidant is biliverdin, a pigment that is most commonly associated with the blue or green colors of avian eggshells. However, despite claims that biliverdin functions as an antioxidant, neither the typical physiological concentrations of biliverdin in most species nor the ability of biliverdin to oppose oxidative damage at these concentrations has been examined. Therefore, we quantified biliverdin in the plasma of six bird species and found that they circulated levels of biliverdin between 0.02 and 0.5 μM. We then used a pool of plasma from northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and spiked it with one of seven different concentrations of biliverdin, creating plasma-based solutions ranging from 0.09 to 231 μM biliverdin. We then compared each solution's ability to oppose oxidative damage in response to hydrogen peroxide relative to a control addition of water. We found that hydrogen peroxide consistently induced moderate amounts of oxidative damage (quantified as reactive oxygen metabolites) but that no concentration of biliverdin ameliorated this damage. However, biliverdin and hydrogen peroxide interacted, as the amount of biliverdin in hydrogen peroxide-treated samples was reduced to approximately zero, unless the initial concentration was over 100 μM biliverdin. These preliminary findings based on in vitro work indicate that while biliverdin may have important links to metabolism and immune function, at physiologically relevant concentrations it does not detectably oppose hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in plasma.
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Wang H, Ge Y, Zhang L, Wei Y, Li Q, Zhang X, Pan Y. The Pigments in Eggshell with Different Color and the Pigment Regulatory Genes Expression in Corresponding Chicken’s Shell Gland. Animal 2023; 17:100776. [PMID: 37043933 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Eggshell colour is the unique appearance and economically valuable trait of eggs, whereas the colour is often short of uniformity, especially in the blue-shelled breeds, hence, their pigment differences and molecular mechanism need clarity. To investigate the relationship between the pigment content of eggshells and related gene expression in the eggshell glands of chickens, four subtypes of blue-shelled eggs ('Olive', 'Green', 'Blue', and 'Light') from the same blue-eggshell chicken line were selected; Hy-Line 'White' and 'Brown'-shelled eggs were used as control groups. The L*, a*, b* values, and protoporphyrin-IX and biliverdin contents in each group of eggshells were measured. In addition, the shell glands of the corresponding hens were collected to detect SLCO1B3 genotype and mRNA expression, and ABCG2 and HMOX1 transcription and protein expression. Eggshell colour L* values were negatively correlated with protoporphyrin-IX, b* values were positively correlated with total pigment content (P < 0.001), and a* values were positively correlated with protoporphyrin-IX (P < 0.001) but negatively with biliverdin. Moreover, all four blue-eggshell subtypes were SLCO1B3 homozygous, with SLCO1B3 mRNA expression in shell glands being significantly higher than in the White and Brown groups. ABCG2 and HMOX1 mRNA expression were highest in the Brown and Green groups, respectively (P < 0.05), and were positively correlated with protoporphyrin-IX (P < 0.001) and biliverdin contents in eggshells, respectively. Western blot and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the Brown group had the highest ABCG2 expression (P < 0.05), followed by the Green and Olive groups. HMOX1 protein expression was higher in the Olive and Green groups (P < 0.05), and lowest in the White group. This study suggests that ABCG2 and HMOX1 have important regulatory roles in the production and transport of protoporphyrin-IX and biliverdin in blue-shelled chicken eggs, respectively.
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Identification of a coproporphyrinogen-III oxidase gene and its correlation with nacre color in Hyriopsis cumingii. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265318. [PMID: 35312719 PMCID: PMC8936452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pearl color is an important factor influencing pearl value, and is affected by the nacre color of the shell in Hyriopsis cumingii. Coproporphyrinogen-III oxidase (CPOX) is a key enzyme in porphyrin synthesis, and porphyrins are involved in color formation in different organisms, including in the nacre color of mussels. In this study, a CPOX gene (HcCPOX) was identified from H. cumingii, and its amino acid sequence was found to contain a coprogen-oxidase domain. HcCPOX mRNA was expressed widely in the tissues of white and purple mussels, and the highest expression was found in the gill, followed by the fringe mantle. The expression of HcCPOX in all tissues of purple mussels (except in the middle mantle) was higher than that of white mussels. Strong hybridization signals for HcCPOX were observed in the dorsal epithelial cells of the outer fold of the mantle. The activity of CPOX in the gill, fringe mantle, and foot of purple mussels was significantly higher than that in white mussels. Moreover, the expression of HcCPOX and CPOX activity were decreased in RNA interference experiments. The findings indicate that HcCPOX might contributes to nacre color formation in H. cumingii by being involved in porphyrin synthesis.
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Uterus-specific transcriptional regulation underlies eggshell pigment production in Japanese quail. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265008. [PMID: 35271636 PMCID: PMC8912178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The precursor of heme, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), accumulates abundantly in the uteri of birds, such as Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica, which has brown-speckled eggshells; however, the molecular basis of PPIX production in the uterus remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the cause of low PPIX production in a classical Japanese quail mutant exhibiting white eggshells by comparing its gene expression in the uterus with that of the wild type using transcriptome analysis. We also performed genetic linkage analysis to identify the causative genomic region of the white eggshell phenotype. We found that 11 genes, including 5’-aminolevulinate synthase 1 (ALAS1) and hephaestin-like 1 (HEPHL1), were specifically upregulated in the wild-type uterus and downregulated in the mutant. We mapped the 172 kb candidate genomic region on chromosome 6, which contains several genes, including a part of the paired-like homeodomain 3 (PITX3), which encodes a transcription factor. ALAS1, HEPHL1, and PITX3 were expressed in the apical cells of the luminal epithelium and lamina propria cells of the uterine mucosa of the wild-type quail, while their expression levels were downregulated in the cells of the mutant quail. Biochemical analysis using uterine homogenates indicated that the restricted availability of 5’-aminolevulinic acid is the main cause of low PPIX production. These results suggest that uterus-specific transcriptional regulation of heme-biosynthesis-related genes is an evolutionarily acquired mechanism of eggshell pigment production in Japanese quail. Based on these findings, we discussed the molecular basis of PPIX production in the uteri of Japanese quails.
