Crystallization studies on avian eggshell membranes: implications for the molecular factors controlling eggshell formation

Correlations between organic matrix and eggshell properties of 3 kinds of eggshells in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata)

In order to analyze the relationship between organic matrix and eggshell properties in Muscovy duck eggshells with different qualities, the organic matrices in the eggshells of normal, pimpled, and striped eggs of white-feathered Muscovy ducks were extracted and separated into acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and facultative-soluble matrix (both acid- and water-soluble). There was no significant difference in calcified shell thickness between normal and pimpled eggs. However, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix and total matrix were significantly higher, and the breaking strength was significantly lower in pimpled eggs than those in normal eggs. In striped eggs, the percentages of acid-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix, calcified shell weight, calcified shell thickness, and breaking strength were significantly lower than those in normal eggs. The amount and percentage of 3 organic matrices (water-insoluble matrix, facultative-soluble matrix, and total matrix) were significantly positively correlated with calcified shell thickness in normal eggs rather than striped and pimpled eggs. Our results also demonstrated that there was no linear correlation between the organic components in the 3 Muscovy duck eggshells and the mechanical properties of the eggshells. The lower breaking strength of pimpled eggshells might be due to the unbalanced enrichment of certain proteins, whereas the striped eggs might mainly result from thinner calcified shells and poor balance between different sedimentary layers.

Comparative N-Glycoproteomic Investigation of Eggshell Cuticle and Mineralized Layer Proteins

The eggshell cuticle layer (ECL) and eggshell mineralized layer (EML) contain amounts of glycoproteins and proteoglycans. However, there were few comprehensive reports about the effect of post-translational modifications on protein structure and function which requires investigation. Therefore, we used comparative N-glycoproteomics to study glycoproteins in the ECL and EML. We identified a total of 272 glycoproteins in this experiment and found that glycoproteins located in EML were more than that in ECL. Moreover, they showed distinct functional difference between both layers. As N-glycosylation of ovocleidin-17 and ovocleidin-116 in the EML affected eggshell mineralization, some glycoproteins located in ECL, like ovotransferrin and ovostatin-like, possessed antibacterial activity. The several regulated glycoproteins in the EML may pertain to the regulation of mineralization, while glycosylated proteins in the ECL may contribute to molecular adhesion and defense against microbial invasion. This study provides new insights into the eggshell matrix protein contents of the ECL and EML.

Comparative analysis of the morphology, chemistry and structure of the tibiotarsus, humerus and keel bones in laying hens

1. Bone properties are adapted to their specific functions in the animal, so various types of bones develop different characteristics depending on their location in the skeleton.2. The aim of this research was to compare the chemical composition, mineral characteristics and structural organisation in tibiotarsus, humerus and keel bones as representatives of hen skeletal mineralisation. Complementary analytical techniques, such as X-ray radiography, optical and electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and 2D X-ray diffraction, were used for characterisation.3. The humerus had a thinner cortex and cortical bone mineral had higher crystallinity and a greater degree of crystal orientation than the tibiotarsus. The humerus generally lacks medullary bone although, when present, it has a higher mineral content than seen in the tibiotarsus. These differences were attributed to the different forces that stimulate bone formation and remodelling.4. The keel cortical bone had a lower degree of mineralisation than the tibiotarsus or humerus. Its degree of mineralisation decreased from the cranial to the distal end of the bone. This gradient may affect keel mechanical properties, making it more prone to deformation and fractures.5. Data from studying different bones in laying hens can help to understand mineralisation as well as finding solutions to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.