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Ren J, Yang Q, Tang Q, Liu R, Hu J, Li L, Bai L, Liu H. Metabonomics reveals the main small molecules differences between green and white egg shells in ducks. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.2024096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ren
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinglan Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruixin Liu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiwei Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Bai
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hehe Liu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Thompson CF, Hodges KE, Mortimer NT, Vrailas-Mortimer AD, Sakaluk SK, Hauber ME. Avian eggshell coloration predicts shell-matrix protoporphyrin content. CAN J ZOOL 2022; 100:77-81. [PMID: 35185156 PMCID: PMC8855982 DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2021-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Avian eggshell pigmentation may provide information about a female's physiological condition, in particular her state of oxidative balance. Previously we found that female house wrens (Troglodytes aedon Vieillot, 1809) with lighter, less-maculated, and redder ground-colored shells were older and produced heavier offspring than females laying darker, browner eggs. The strong pro-oxidant protoporphyrin is responsible for this species' eggshell pigmentation, so differences in pigmentary coloration may be related to eggshell protoporphyrin content and reflect female oxidative balance and condition during egg-formation. Therefore, we tested the assumption that egg-surface coloration is related to the amount of protoporphyrin in the shell matrix. We analyzed digital photographs of eggs to determine maculation coverage as a measure of the overall ground coloration of the egg and its red-, green-, and blue-channel pixel values. Pigments were then extracted from these same eggs and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. There was a strong, positive relationship between eggshell redness and protoporphyrin content of eggshells, but no relationship between percent maculation and protoporphyrin content. Thus, when older, larger females deposit more protoporphyrin in their eggshells, this may reflect a tolerance for high levels of circulating protoporphyrin or an effective mechanism for off-loading protoporphyrin into the eggshell matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Kara E Hodges
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Nathan T Mortimer
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Scott K Sakaluk
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
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MURUZ H, ATMACA E, AKSOY A. A comparative study on egg cholesterol contents and eggshell protoporphyrin and biliverdin pigments of different poultry species. ANKARA ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.33988/auvfd.933798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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8
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Development of ostrich eggshell and nano-levan-based edible biopolymer composite films: characterization and bioactivity. Polym Bull (Berl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-021-04069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Shen J, Huang D, Li J, Ye W, Wang Z, Bai Z. Identification of a uroporphyrinogen III synthetase gene and characterization of its role in pearl sac formation in Hyriopsis cumingii. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Milovanovic B, Tomovic V, Djekic I, Solowiej BG, Lorenzo JM, Barba FJ, Tomasevic I. Color assessment of the eggs using computer vision system and Minolta colorimeter. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-021-01085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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11
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Tahoun M, Gee CT, McCoy VE, Sander PM, Müller CE. Chemistry of porphyrins in fossil plants and animals. RSC Adv 2021; 11:7552-7563. [PMID: 35423242 PMCID: PMC8695116 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra10688g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrins are macrocyclic tetrapyrrole derivatives that are widely distributed in nature. They are often complexed with a metal ion located in the center of the ring system and may be modified by various substituents including additional rings, or by ring opening, which leads to a plethora of different functions. Due to their extended conjugated aromatic ring system, porphyrins absorb light in the visible range and therefore show characteristic colors. Well-known natural porphyrins include the red-colored heme present in hemoglobin, which is responsible for blood oxygen transport, and the chlorophylls in some bacteria and in plants which are utilized for photosynthesis. Porphyrins are mostly lipophilic pigments that display relatively high chemical stability. Therefore, they can even survive hundreds of millions of years. The present review article provides an overview of natural porphyrins, their chemical structures, and properties. A special focus is put on porphyrins discovered in the fossil record. Examples will be highlighted, and information on their chemical analysis will be provided. We anticipate that the development of novel analytical methods with increased sensitivity will prompt new discoveries of porphyrins in fossils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Tahoun
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Carole T Gee
- Institute of Geosciences, Division of Paleontology, University of Bonn Nussallee 8 53115 Bonn Germany
- Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino California 91108 USA
| | - Victoria E McCoy
- Department of Geosciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 3209 N Maryland Ave Milwaukee WI 53211 USA
| | - P Martin Sander
- Institute of Geosciences, Division of Paleontology, University of Bonn Nussallee 8 53115 Bonn Germany
| | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 53121 Bonn Germany
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Chen L, Gu X, Huang X, Liu R, Li J, Hu Y, Li G, Zeng T, Tian Y, Hu X, Lu L, Li N. Two cis-regulatory SNPs upstream of ABCG2 synergistically cause the blue eggshell phenotype in the duck. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009119. [PMID: 33186356 PMCID: PMC7688135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian eggshell color is an interesting genetic trait. Here, we report that the blue eggshell color of the domestic duck is caused by two cis-regulatory G to A transitions upstream of ABCG2, which encodes an efflux transporter. The juxtaposed blue eggshell allele A-A exhibited higher promoter activity and stronger nuclear protein binding capacity than the white eggshell allele G-G. Transcription factor analysis suggested differential binding capability of CTCF between blue eggshell and white eggshell alleles. Knockdown of CTCF expression significantly decreased the promoter activity of the blue eggshell but not the white eggshell allele. DNA methylation analysis revealed similar high methylation of the region upstream of the CTCF binding sites in both blue-eggshelled and white-eggshelled ducks. However, DNA methylation levels downstream of the binding sites were decreased and 35% lower in blue-eggshelled ducks than in white-eggshelled ducks. Consistent with the in vitro regulatory pattern of causative sites, ABCG2 exhibited higher expression in uteruses of blue-eggshelled ducks and also showed polarized distribution in their endometrial epithelial cells, distributing at the apical surface of endometrial epithelial cells and with orientation toward the uterine cavity, where the eggshell is pigmented. In conclusion, our results suggest that two cis-regulatory SNPs upstream of ABCG2 are the causative mutations for blue eggshells in ducks. The blue eggshell variant up-regulated ABCG2 expression through recruiting CTCF binding, which may function as a barrier element to shield the downstream region from high methylation levels present upstream. ABCG2 was identified as the only candidate causative gene for blue eggshells; it may function as an efflux transporter of biliverdin to the uterine cavity. Avian eggshell color is an interesting genetic trait that has been related to numerous interesting biological functions, such as crypsis, mimicry, and protection from ultraviolet radiation. In ducks, blue eggshells are a dominant Mendelian trait. The color is preferred by customers and has become one of the main breeding targets in laying ducks in China. In this study, we identified that duck blue eggshells are likely caused by two cis-regulatory variations that synergistically up-regulate ABCG2 expression in the uterus. ABCG2 was identified as the only candidate causative gene for blue eggshell; it may function as an efflux transporter of biliverdin to the uterine cavity, where the eggshell is pigmented. Our study provides useful molecular markers for breeding of blue-eggshelled ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetao Huang
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqin Li
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tian
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
| | - Lizhi Lu
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (XH); (LL); (NL)
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Chen J, Dalirsefat SB, Han D, Dong X, Hua G, Zheng X, Xia T, Shao T, Deng X, Wu C. An EAV-HP insertion in the 5' flanking region of SLCO1B3 is associated with its tissue-expression profile in blue-eggshell Yimeng chickens (Gallus gallus). Poult Sci 2020; 99:6371-6377. [PMID: 33248552 PMCID: PMC7704947 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that blue eggshell color in chickens is associated with a partial endogenous retroviral (EAV-HP) insertion in the promoter region of the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B3 (SLCO1B3) gene. The EAV-HP sequence includes numerous regulatory elements, which may modulate the expression of adjacent genes. To determine whether this insertion influences the expression of neighboring genes, we screened the expression of solute carrier organic anion transporter family members 1C1, 1B1 (SLCO1C1, SLCO1B1), and SLCO1B3 in 13 and 10 tissues from female and male Yimeng chickens, respectively. We observed that the insertion only significantly modulated the expression of SLCO1B3 and did not majorly affect that of SLCO1C1 and SLCO1B1. High expression of SLCO1B3 was detected in the shell gland, magnum, isthmus, and vagina of the oviduct in female blue-eggshell chickens. We also observed ectopic expression of SLCO1B3 in the testes of male chickens. SLCO1B3 is typically highly expressed in the liver; however, the EAV-HP insertion significantly reduces SLCO1B3 expression. As a liver-specific transporter, a reduction in the expression of SLCO1B3 may affect liver metabolism, particularly that of bile acids. We also detected higher ectopic expression of SLCO1B3 in the lungs of birds heterozygous for the EAV-HP insertion than in homozygous genotypes. In conclusion, we confirmed that the EAV-HP insertion modifies SLCO1B3 expression, and showed, for the first time, similar expression profile of this gene in all parts of the oviduct in females and testis in males. We also observed different levels of SLCO1B3 expression in the liver, which were associated with the EAV-HP insertion, and significantly higher expression in the lungs of birds with heterozygous genotype. The effects of these changes in the SLCO1B3 expression pattern on the function of the tissues warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Seyed Benyamin Dalirsefat
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan, Iran
| | - Deping Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianggui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guoying Hua
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tianlan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tianqi Shao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuemei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Changxin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture & Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Ladouce M, Barakat T, Su BL, Deparis O, Mouchet SR. Scattering of ultraviolet light by avian eggshells. Faraday Discuss 2020; 223:63-80. [PMID: 32719833 DOI: 10.1039/d0fd00034e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Eggshells are essential for the reproduction of birds since the optical properties of shells may have an impact on biological functions such as heating and UV protection, recognition by parents or camouflage. Whereas ultraviolet reflection by some bird eggshells has been recently described, its physical origin remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a porous structure in eggshells. Using Mie scattering modelling, we found it was most likely responsible for reflectance peaks (intensities of ca. 20-50%) observed in the near-UV range. These peaks were observed by spectrophotometric measurements from eggshells of several breeds of hen, one breed of duck and one breed of quail. This optical response was interpreted in terms of the distinct visual perception of hens and humans: eggshells appearing achromatic for humans proved to be chromatic for hens. Fluorescence emission from these eggs was also characterised and attributed to the presence of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin IXα in the shells. Electron microscopy observations revealed the presence of pores within the so-called calcified shell part (i.e., at depths between ca. 20 μm and ca. 240 μm from the eggshell's outer surface). Mercury intrusion porosimetry allowed us to quantify the pore size distribution. Simulations of the UV response of this porous structure using Mie scattering theory as well as an effective approach accounting for multiple scattering indicate that these pores are responsible for the backscattering peaks observed in the UV range, in the case of beige hen eggshells. Due to the similarities between the pore size distributions observed for beige hen eggshells and other investigated poultry eggshells, we expect Mie backscattering to be the origin of the UV response of the eggshells of many other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Ladouce
- Department of Physics, Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000 Namur, Belgium.
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Expanding the eggshell colour gamut: uroerythrin and bilirubin from tinamou (Tinamidae) eggshells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11264. [PMID: 32647200 PMCID: PMC7347609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, only two pigments have been identified in avian eggshells: rusty-brown protoporphyrin IX and blue-green biliverdin IXα. Most avian eggshell colours can be produced by a mixture of these two tetrapyrrolic pigments. However, tinamou (Tinamidae) eggshells display colours not easily rationalised by combination of these two pigments alone, suggesting the presence of other pigments. Here, through extraction, derivatization, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, we identify two novel eggshell pigments: yellow–brown tetrapyrrolic bilirubin from the guacamole-green eggshells of Eudromia elegans, and red–orange tripyrrolic uroerythrin from the purplish-brown eggshells of Nothura maculosa. Both pigments are known porphyrin catabolites and are found in the eggshells in conjunction with biliverdin IXα. A colour mixing model using the new pigments and biliverdin reproduces the respective eggshell colours. These discoveries expand our understanding of how eggshell colour diversity is achieved. We suggest that the ability of these pigments to photo-degrade may have an adaptive value for the tinamous.
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Hauber ME, Bond AL, Kouwenberg AL, Robertson GJ, Hansen ES, Holford M, Dainson M, Luro A, Dale J. The chemical basis of a signal of individual identity: shell pigment concentrations track the unique appearance of Common Murre eggs. J R Soc Interface 2020; 16:20190115. [PMID: 30966949 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In group-living species with parental care, the accurate recognition of one's own young is critical to fitness. Because discriminating offspring within a large colonial group may be challenging, progeny of colonial breeders often display familial or individual identity signals to elicit and receive parental provisions from their own parents. For instance, the common murre (or common guillemot: Uria aalge) is a colonially breeding seabird that does not build a nest and lays and incubates an egg with an individually unique appearance. How the shell's physical and chemical properties generate this individual variability in coloration and maculation has not been studied in detail. Here, we quantified two characteristics of the avian-visible appearance of murre eggshells collected from the wild: background coloration spectra and maculation density. As predicted by the individual identity hypothesis, there was no statistical relationship between avian-perceivable shell background coloration and maculation density within the same eggs. In turn, variation in both sets of traits was statistically related to some of their physico-chemical properties, including shell thickness and concentrations of the eggshell pigments biliverdin and protoporphyrin IX. These results illustrate how individually unique eggshell appearances, suitable for identity signalling, can be generated by a small number of structural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Hauber
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA.,2 American Museum of Natural History , New York, NY , USA
| | - Alexander L Bond
- 3 Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum , Tring, Hertfordshire , UK
| | | | - Gregory J Robertson
- 5 Environment and Climate Change Canada , Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador , Canada
| | - Erpur S Hansen
- 6 South Iceland Nature Research Centre , Vestmannaeyjar , Iceland
| | - Mande Holford
- 2 American Museum of Natural History , New York, NY , USA.,7 Department of Chemistry, Hunter College and Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York, NY , USA
| | - Miri Dainson
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA
| | - Alec Luro
- 1 Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, IL , USA
| | - James Dale
- 8 School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University , Auckland , New Zealand
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Roy A, Pittman M, Saitta ET, Kaye TG, Xu X. Recent advances in amniote palaeocolour reconstruction and a framework for future research. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:22-50. [PMID: 31538399 PMCID: PMC7004074 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Preserved melanin pigments have been discovered in fossilised integumentary appendages of several amniote lineages (fishes, frogs, snakes, marine reptiles, non-avialan dinosaurs, birds, and mammals) excavated from lagerstätten across the globe. Melanisation is a leading factor in organic integument preservation in these fossils. Melanin in extant vertebrates is typically stored in rod- to sphere-shaped, lysosome-derived, membrane-bound vesicles called melanosomes. Black, dark brown, and grey colours are produced by eumelanin, and reddish-brown colours are produced by phaeomelanin. Specific morphotypes and nanostructural arrangements of melanosomes and their relation to the keratin matrix in integumentary appendages create the so-called 'structural colours'. Reconstruction of colour patterns in ancient animals has opened an exciting new avenue for studying their life, behaviour and ecology. Modern relationships between the shape, arrangement, and size of avian melanosomes, melanin chemistry, and feather colour have been applied to reconstruct the hues and colour patterns of isolated feathers and plumages of the dinosaurs Anchiornis, Sinosauropteryx, and Microraptor in seminal papers that initiated the field of palaeocolour reconstruction. Since then, further research has identified countershading camouflage patterns, and informed subsequent predictions on the ecology and behaviour of these extinct animals. However, palaeocolour reconstruction remains a nascent field, and current approaches have considerable potential for further refinement, standardisation, and expansion. This includes detailed study of non-melanic pigments that might be preserved in fossilised integuments. A common issue among existing palaeocolour studies is the lack of contextualisation of different lines of evidence and the wide variety of techniques currently employed. To that end, this review focused on fossil amniotes: (i) produces an overarching framework that appropriately reconstructs palaeocolour by accounting for the chemical signatures of various pigments, morphology and local arrangement of pigment-bearing vesicles, pigment concentration, macroscopic colour patterns, and taphonomy; (ii) provides background context for the evolution of colour-producing mechanisms; and (iii) encourages future efforts in palaeocolour reconstructions particularly of less-studied groups such as non-dinosaur archosaurs and non-archosaur amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Roy
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Department of Earth SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
| | - Michael Pittman
- Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Department of Earth SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong SARChina
| | - Evan T. Saitta
- Integrative Research Center, Section of Earth SciencesField Museum of Natural History1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, ChicagoIL60605U.S.A.