Characterization of muscle development and gene expression in early embryos of chicken, quail, and their hybrids

Myogenesis is a complex, regulated process that involves myoblast proliferation, migration, adhesion, and fusion into myotubes. To investigate early development of embryonic muscles and the expression of regulatory genes during myogenesis in chicken, quail and their hybrids, meat-breeding cocks and egg-breeding cocks were selected as male parents, quails were used as female parents. Their offspring were meat and egg hybrids via Artificial insemination. We measured expression of MUSTN1, IGF-1, and PDK4 using qRT-PCR. We examined muscle fiber diameter using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that muscle development was two days slower in chicken, egg hybrid, and meat hybrid than in quail. Muscle fiber spacing was the largest in chicken, followed by meat hybrid, egg hybrid, and quail. A similar trend was obtained for muscle fiber diameter. Additionally, muscle fiber diameter increased with embryogenesis. The sarcomere was present on day 17 of incubation in quail, but not in the other species. MUSTN1 could up-regulated IGF-1 by activating PI3K/Akt. IGF-1 expression was consistent with myoblast proliferation and myotube fusion. PDK4 was expressed from E7 to E17. The first peak was reached on E10, egg hybrid and meat hybrid reached their peak at E15. PDK4 is involved in the early proliferation and differentiation of muscle, thereby affecting muscle growth and development. Our findings demonstrated that MUSTN1, IGF-1 and PDK4 genes are expressed to varying levels in breast muscle of chicken, quail, egg hybrid and meat hybrid during the embryonic period. Interestingly, with increasing embryonic age, muscle development was approximately 48 h faster in quail than in other species. We speculated that MUSTN1, IGF-1 and PDK4 genes may be the main candidate genes that cause differences in poultry muscle traits, but the molecular regulation mechanisms need to be further studied. Our findings shed some light on the avian embryo muscle formation and molecular breeding of poultry muscle traits, which provide theoretical basis for poultry breeding.

The paradoxical effects of progesterone on the eggshell quality of laying hens

This study demonstrates the effects of progesterone on eggshell quality and ultrastructure by injecting progesterone into laying hens 2 and 5 h post-oviposition, respectively. Progesterone injected 2 h post-oviposition (P₄-2 h) improved eggshell quality with a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the thickness of the mammillary layer and a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the thickness of the effective layer in the eggshell ultrastructure compared to the control. Progesterone injected 5 h post-oviposition (P₄-5 h) damaged the eggshell quality by significantly reducing (P < 0.01) the effective layer thickness. Progesterone injected delayed obviously (P < 0.01) the following oviposition. Moreover, the concentrations of Thr, Cys, Leu, Lys, and His in the eggshell membranes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the P₄-2 h treated hens whereas Val and Lys were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in P₄-5 h treated hens compared to the control. Therefore, progesterone shows paradoxical effects on eggshell quality depending on the injection time-points post-oviposition, which could explain the contradictions in previous related reports. P₄ injected affected the content of amino acids in eggshell membranes, especially lysine which contributed to eggshell quality. In addition, P₄ injected 2 h after oviposition improved eggshell quality by promoting the premature fusion of mammillary knobs. This work contributed to a novel insight to understanding the mechanism of improving eggshell quality.

New zonal structure and transition of the membrane to mammillae in the eggshell of chicken Gallus domesticus

Avian eggshell is a typical bio-engineered ceramics characterized by layer structures. These layers are categorized mainly by the form of crystalline calcite. Whether there exist other layer structures, how the membrane layer is transformed to the carbonate one, what form the carbonate takes after the transition. These questions remain to be clarified. Here we examine the eggshell of chicken Gallus domesticus by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. We find that there exists another layer structure defined by variation of organic matrices. The transition from the membrane to the mammillary cones is implemented through the calcium reserve assemblies or the mammillary cores. The integrity of the transitional structure was weakens as the reserved calcium is displaced, and loses completely in about 10 days of incubation. As the first deposited carbonate layer after the transition, the mammillary cones comprise amorphous calcium carbonate and clusters/assemblies of calcite crystallites the size about a nanometer, plus bubble pores extending preferentially in the lateral direction. Our results provide new insights into the structure and component of the avian eggshell, and may help decipher the constitution of the bio-ceramics in the perspective of material science.

Characteristics of global organic matrix in normal and pimpled chicken eggshells

The organic matrix from normal and pimpled calcified chicken eggshells were dissociated into acid-insoluble, water-insoluble, and facultative-soluble (both acid- and water-soluble) components, to understand the influence of shell matrix on eggshell qualities. A linear correlation was shown among these 3 matrix components in normal eggshells but was not observed in pimpled eggshells. In pimpled eggshells, the percentage contents of all 4 groups of matrix (the total matrix, acid-insoluble matrix, water-insoluble matrix, and facultative-soluble matrix) were significantly higher than that in normal eggshells. The amounts of both total matrix and acid-insoluble matrix in individual pimpled calcified shells were high, even though their weight was much lower than a normal eggshell. In both normal and pimpled eggshells, the calcified eggshell weight and shell thickness significantly and positively correlated with the amounts of all 4 groups of matrix in an individual calcified shell. In normal eggshells, the calcified shell thickness and shell breaking strength showed no significant correlations with the percentage contents of all 4 groups of matrix. In normal eggshells, only the shell membrane weight significantly correlated with the constituent ratios of both acid-insoluble matrix and facultative-soluble matrix in the whole matrix. In pimpled eggshells, 3 variables (calcified shell weight, shell thickness, and breaking strength) were significantly correlated with the constituent proportions of both acid-insoluble matrix and facultative-matrix. This study suggests that mechanical properties of normal eggshells may not linearly depend on the organic matrix content in the calcified eggshells and that pimpled eggshells might result by the disequilibrium enrichment of some proteins with negative effects.

Eggshell membrane biomaterial as a platform for applications in materials science

Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a unique biomaterial, which is generally considered as waste. However, it has extraordinary properties which can be utilized in various fields and its potential applications are therefore now being widely studied. The first part of this review focuses on the chemical composition and morphology of ESM. The main areas of ESM application are discussed in the second part. These applications include its utilization as a biotemplate for the synthesis of nanoparticles; as a sorbent of heavy metals, organics, dyes, sulfonates and fluorides; as the main component of biosensors; in medicine; and various other applications. For each area of interest, a detailed literature survey is given.

In vitro mineralization of gelatin-polyacrylic acid complex matrices

Gelatin-polyacrylic acid (gel-PAA) matrices were obtained by slow diffusion of polyacrylic acid into gelatin gels. The matrices were submitted to uniaxial stretching, which induces a preferential orientation of the collagen molecules, and used as biomimetic substrates for the nucleation of hydroxyapatite from simulated body fluid (SBF). The relative amount of hydroxyapatite deposited from 1.5SBF increases as a function of polyelectrolyte content in the matrices, up to about 30 wt%. In the absence of PAA, the inorganic phase is laid down on the surface of the gelatin matrices as hemispherical aggregates. At variance, hydroxyapatite deposition in the gel-PAA composite matrices at relatively low PAA content occurs preferentially in the spaces between the layers on the surface of the matrices and displays a tablet-like morphology. At high polyelectrolyte concentration, an almost uniform layer of hydroxyapatite covers the whole surface of the matrices. The preferential orientation of the (002) hydroxyapatite reflection indicates a close relationship between the inorganic crystals and the collagen molecules.

Relationship between eggshell strength and keratan sulfate of eggshell membranes

Eggshell strength is an important factor in an effort to minimize eggshell breakage, which is a significant problem in the egg production industry. In the current study, we isolated and quantified the specific glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from the calcified eggshell and shell membranes, which are related to eggshell strength. Our data suggest that GAGs exist in calcified eggshell may influence morphology of shell but do not affect on increase of shell amount while GAGs of shell membranes are maybe highly associated with shell strength with an increase of shell weight. Shell strength showed a strong correlation with the content of GAGs (r=0.942, p<0.0005) and a weak relationship with uronic acid content (r=0.564, p=0.056) in shell membranes. Monosaccharides in shell membranes were determined by Bio-LC analysis for the identification of any specific GAGs related with shell strength. It indicates that the galactose content as a component of keratan sulfate (KS) has a significant correlation with eggshell strength (r=0.985, p<0.0005). These results suggest that eggshell strength is proportional to the KS content of eggshell membranes with an increase of eggshell weight.