| | - Thomas G. Kaye
- Foundation for Scientific Advancement7023 Alhambra Drive, Sierra VistaAZ85650U.S.A.
| | - Xing Xu
- Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and PaleoanthropologyChinese Academy of Sciences142 Xizhimenwai Street.Beijing100044China
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18
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The global distribution of avian eggshell colours suggest a thermoregulatory benefit of darker pigmentation. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 4:148-155. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-1003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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19
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Dunn IC, Woolliams JA, Wilson PW, Icken W, Cavero D, Jones AC, Quinlan-Pluck F, Williams GOS, Olori V, Bain MM. Genetic variation and potential for genetic improvement of cuticle deposition on chicken eggs. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:25. [PMID: 31164080 PMCID: PMC6549311 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cuticle is an invisible glycosylated protein layer that covers the outside of the eggshell and forms a barrier to the transmission of microorganisms. Cuticle-specific staining and in situ absorbance measurements have been used to quantify cuticle deposition in several pure breeds of chicken. For brown eggs, a pre-stain and a post-stain absorbance measurement is required to correct for intrinsic absorption by the natural pigment. For white eggs, a post-stain absorbance measurement alone is sufficient to estimate cuticle deposition. The objective of the research was to estimate genetic parameters and provide data to promote adoption of the technique to increase cuticle deposition and reduce vertical transmission of microorganisms. Results For all pure breeds examined here, i.e. Rhode Island Red, two White Leghorns, White Rock and a broiler breed, the estimate of heritability for cuticle deposition from a meta-analysis was moderately high (0.38 ± 0.04). In the Rhode Island Red breed, the estimate of the genetic correlation between measurements recorded at early and late times during the egg-laying period was ~ 1. There was no negative genetic correlation between cuticle deposition and production traits. Estimates of the genetic correlation of cuticle deposition with shell color ranged from negative values or 0 in brown-egg layers to positive values in white- or tinted-egg layers. Using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan in the cuticle proteins to quantify the amount of cuticle deposition failed because of complex quenching processes. Tryptophan fluorescence intensity at 330 nm was moderately heritable, but there was no evidence of a non-zero genetic correlation with cuticle deposition. This was complicated furthermore by a negative genetic correlation of fluorescence with color in brown eggs, due to the quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by energy transfer to protoporphyrin pigment. We also confirmed that removal of the cuticle increased reflection of ultraviolet wavelengths from the egg. Conclusions These results provide additional evidence for the need to incorporate cuticle deposition into breeding programs of egg- and meat-type birds in order to reduce vertical and horizontal transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms and to help improve biosecurity in poultry. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12711-019-0467-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.
| | - John A Woolliams
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter W Wilson
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | - Anita C Jones
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiona Quinlan-Pluck
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Gareth O S Williams
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Maureen M Bain
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), IBAHCM, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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20
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Li Z, Ren T, Li W, Zhou Y, Han R, Li H, Jiang R, Yan F, Sun G, Liu X, Tian Y, Kang X. Association Between the Methylation Statuses at CpG Sites in the Promoter Region of the SLCO1B3, RNA Expression and Color Change in Blue Eggshells in Lushi Chickens. Front Genet 2019; 10:161. [PMID: 30863430 PMCID: PMC6399514 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation mechanism underlying the blue eggshell characteristic has been discovered in birds, and SLCO1B3 is the key gene that regulates the blue eggshell color. Insertion of an endogenous retrovirus, EAV-HP, in the SLCO1B3 5′ flanking region promotes SLCO1B3 expression in the chicken shell gland, and this expression causes bile salts to enter the shell gland, where biliverdin is secreted into the eggshell, forming a blue shell. However, at different laying stages of the same group of chickens, the color of the eggshell can vary widely, and the molecular mechanism underlying the eggshell color change remains unknown. Therefore, to reveal the molecular mechanism of the blue eggshell color variations, we analyzed the change in the eggshell color during the laying period. The results indicated that the eggshell color in Lushi chickens can be divided into three stages: 20–25 weeks for dark blue, 26–45 weeks for medium blue, and 46–60 weeks for light blue. We further investigated the expression and methylation levels of the SLCO1B3 gene at eight different weeks, finding that the relative expression of SLCO1B3 was significantly higher at 25 and 30 weeks than at other laying weeks. Furthermore, the overall methylation rate of the SLCO1B3 gene in Lushi chickens increased gradually with increasing weeks of egg production, as shown by bisulfite sequencing PCR. Pearson correlation analysis showed that methylation of the promoter region of SLCO1B3 was significantly negatively correlated with both SLCO1B3 expression in the shell gland tissue and eggshell color. In addition, we predicted that CpG5 and CpG8 may be key sites for regulating SLCO1B3 gene transcription. Our findings show that as the level of methylation increases, methylation of the CpG5 and CpG8 sites hinders the binding of transcription factors to the promoter, reducing SLCO1B3 expression during the late period and resulting in a lighter eggshell color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tuanhui Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenya Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruili Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengbin Yan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Zhengzhou, China
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21
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Leem JW, Allcca AEL, Chen J, Kim SW, Kim KY, Choi KH, Chen YP, Kim SR, Kim YL. Visible light biophotosensors using biliverdin from Antheraea yamamai. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:31817-31828. [PMID: 30650761 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.031817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We report an endogenous photoelectric biomolecule and demonstrate that such a biomolecule can be used to detect visible light. We identify the green pigment abundantly present in natural silk cocoons of Antheraea yamamai (Japanese oak silkmoth) as biliverdin, using mass spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy. Biliverdin extracted from the green silk cocoons generates photocurrent upon light illumination with distinct colors. We further characterize the basic performance, responsiveness, and stability of the biliverdin-based biophotosensors at a photovoltaic device level using blue, green, orange, and red light illumination. Biliverdin could potentially serve as an optoelectric biomolecule toward the development of next-generation implantable photosensors and artificial photoreceptors.
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22
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Wiemann J, Yang TR, Norell MA. Dinosaur egg colour had a single evolutionary origin. Nature 2018; 563:555-558. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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23
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Wang J, Yuan Z, Zhang K, Ding X, Bai S, Zeng Q, Peng H, Celi P. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protected vanadium-induced eggshell depigmentation via P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in laying hens. Poult Sci 2018; 97:3109-3118. [PMID: 29788294 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that tea polyphenol (TP) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can confer protection against vanadium (V) toxicity in laying hens; however, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms beyond this effect are still limited. In this study, 360 hens were randomly assigned to the 3 groups to study whether the potential mechanism P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is involved in the protective effect of EGCG on eggshell pigmentation in vanadium challenged laying hens. Treatments included a control group, a 10 mg/kg V (V10), and a V10 plus 130 mg/kg of EGCG group (V10+EGCG130). Both eggshell color and protoporphyrin IX were decreased in the V10 group compared with the control diet, while EGCG130 treatment partially improved shell color and protoporphyrin IX (P < 0.05). The V10 exposure induced higher cell apoptosis rate and oxidative stress in birds as evidenced by the histological apoptosis status, decreased uterine glutathione-S transferase (GST) and high abundance of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with the control group, whereas EGCG130 markedly alleviated oxidative stress via reducing MDA generation (P < 0.05). Dietary vanadium reduced ferrochelatase, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA expression, while EGCG up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression (P < 0.05). Protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and phospho-p38 (P-P38) MAPK were reduced in V10 group, while dietary supplementation with 130 mg/kg EGCG markedly increased Nrf2, HO-1 and P-P38 MAPK protein levels in the uterus compared with the V10 group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, EGCG improved eggshell color and antioxidant system in V10-challenged hens, which seems to be associated with P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Z Yuan
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - K Zhang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - X Ding
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - S Bai
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Q Zeng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - H Peng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - P Celi
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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24
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Dainson M, Mark M, Hossain M, Yoo B, Holford M, McNeil SE, Riehl C, Hauber ME. How to Make a Mimic? Brood Parasitic Striped Cuckoo Eggs Match Host Shell Color but Not Pigment Concentrations. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:940-946. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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25
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Identification of a biliverdin geometric isomer by means of HPLC/ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Differentiation of the isomers by using fragmentation "in-source". MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2018; 149:995-1002. [PMID: 29887645 PMCID: PMC5972171 DOI: 10.1007/s00706-018-2161-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract A commercially available biliverdin sample was analyzed by means of HPLC/ESI–MS and NMR spectroscopy. It was been found that beside the main IXα 5Z,10Z,15Z isomer, the sample contains also the geometric isomer IXα 5Z,10Z,15E. It was also found the isomers behave differentially upon “in-source” fragmentation in negative ion mode (in contrast to the their behavior upon “in-source” fragmentation in positive ion mode and to their behavior upon MS/MS fragmentation in both modes): the relative abundances of deprotonated molecules and fragment ions are significantly different for both isomers, which can be used as an analytical tool to differentiate between the isomers. Graphical abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00706-018-2161-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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26
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Bi H, Liu Z, Sun C, Li G, Wu G, Shi F, Liu A, Yang N. Brown eggshell fading with layer ageing: dynamic change in the content of protoporphyrin IX. Poult Sci 2018; 97:1948-1953. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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27
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Hargitai R, Boross N, Hámori S, Neuberger E, Nyiri Z. Eggshell Biliverdin and Protoporphyrin Pigments in a Songbird: Are They Derived from Erythrocytes, Blood Plasma, or the Shell Gland? Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:613-626. [DOI: 10.1086/694297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Dearborn DC, Page SM, Dainson M, Hauber ME, Hanley D. Eggshells as hosts of bacterial communities: An experimental test of the antimicrobial egg coloration hypothesis. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9711-9719. [PMID: 29188002 PMCID: PMC5696418 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oviparous animals have evolved multiple defenses to prevent microbes from penetrating their eggs and causing embryo mortality. In birds, egg constituents such as lysozyme and antibodies defend against microbial infestation, but eggshell pigments might also impact survival of bacteria. If so, microbes could exert an important selective pressure on the evolution of eggshell coloration. In a previous lab experiment, eggshell protoporphyrin caused drastic mortality in cultures of Gram positive, but not Gram negative, bacteria when exposed to light. Here, we test this "photodynamic antimicrobial hypothesis" in a field experiment. In a paired experimental design, we placed sanitized brown, protoporphyrin-rich chicken eggs alongside white eggs that lack protoporphyrin. We deployed eggs for 48 hr without incubation, as can occur between laying and incubation, when microbial infection risk is highest. Eggs were placed on the open ground exposed to sunlight and in dark underground storm-petrel burrows. We predicted that the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria on brown eggs should be lower when exposed to sunlight than when kept in the dark, but we expected no such difference for white eggs. Although our data revealed variation in bacterial community composition, the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria on eggshells did not vary by egg color, and there was no interaction between egg color and location. Instead, Gram-positive bacteria were proportionally more common on eggs on the ground than eggs in burrows. Overall, our experiment did not support the photodynamic antimicrobial hypothesis. The diverse range of avian egg colors is generated by just two pigments, but over 10 hypotheses have been proposed for the evolution of eggshell color. If our results are generalizable, eggshell protoporphyrin might not play a substantial role in defending eggs against microbes, which narrows the field of candidate hypotheses for the evolution of avian eggshell coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Symmantha M Page
- Department of Biology Bates College Lewiston ME USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine Midwestern University Glendale AZ USA
| | - Miri Dainson
- Department of Animal Biology School of Integrative Biology University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign IL USA
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Animal Biology School of Integrative Biology University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign IL USA
| | - Daniel Hanley
- Department of Biology Long Island University - Post Brookville NY USA
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29
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Wiemann J, Yang TR, Sander PN, Schneider M, Engeser M, Kath-Schorr S, Müller CE, Sander PM. Dinosaur origin of egg color: oviraptors laid blue-green eggs. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3706. [PMID: 28875070 PMCID: PMC5580385 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Protoporphyrin (PP) and biliverdin (BV) give rise to the enormous diversity in avian egg coloration. Egg color serves several ecological purposes, including post-mating signaling and camouflage. Egg camouflage represents a major character of open-nesting birds which accomplish protection of their unhatched offspring against visually oriented predators by cryptic egg coloration. Cryptic coloration evolved to match the predominant shades of color found in the nesting environment. Such a selection pressure for the evolution of colored or cryptic eggs should be present in all open nesting birds and relatives. Many birds are open-nesting, but protect their eggs by continuous brooding, and thus exhibit no or minimal eggshell pigmentation. Their closest extant relatives, crocodiles, protect their eggs by burial and have unpigmented eggs. This phylogenetic pattern led to the assumption that colored eggs evolved within crown birds. The mosaic evolution of supposedly avian traits in non-avian theropod dinosaurs, however, such as the supposed evolution of partially open nesting behavior in oviraptorids, argues against this long-established theory. Using a double-checking liquid chromatography ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometry routine, we traced the origin of colored eggs to their non-avian dinosaur ancestors by providing the first record of the avian eggshell pigments protoporphyrin and biliverdin in the eggshells of Late Cretaceous oviraptorid dinosaurs. The eggshell parataxon Macroolithus yaotunensis can be assigned to the oviraptor Heyuannia huangi based on exceptionally preserved, late developmental stage embryo remains. The analyzed eggshells are from three Late Cretaceous fluvial deposits ranging from eastern to southernmost China. Reevaluation of these taphonomic settings, and a consideration of patterns in the porosity of completely preserved eggs support an at least partially open nesting behavior for oviraptorosaurs. Such a nest arrangement corresponds with our reconstruction of blue-green eggs for oviraptors. According to the sexual signaling hypothesis, the reconstructed blue-green eggs support the origin of previously hypothesized avian paternal care in oviraptorid dinosaurs. Preserved dinosaur egg color not only pushes the current limits of the vertebrate molecular and associated soft tissue fossil record, but also provides a perspective on the potential application of this unexplored paleontological resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Wiemann
- Division of Palaeontology, Steinmann Institute of Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Geology & Geophysics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Tzu-Ruei Yang
- Division of Palaeontology, Steinmann Institute of Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp N Sander
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, United States of America
| | - Marion Schneider
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marianne Engeser
- Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Christa E Müller