Changes in eggshell mechanical properties, crystallographic texture and in matrix proteins induced by moult in hens

The effect of moult on eggshell mechanical properties, on composition and concentrations of organic matrix components and on eggshell microstructure was investigated. The observed changes were studied to understand the role of organic matrix and eggshell microstructure in eggshell strength. Moult was induced by zinc oxide (20 g zinc/kg diet) in 53 ISA Brown laying hens at 78 weeks of age. No difference was observed for egg or eggshell weights after moult. In contrast, moult improved the shell breaking strength (28.09 vs 33.71 N). After moult, there was a decrease in the average size of calcite crystals composing the eggshell and in their heterogeneity, whereas crystal orientation remained basically the same. After moulting, the total protein concentration in eggshell increased slightly. The comparisons of SDS-PAGE profiles of the organic matrix constituents extracted before and after moulting showed changes in staining intensity of certain bands. After moult, bands associated with main proteins specific to eggshell formation (OC-116 and OC-17) showed higher staining intensity, while the intensity of the egg white proteins (ovotransferrin, ovalbumin and lysozyme) decreased. ELISA confirmed the decrease in ovotransferrin after moult. Its concentration was inversely correlated with breaking strength before moult. These observations suggest that changes in eggshell crystal size could be due to changes in organic matrix composition. These changes may provide a mechanism for the improvement in shell solidity after moulting.

Purification, characterization, and in vitro mineralization studies of a novel goose eggshell matrix protein, ansocalcin

Biomineralization is an important process in which hard tissues are generated through mineral deposition, often assisted by biomacromolecules. Eggshells, because of their rapid formation via mineralization, are chosen as a model for understanding the fundamentals of biomineralization. This report discusses purification and characterization of various proteins and peptides from goose eggshell matrix. A novel 15-kDa protein (ansocalcin) was extracted from the eggshell matrix, purified, and identified and its role in mineralization evaluated using in vitro crystal growth experiments. The complete amino acid sequence of ansocalcin showed high homology to ovocleidin-17, a chicken eggshell protein, and to C-type lectins from snake venom. The amino acid sequence of ansocalcin was characterized by the presence of acidic and basic amino acid multiplets. In vitro crystallization experiments showed that ansocalcin induced pits on the rhombohedral faces at lower concentrations (<50 microg/ml). At higher concentrations, the nucleation of calcite crystal aggregates was observed. Molecular weight determinations by size exclusion chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate -polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed reversible concentration-dependent aggregation of ansocalcin in solution. We propose that such aggregated structures may act as a template for the nucleation of calcite crystal aggregates. Similar aggregation of calcite crystals was also observed when crystallizations were performed in the presence of whole goose eggshell extract. These results show that ansocalcin plays a significant role in goose eggshell calcification.

Ovotransferrin is a matrix protein of the hen eggshell membranes and basal calcified layer

The eggshell is an highly ordered structure deposited in the distal oviduct and composed of calcium carbonate and an organic matrix which is believed to influence its fabric. We have identified ovotransferrin as an 80 kDa matrix protein observed at high concentration in the uterine fluid at the initial stage of shell mineralization, by N-terminal sequencing and western blotting using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. It is present in extracts from demineralized eggshell and was localized by immunofluorescence in the eggshell membranes and mammillae, which are the sites of calcite nucleation. Northern blotting and RT-PCR demonstrated that ovotransferrin message was expressed in the proximal oviduct (magnum and white isthmus), and at a lower magnitude in the distal oviduct (red isthmus and uterus). Ovotransferrin was revealed by immunofluorescence in the tubular gland cells of the uterus. Calcium carbonate crystals grown in vitro in the presence of purified ovotransferrin showed large modifications of the calcite morphology. These observations and its presence in eggshell and membranes suggest a dual role for ovotransferrin, as a protein influencing nucleation and growth of calcite crystals and as a bacteriostatic filter to reinforce its inhibition of Salmonella growth in egg albumen.

Sodium fluoride induces changes on proteoglycans synthesized by avian osteoblasts in culture

The results reported here show that sodium fluoride (NaF) at low concentration (up to 10 microM) increased four times the proliferation rate of avian osteoblasts in culture. Also NaF increases, in a concentration dependent manner, 10 times the alkaline phosphatase activity. However, NaF decreased the incorporation of 35S-sulfate into proteoglycans (PGs) synthesized by osteoblasts (60-65%). Also, we observed that PGs synthesized in the presence of NaF (50 microM) exhibited a higher sensitivity to chondroitinase ABC than PGs synthesized by osteoblasts in the absence of NaF, suggesting an increase in the chondroitin sulfate moieties associated with the core protein of PGs. The modification of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains composition was evidenced also by change in the mean charge density of the PGs observed by ion exchange chromatography. Since the ratio of 35SO4/3H-glucosamine incorporated into PGs was similar in the presence and in the absence of NaF (8.2 and 7, respectively), it is not possible to explain differences in mean charge density by changes in the sulfation extent of PGs. No differences were observed in the hydrodynamic size of PG synthesized in the presence of NaF, nor in the hydrodynamic size of the GAG chains. According to these results, we speculate that the stimulatory effect of fluoride on bone mineralization may be mediated, in part, by the changes in the rate of synthesis or in the structural characteristics of bone PGs. The changes produced by fluoride in PGs suggest that these molecules play an inhibitory role in the bone mineralization process.

Effects of zinc on cell proliferation and proteoglycan characteristics of epiphyseal chondrocytes

Zinc has been postulated as an important nutritional factor involved in growth promotion; however, the cellular mechanisms involved in the effects of zinc on linear growth remain to be elucidated. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc on the proliferation rate of epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes and on the structural characteristics of the proteoglycans synthesized by these cells. For these purposes, hypertrophic and proliferating chondrocytes were isolated from the tibiae of 1- and 5-week-old chickens, respectively. Chondrocytes were cultured under serum-free conditions and primary cultures were used. The results showed that zinc stimulated proliferation by 40-50% above the baseline in the case of proliferating chondrocytes, but it had no effect on hypertrophic chondrocytes. Zinc had neither any effects on mean charge density of proteoglycans synthesized by hypertrophic chondrocytes nor in their hydrodynamic size. In contrast, zinc induced an increase in mean charge density and a decrease of hydrodynamic size of proteoglycans synthesized by proliferating chondrocytes. In both cell types zinc had no effect on the composition and hydrodynamic size of the glycosaminoglycan chains. The increased ability of proliferating chondrocytes cultured in the presence of zinc to synthesize 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) could be explained by the induction of enzymes participating in the sulfation pathway of proteoglycans. Therefore, the increase in mean charge density of proteoglycans observed in this study may be explained by an increase of the degree of sulfation of proteoglycan molecules. We speculate that the effect of zinc on linear growth may be explained at a cellular level by: a) an increase in proliferation rates of proliferating chondrocytes, and b) increased synthesis of highly charged proteoglycan molecules which decreases mineralization.

Secretion pattern, ultrastructural localization and function of extracellular matrix molecules involved in eggshell formation

The chicken eggshell is a composite bioceramic containing organic and inorganic phases. The organic phase contains, among other constituents, type X collagen and proteoglycans (mammillan, a keratan sulfate proteoglycan, and ovoglycan, a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan), whose localization depends on a topographically defined and temporally regulated deposition. Although the distribution of these macromolecules in the eggshell has been well established, little is known about their precise localization within eggshell substructures and oviduct cells or their pattern of production and function during eggshell formation. By using immunofluorescent and immuno-ultrastructural analyses, we examined the distribution of these macromolecules in oviduct cells at different post-oviposition times. To understand the role of proteoglycan sulfation on eggshell formation, we studied the effects of inhibition of proteoglycan sulfation by treatment with sodium chlorate. We showed that these macromolecules are produced by particular oviduct cell populations and at precise post-oviposition times. Based on the precise ultrastructural localization of these macromolecules in eggshell substructures, the timing of the secretion of these macromolecules by oviduct cells and the effects on eggshell formation caused by the inhibition of proteoglycan sulfation, the putative role of mammillan is in the nucleation of the first calcite crystals, while that of ovoglycan is to regulate the growth and orientation of the later forming crystals of the chicken eggshell.