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - P Martin Sander
- Division of Palaeontology, Steinmann Institute of Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Frański R, Kozik T. Unexpected interaction between deprotonated biliverdin and alcohols as studied by ESI-MS. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2017; 52:65-68. [PMID: 27884051 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Frański
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Chemistry, Umultowska 89B, Poznan, 61-614, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kozik
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Chemistry, Umultowska 89B, Poznan, 61-614, Poland
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32
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Li G, Sun C, Wu G, Shi F, Liu A, Yang N. iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Identifies Potential Regulatory Proteins Involved in Chicken Eggshell Brownness. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168750. [PMID: 28006025 PMCID: PMC5179088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown eggs are popular in many countries and consumers regard eggshell brownness as an important indicator of egg quality. However, the potential regulatory proteins and detailed molecular mechanisms regulating eggshell brownness have yet to be clearly defined. In the present study, we performed quantitative proteomics analysis with iTRAQ technology in the shell gland epithelium of hens laying dark and light brown eggs to investigate the candidate proteins and molecular mechanisms underlying variation in chicken eggshell brownness. The results indicated 147 differentially expressed proteins between these two groups, among which 65 and 82 proteins were significantly up-regulated in the light and dark groups, respectively. Functional analysis indicated that in the light group, the down-regulated iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein (Iba57) would decrease the synthesis of protoporphyrin IX; furthermore, the up-regulated protein solute carrier family 25 (mitochondrial carrier; adenine nucleotide translocator), member 5 (SLC25A5) and down-regulated translocator protein (TSPO) would lead to increased amounts of protoporphyrin IX transported into the mitochondria matrix to form heme with iron, which is supplied by ovotransferrin protein (TF). In other words, chickens from the light group produce less protoporphyrin IX, which is mainly used for heme synthesis. Therefore, the exported protoporphyrin IX available for eggshell deposition and brownness is reduced in the light group. The current study provides valuable information to elucidate variation of chicken eggshell brownness, and demonstrates the feasibility and sensitivity of iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis in providing useful insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying brown eggshell pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqi Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guiqin Wu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Layer, Beijing, China
| | - Fengying Shi
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Layer, Beijing, China
| | - Aiqiao Liu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Layer, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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33
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Radical new paradigm for heme degradation in Escherichia coli O157:H7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12138-12143. [PMID: 27791000 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1603209113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
All of the heme-degrading enzymes that have been characterized to date require molecular oxygen as a cosubstrate. Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been shown to express heme uptake and transport proteins, as well as use heme as an iron source. This enteric pathogen colonizes the anaerobic space of the lower intestine in mammals, yet no mechanism for anaerobic heme degradation has been reported. Herein we provide evidence for an oxygen-independent heme-degradation pathway. Specifically, we demonstrate that ChuW is a radical S-adenosylmethionine methyltransferase that catalyzes a radical-mediated mechanism facilitating iron liberation and the production of the tetrapyrrole product we termed "anaerobilin." We further demonstrate that anaerobilin can be used as a substrate by ChuY, an enzyme that is coexpressed with ChuW in vivo along with the heme uptake machinery. Our findings are discussed in terms of the competitive advantage this system provides for enteric bacteria, particularly those that inhabit an anaerobic niche in the intestines.
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34
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Hargitai R, Boross N, Nyiri Z, Eke Z. Biliverdin- and protoporphyrin-based eggshell pigmentation in relation to antioxidant supplementation, female characteristics and egg traits in the canary (Serinus canaria). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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35
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Hargitai R, Nagy G, Nyiri Z, Bervoets L, Eke Z, Eens M, Török J. Effects of breeding habitat (woodland versus urban) and metal pollution on the egg characteristics of great tits (Parus major). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:31-38. [PMID: 26657247 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In an urban environment, birds are exposed to metals, which may accumulate in their tissues and cause oxidative stress. Female birds may eliminate these pollutants through depositing them into eggs, thus eggs become suitable bioindicators of pollution. In this study, we aimed to analyse whether eggshell spotting pattern, egg volume, eggshell thickness and egg yolk antioxidant (lutein, tocopherol, retinol and selenium) levels were related to the breeding area (woodland versus urban) and the metal levels in the eggshell of a small passerine species, the great tit (Parus major). In the urban habitat, soil and eggshells contained higher concentrations of metals, and soil calcium level was also higher than that in the woodland. Eggshell spotting intensity and egg volume did not differ between eggs laid in the woodland and the urban park, and these traits were not related to the metal levels of the eggshell, suggesting that these egg characteristics are not sensitive indicators of metal pollution. A more aggregated eggshell spotting distribution indicated a higher Cu concentration of the eggshell. We found that eggshells were thinner in the less polluted woodland habitat, which is likely due to the limited Ca availability of the woodland area. Great tit eggs laid in the urban environment had lower yolk lutein, retinol and selenium concentrations, however, as a possible compensation for these lower antioxidant levels, urban females deposited more tocopherol into the egg yolk. It appears that females from different breeding habitats may provide similar antioxidant protection for their offspring against oxidative damage by depositing different specific dietary antioxidants. Egg yolk lutein and retinol levels showed a negative relationship with lead concentration of the eggshell, which may suggest that lead had a negative impact on the amount of antioxidants available for embryos during development in great tits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Hargitai
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. st. 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Nagy
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. st. 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Nyiri
- Joint Research and Training Laboratory on Separation Techniques, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. st. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171/U7, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zsuzsanna Eke
- Joint Research and Training Laboratory on Separation Techniques, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. st. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marcel Eens
- Ethology Research Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - János Török
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. st. 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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36
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Brulez K, Mikšík I, Cooney CR, Hauber ME, Lovell PG, Maurer G, Portugal SJ, Russell D, Reynolds SJ, Cassey P. Eggshell pigment composition covaries with phylogeny but not with life history or with nesting ecology traits of British passerines. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:1637-45. [PMID: 26904185 PMCID: PMC4752363 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
No single hypothesis is likely to explain the diversity in eggshell coloration and patterning across birds, suggesting that eggshell appearance is most likely to have evolved to fulfill many nonexclusive functions. By controlling for nonindependent phylogenetic associations between related species, we describe this diversity using museum eggshells of 71 British breeding passerine species to examine how eggshell pigment composition and concentrations vary with phylogeny and with life‐history and nesting ecology traits. Across species, concentrations of biliverdin and protoporphyrin, the two main pigments found in eggshells, were strongly and positively correlated, and both pigments strongly covaried with phylogenetic relatedness. Controlling for phylogeny, cavity‐nesting species laid eggs with lower protoporphyrin concentrations in the shell, while higher biliverdin concentrations were associated with thicker eggshells for species of all nest types. Overall, these relationships between eggshell pigment concentrations and the biology of passerines are similar to those previously found in nonpasserine eggs, and imply that phylogenetic dependence must be considered across the class in further explanations of the functional significance of avian eggshell coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Brulez
- Centre for Ornithology School of Biosciences College of Life & Environmental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Department of Analytical Chemistry Faculty of Chemical Technology University of Pardubice Pardubice Czech Republic
| | - Christopher R Cooney
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences University of Sheffield Sheffield S10 2TN UK
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Psychology Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York 695 Park Ave New York City New York 10065
| | - Paul George Lovell
- Division of Psychology, Social and Health Sciences Abertay University Dundee DD1 1HG UK
| | - Golo Maurer
- School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Steven J Portugal
- School of Biological Sciences Royal Holloway University of London Egham Surrey TW20 0EX UK
| | - Douglas Russell
- Bird Group Department of Life Sciences Natural History Museum Akeman Street Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP UK
| | - Silas James Reynolds
- Centre for Ornithology School of Biosciences College of Life & Environmental Sciences University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
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37