Monoclonal antibodies to mineralized matrix molecules of the avian eggshell

The extracellular matrix of the mineralizing eggshell contains molecules hypothesized to be regulators of biomineralization. To study eggshell matrix molecules, a bank of monoclonal antibodies was generated that bound demineralized eggshell matrix or localized to oviduct epithelium. Immunofluorescence staining revealed several staining patterns for antibodies that recognized secretory cells: staining for a majority of columnar lining cells, staining for a minor sub-set of columnar lining cells, intensified staining within epithelial crypts, and staining of the entire tubular gland. Western blotting with the antibody Epi2 on eggshell matrix showed binding to molecules with the apparent molecular weight of eggshell matrix dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (eggshell DSPG). Immunoblots of cyanogen bromide-cleaved eggshell DSPG revealed broad band of reactivity that shifted to 25 kDa after chondroitinase digestion; indicating that the Epi2 binding site is located on a fragment which contains dermatan sulfate side chains. Immunogold labeling showed that Epi2 binds to secretory vesicles within the non-ciliated cells of the columnar epithelium, while the antibodies Tg1 and Tg2 bind to secretory vesicles of tubular gland cells. Immunogold labeling of demineralized shell matrix showed binding of Epi2, Tg1, and Tg2 to the matrix of the palisade layer, and showed little reactivity to other regions of the shell matrix. Quantification of the immunogold particles within the eggshell matrix revealed that antibodies Epi2 and Tg1 bind all calcified regions equally while antibody Tg2 has a greater affinity for the baseplate region of the calcium reserve assembly.

Calcium binding constituents of the organic shell matrix from the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata

The Ca2+ binding of an EDTA-free water-soluble (SM) and -insoluble (IM) organic matrix of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata was investigated, using a 45Ca2+ autoradiography after SDS-electrophoretical separation and a calcium binding assay. Electrophoresis of the SM showed a considerable amount of Alcian blue and Stains all positive material, regarded as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or proteoglycans (PGs). This part of the SM was slightly positive after 45Ca2+ autoradiography at pH 6.8. The Ca2+ binding increased, raising the pH to 7.4 and 8.0 and was especially strong when simulating the real conditions of the extrapallial space with a carbonate buffer of pH 7.4. The Ca2+ binding assay of the IM showed the same pH-dependency that was observed in the SM. The titration of the IM with Ca2+ at pH 8.0 lead to a dissociation constant of 7.5 x 10(-5) M. While Mg2+ displaced 45Ca2+ in the same way as nonradioactive Ca2+, an approximately 400-fold amount of Na+ was necessary to reduce the binding of 45Ca2+ to 50%. The Ca2+ binding of the organic matrix from the B. glabrata shell appears to be a process of low specificity, medium affinity and high pH-dependency. Apparently, acidic carbohydrate-rich PGs are the only calcium binding constituents of the organic shell matrix.

The effect of avian uterine fluid on the growth behavior of calcite crystals

Eggshell formation takes place on the eggshell membrane in an acellular medium, the uterine fluid that contains the inorganic minerals and precursors of the organic matrix. The high degree of eggshell structure could be due to an interaction between calcium carbonate and the organic matrix. The aim of this study was to demonstrate such an interaction by measuring the effect in vitro of uterine fluid collected at various phases of shell formation on precipitation kinetics, size, and morphology of calcite crystals. The SDS-PAGE profiles of the organic constituents differed between the different phases of eggshell formation. The predominant constituents were ovalbumin and ovotransferrin at the initial phase and lysozyme, ovocleidin-17, ovocalyxin-32, 36- and 21-kDa bands, and ovocleidin-116 at the growth phase. These proteins were numerous in the terminal phase and showed an increased staining of the 32- and 66-kDa bands and appearance of very low molecular weight bands. The precipitation lag time was shortened in proportion to the protein concentration at the initial stage. The effect was observed with a lower magnitude in the presence of constituents of growth and terminal phases. Crystal size was smaller in the presence of constituents from the three stages compared with the control. Components from the initial phase induced the formation of twinned crystals and of rounded corners in the rhombohedric crystals. The presence of components from the growth and terminal phases strongly modified the morphology of the calcite crystals. The majority of the corners became rough and developed curved faces. These observations confirm the interaction of the uterine fluid with calcite and its contribution to eggshell structure.