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Hanley D, Grim T, Cassey P, Hauber ME. Not so colourful after all: eggshell pigments constrain avian eggshell colour space. Biol Lett 2016; 11:20150087. [PMID: 25994009 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds' eggshells are renowned for their striking colours and varied patterns. Although often considered exceptionally diverse, we report that avian eggshell coloration, sampled here across the full phylogenetic diversity of birds, occupies only 0.08-0.10% of the avian perceivable colour space. The concentrations of the two known tetrapyrrole eggshell pigments (protoporphyrin and biliverdin) are generally poor predictors of colour, both intra- and interspecifically. Here, we show that the constrained diversity of eggshell coloration can be accurately predicted by colour mixing models based on the relative contribution of both pigments and we demonstrate that the models' predictions can be improved by accounting for the reflectance of the eggshell's calcium carbonate matrix. The establishment of these proximate links between pigmentation and colour will enable future tests of hypotheses on the functions of perceived avian eggshell colours that depend on eggshell chemistry. More generally, colour mixing models are not limited to avian eggshell colours but apply to any natural colour. Our approach illustrates how modelling can aid the understanding of constraints on phenotypic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hanley
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, 17. listopadu 50, Olomouc 77146, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Grim
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, 17. listopadu 50, Olomouc 77146, Czech Republic
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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38
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Verdes A, Cho W, Hossain M, Brennan PLR, Hanley D, Grim T, Hauber ME, Holford M. Nature's Palette: Characterization of Shared Pigments in Colorful Avian and Mollusk Shells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143545. [PMID: 26650398 PMCID: PMC4674117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment-based coloration is a common trait found in a variety of organisms across the tree of life. For example, calcareous avian eggs are natural structures that vary greatly in color, yet just a handful of tetrapyrrole pigment compounds are responsible for generating this myriad of colors. To fully understand the diversity and constraints shaping nature's palette, it is imperative to characterize the similarities and differences in the types of compounds involved in color production across diverse lineages. Pigment composition was investigated in eggshells of eleven paleognath bird taxa, covering several extinct and extant lineages, and shells of four extant species of mollusks. Birds and mollusks are two distantly related, calcareous shell-building groups, thus characterization of pigments in their calcareous structures would provide insights to whether similar compounds are found in different phyla (Chordata and Mollusca). An ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extraction protocol was used to analyze the presence and concentration of biliverdin and protoporphyrin, two known and ubiquitous tetrapyrrole avian eggshell pigments, in all avian and molluscan samples. Biliverdin was solely detected in birds, including the colorful eggshells of four tinamou species. In contrast, protoporphyrin was detected in both the eggshells of several avian species and in the shells of all mollusks. These findings support previous hypotheses about the ubiquitous deposition of tetrapyrroles in the eggshells of various bird lineages and provide evidence for its presence also across distantly related animal taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Verdes
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wooyoung Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College Belfer Research Building, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Marouf Hossain
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College Belfer Research Building, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Patricia L. R. Brennan
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel Hanley
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Grim
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Mark E. Hauber
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mandë Holford
- The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College Belfer Research Building, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
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39
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Igic B, Fecheyr-Lippens D, Xiao M, Chan A, Hanley D, Brennan PRL, Grim T, Waterhouse GIN, Hauber ME, Shawkey MD. A nanostructural basis for gloss of avian eggshells. J R Soc Interface 2015; 12:rsif.2014.1210. [PMID: 25505139 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of pigments in generating the colour and maculation of birds' eggs is well characterized, whereas the effects of the eggshell's nanostructure on the visual appearance of eggs are little studied. Here, we examined the nanostructural basis of glossiness of tinamou eggs. Tinamou eggs are well known for their glossy appearance, but the underlying mechanism responsible for this optical effect is unclear. Using experimental manipulations in conjunction with angle-resolved spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and chemical analyses, we show that the glossy appearance of tinamou eggshells is produced by an extremely smooth cuticle, composed of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and, potentially, organic compounds such as proteins and pigments. Optical calculations corroborate surface smoothness as the main factor producing gloss. Furthermore, we reveal the presence of weak iridescence on eggs of the great tinamou (Tinamus major), an optical effect never previously documented for bird eggs. These data highlight the need for further exploration into the nanostructural mechanisms for the production of colour and other optical effects of avian eggshells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislav Igic
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Daphne Fecheyr-Lippens
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Ming Xiao
- Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Andrew Chan
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Hanley
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc 77146, Czech Republic
| | - Patricia R L Brennan
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Tomas Grim
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc 77146, Czech Republic
| | - Geoffrey I N Waterhouse
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
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40
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Dehnhard N, Pinxten R, Demongin L, Van Camp J, Eens M, Poisbleau M. Relationships between female quality, egg mass and eggshell blue-green colouration in southern rockhopper penguins: a test of the sexual signalling hypothesis. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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41
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Fecheyr-Lippens DC, Igic B, D'Alba L, Hanley D, Verdes A, Holford M, Waterhouse GIN, Grim T, Hauber ME, Shawkey MD. The cuticle modulates ultraviolet reflectance of avian eggshells. Biol Open 2015; 4:753-9. [PMID: 25964661 PMCID: PMC4571098 DOI: 10.1242/bio.012211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian eggshells are variedly coloured, yet only two pigments, biliverdin and protoporphyrin IX, are known to contribute to the dramatic diversity of their colours. By contrast, the contributions of structural or other chemical components of the eggshell are poorly understood. For example, unpigmented eggshells, which appear white to the human eye, vary in their ultraviolet (UV) reflectance, which may be detectable by birds. We investigated the proximate mechanisms for the variation in UV-reflectance of unpigmented bird eggshells using spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, chemical analyses, and experimental manipulations. We specifically tested how UV-reflectance is affected by the eggshell cuticle, the outermost layer of most avian eggshells. The chemical dissolution of the outer eggshell layers, including the cuticle, increased UV-reflectance for only eggshells that contained a cuticle. Our findings demonstrate that the outer eggshell layers, including the cuticle, absorb UV-light, probably because they contain higher levels of organic components and other chemicals, such as calcium phosphates, compared to the predominantly calcite-based eggshell matrix. These data highlight the need to examine factors other than the known pigments in studies of avian eggshell colour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Branislav Igic
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Liliana D'Alba
- Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Daniel Hanley
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc 771 46, Czech Republic
| | - Aida Verdes
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Mande Holford
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | - Tomas Grim
- Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacký University, Olomouc 771 46, Czech Republic
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
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42
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Weesepoel Y, Gruppen H, Vincken JP. Preliminary UHPLC–PDA–ESI-MS screening of light-accelerated autoxidation products of the tetrapyrrole biliverdin. Food Chem 2015; 173:624-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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43
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Duval C, Zimmer C, Mikšík I, Cassey P, Spencer KA. Early life stress shapes female reproductive strategy through eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:146-53. [PMID: 25169834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Physiological constraints on colouration have been widely reported; especially in birds, which trade-off antioxidant responses against colourful costly signals. One female extended phenotypic trait, which might also highlight important physiological trade-offs, is the pigmentation of their eggshells. In ground-nesting species, producing eggs that are visually undetectable by predators is the best camouflage strategy. However, the condition-dependence of eggshell pigmentation, and the pigments role in oxidative stress, may constrain females to trade-off between their antioxidant capacity and maximising the camouflage of their eggs when they deposit eggshell pigments. Developmental stress is one factor that influences female antioxidant capacity, and could lead to variations in eggshell pigmentation that might have crucial consequences on individual fitness if egg crypsis is compromised especially under stressful conditions. We investigated the interaction between developmental and breeding conditions with respect to eggshell pigmentation in Japanese quail. We studied 30 females that bred under both control and stressful conditions, and were exposed to pre- and/or post-natal stress, or neither. Pre- and post-natal stress independently influenced eggshell pigmentation strategies under stressful breeding conditions. Under stressful reproduction, eggshell protoporphyrin concentration and maculation were affected by pre-natal stress, whereas eggshell reflectance and biliverdin concentration were influenced by post-natal stress. These changes may reflect potential adaptive strategies shaped by developmental stress, but additional data on the benefit of egg crypsis in quail, combined with studies on the role of both pigments on chick survival, will help to clarify whether early life stress can enhance fitness through eggshell pigmentation when developmental and reproductive environments match.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Duval
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom.