Extraction and quantification by ELISA of eggshell organic matrix proteins (ovocleidin-17, ovalbumin, ovotransferrin) in shell from young and old hens

The eggshell matrix is mainly composed of proteins that are thought to influence shell formation and calcification and, thus, modify the resulting properties of the shell. We investigated the potential of some of these proteins as biomarkers of eggshell quality by developing a competitive indirect ELISA for quantifying ovotransferrin, ovalbumin, and ovocleidin-17 in eggshell extract. Eggshell fragments were demineralized in acetic acid (20%) and freeze-dried. The micro-extraction yield was markedly increased (>50%) when Tween 20 was added to the subsequent extraction and dialysis milieus. Microplates were coated with ovotransferrin and ovalbumin in a 0.1M carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, but ovocleidin-17 was fixed with acetone (-20 C, 20 min). Optimal dilutions of the monoclonal (ovotransferrin) and polyclonal (ovalbumin and ovocleidin-17) antibodies were 1/3,000, 1/25,000 and 1/4,000, respectively. The inhibition curves were optimized by preincubating the antibodies and proteins overnight. The intraassay coefficient (<5%), parallelism of the standards and samples curves, and recovery (101%) were satisfactory for ovotransferrin. Measurements of ovalbumin were less precise because of higher interassay variation and differences between the slopes of standard and sample inhibition curves. Ovocleidin-17 assays showed similar slopes for standard and eggshell extracts. Although the total protein in soluble matrix extracts was not affected by age, the concentrations of these proteins were higher in eggshell extracts from older hens compared with those from young hens: 1.98x for ovotransferrin, 1.86x for ovalbumin, and 1.58x for ovocleidin-17. The quantification of specific eggshell matrix proteins in shell of differing quality is, therefore, a promising tool for analyzing the origin of eggshell faults and may provide useful information for breeding programs.

Molecular cloning and ultrastructural localization of the core protein of an eggshell matrix proteoglycan, ovocleidin-116

The role of avian eggshell matrix proteins in shell formation is poorly understood. This calcitic biomaterial forms in a uterine fluid where the protein composition varies during the initial, calcification, and terminal phases of eggshell deposition. A specific antibody was raised to a 116-kDa protein, which is most abundant in uterine fluid during active eggshell calcification. This antiserum was used to expression screen a bacteriophage cDNA library prepared using mRNA extracted from pooled uterine tissue harvested at the midpoint of eggshell calcification. Plasmids containing inserts of differing 5'-lengths were isolated with a maximum cDNA sequence of 2.4 kilobases. Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the 2. 35-kilobase message was expressed in a uterine-specific manner. The hypothetical translational product from the open reading frame corresponded to a novel 80-kDa protein, which we have named ovocleidin-116. After removal of the predicted signal peptide, its N-terminal sequence corresponded almost exactly with that determined from direct microsequencing of the 116-kDa uterine protein (this work) and with that previously determined for the core protein of a 120-kDa eggshell dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (Corrino, D. A., Rodriguez, J. P., and Caplan, A. I. (1997) Connect. Tissue Res. 36, 175-193). Ultrastructural colloidal gold immunocytochemistry of ovocleidin-116 demonstrated its presence in the organic matrix, in small vesicles found throughout the mineralized palisade layer, and the calcium reserve assembly of the mammillary layer. Ovocleidin-116 thus is a candidate molecule for the regulation of calcite growth during eggshell calcification.