| | - Cédric Zimmer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace SA 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, Fife KY169JP, United Kingdom
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44
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Maurer G, Portugal SJ, Hauber ME, Mikšík I, Russell DGD, Cassey P. First light for avian embryos: eggshell thickness and pigmentation mediate variation in development and
UV
exposure in wild bird eggs. Funct Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Golo Maurer
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences University of Adelaide South Australia5005 Australia
| | - Steven J. Portugal
- Structure and Motion Lab Royal Veterinary College University of London Hawkshead LaneNorth MymmsHertfordshire AL9 7TA UK
| | - Mark E. Hauber
- Department of Psychology Hunter College and the Graduate Center City University of New York 695 Park Avenue New York New York10065 USA
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Videnska 1083 142 20 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Douglas G. D. Russell
- Bird Group Department of Zoology The Natural History Museum Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6AP UK
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Earth & Environmental Sciences University of Adelaide South Australia5005 Australia
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45
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Duval C, Cassey P, Lovell PG, Mikšík I, Reynolds SJ, Spencer KA. Eggshell appearance does not signal maternal corticosterone exposure in Japanese quail: an experimental study with brown-spotted eggs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80485. [PMID: 24312476 PMCID: PMC3848978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is a critical period for birds as they have to cope with many stressful events. One consequence of an acute exposure to stress is the release of corticosterone, the avian stress hormone. Prolonged stress can have negative impacts on the immune system, resulting in, for example, increased oxidative stress. Through maternal effects, females are known to modulate their investment in eggs content according to their own physiological condition. Less is known about maternal investment in eggshells, especially in pigments. The two main eggshell pigments may possess opposite antioxidant properties: protoporphyrin (brown) is a pro-oxidant, whereas biliverdin (blue-green) is an antioxidant. In Japanese quail, we know that the deposition of both pigments is related to female body condition. Thus, a chronic stress response may be reflected in eggshell coloration. Using female Japanese quails that lay brown-spotted eggs, we explored whether physiological exposure to corticosterone induces a change in female basal stress and antioxidant factors, and eggshell pigment concentration, spectrophotometric reflectance, and maculation coverage. We supplemented adult females over a 2 week period with either peanut oil (control) or corticosterone (treatment). We collected pre- and post-supplementation eggs and analysed the effect of corticosterone treatment on female physiology and eggshell appearance parameters. Except for corticosterone-fed birds which laid eggs with brighter spots, supplementation had no significant effect on female physiology or eggshell pigment concentration, reflectance and maculation. The change in eggshell spot brightness was not detected by a photoreceptor noise-limited color opponent model of avian visual perception. Our data confirms that eggshell reflectance in spotted eggs varies over the laying sequence, and spot reflectance may be a key factor that is affected by females CORT exposure, even if the changes are not detected by an avian visual model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Duval
- Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Phillip Cassey
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Paul G. Lovell
- Division of Psychology, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Mikšík
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S. James Reynolds
- Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karen A. Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Wragg D, Mwacharo JM, Alcalde JA, Wang C, Han JL, Gongora J, Gourichon D, Tixier-Boichard M, Hanotte O. Endogenous retrovirus EAV-HP linked to blue egg phenotype in Mapuche fowl. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71393. [PMID: 23990950 PMCID: PMC3747184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyan or blue/green eggshell colour is an autosomal dominant trait found in native chickens (Mapuche fowl) of Chile and in some of their descendants in European and North American modern breeds. We report here the identification of an endogenous avian retroviral (EAV-HP) insertion in oocyan Mapuche fowl and European breeds. Sequencing data reveals 100% retroviral identity between the Mapuche and European insertions. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of European oocyan chicken indicates over-expression of the SLCO1B3 gene (P<0.05) in the shell gland and oviduct. Predicted transcription factor binding sites in the long terminal repeats (LTR) indicate AhR/Ar, a modulator of oestrogen, as a possible promoter/enhancer leading to reproductive tissue-specific over-expression of the SLCO1B3 gene. Analysis of all jungle fowl species Gallus sp. supports the retroviral insertion to be a post-domestication event, while identical LTR sequences within domestic chickens are in agreement with a recent de novo mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wragg
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joram M. Mwacharo
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - José A. Alcalde
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Facultad de Agronomia e Ingenieria Forestal, Santiago, Chile
| | - Chen Wang
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Lin Han
- CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jaime Gongora
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Gourichon
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UE1295 Poultry Experimental Platform of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Michèle Tixier-Boichard
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, AgroParisTech, UMR1313 Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Olivier Hanotte
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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47
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Butler MW, McGraw KJ. Eggshell coloration reflects both yolk characteristics and dietary carotenoid history of female mallards. Funct Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Butler
- School of Life Sciences; Arizona State University; PO Box 874601; Tempe; Arizona; 85287-4601; USA
| | - Kevin J. McGraw
- School of Life Sciences; Arizona State University; PO Box 874601; Tempe; Arizona; 85287-4601; USA
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48
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Hanley D, Cassey P, Doucet SM. Parents, predators, parasites, and the evolution of eggshell colour in open nesting birds. Evol Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-012-9619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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49
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Hanley D, Doucet SM. Does environmental contamination influence egg coloration? A long-term study in herring gulls. J Appl Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2012.02184.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphanie M. Doucet
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Windsor; 401 Sunset Avenue; Windsor; ON; N9B 3P4; Canada
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50
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CASSEY PHILLIP, THOMAS GAVINH, PORTUGAL STEVENJ, MAURER GOLO, HAUBER MARKE, GRIM TOMÁŠ, LOVELL PGEORGE, MIKŠÍK IVAN. Why are birds' eggs colourful? Eggshell pigments co-vary with life-history and nesting ecology among British breeding non-passerine birds. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01877.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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