Regulation of osteopontin gene expression during egg shell formation in the laying hen by mechanical strain

The aim of this study is to evaluate the regulation of the osteopontin (OPN) gene expression by non-hormonal stimuli, such as calcium flux and mechanical strain during the daily egg cycle in the oviduct of the laying hen. After the egg enters the eggshell gland (ESG), the OPN gene is expressed by the epithelium cells in two waves: first by the basal cells and only then by the apical cells of the epithelium. A reduction in OPN gene expression was observed 1 h prior to laying. The calbindin gene, which marks the onset of calcification, was found to be expressed in the glandular epithelium starting 2 h after OPN gene expression. In addition, the formation of soft shells was accompanied by a reduction in calbindin, but not in OPN, gene expression. The application of a mechanical strain comparable to that induced by an egg led to induction of OPN gene expression at a normally quiescent phase in the cyclical expression of this gene. The induction of the gene was time- and strain-dependent and temporally similar to that induced by the entry of the egg into the ESG. In contrast, the calbindin gene was not affected by mechanical strain. The ESG of the laying hen provides a system to study the effect of a mechanical strain on matrix protein production in vivo, in a relevant physiological setting. The finding suggests that, in contrast to calbindin, OPN gene expression is not regulated by calcium flux but rather by the mechanical strain imposed by the resident egg.

Dermatan sulfate proteoglycans from the mineralized matrix of the avian eggshell

The eggshell of the chicken is a useful model to study matrix components which affect biomineralization. As an extension of our previous immunohistochemical work which suggested the presence of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans in the mineralized region of the eggshell, a study was undertaken to characterize these molecules biochemically. After demineralization with HCl and extraction with 4 M guanidinium chloride containing protease inhibitors, the extract was partitioned by anion exchange chromatography. Step elution with 0.25 M and 1.0 M sodium chloride resulted in the generation of two fractions, both of which contain chondroitinase-sensitive proteoglycans with molecular weights estimated at 200,000 by gel electrophoresis. The proteoglycans in each fraction have core proteins with molecular weights of approximately 120,000 and glycosaminoglycans with average molecular weights of 22,000. Based on differential sensitivity to chondroitinase ABC and AC II, these glycosaminoglycans contain a small proportion of dermatan sulfate. The disaccharide compositions of these glycosaminoglycans differ for the proteoglycans eluted with 0.25 M and 1.0 M sodium chloride. Those eluted with lower sodium chloride are enriched in unsulfated chondroitin and have much more 4-sulfated than 6-sulfated disaccharides; those eluted with 1.0 M sodium chloride contain primarily 4-sulfated disaccharides, a small amount of 6-sulfated disaccharides, and less unsulfated disaccharides than the proteoglycans eluted with 0.25 M sodium chloride. The large difference in the proportions of unsulfated chondroitin may be the reason for the elution at different sodium chloride concentrations. Both of the anion exchange column fractions contain other proteins in addition to the proteoglycans. These proteins are not separated from the proteoglycans by a second anion exchange column or by molecular sieve chromatography under dissociative conditions. Of particular interest is the observation that the eggshell proteoglycans and their core proteins are recognized by a monoclonal antibody which recognizes an epitope on the core protein of avian versican. This suggests that, in spite of the large differences in the sizes of the core proteins of versican and the eggshell proteoglycans, these core proteins share some homology. Because anionic molecules are thought to be important regulators of biomineralization, and because preparations like those analyzed in this study have been shown to influence in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization, the eggshell proteoglycans may play a role in eggshell mineralization.

Eggshells are shaped by a precise spatio-temporal arrangement of sequentially deposited macromolecules

The avian eggshell is a composite bioceramic which is formed by a controlled interaction of an organic and an inorganic phase. The organic phase contains, among other constituents, type X collagen and proteoglycans, mainly keratan and dermatan sulfate. Understanding the principles governing the synthesis and temporo-spatial distribution of such macromolecules, and their influence on the organization of the crystalline phase, is an essential aspect of establishing the biological basis of the quality of eggshell, both as an embryonic chamber and as a natural food package. In the present study, we have examined the process of eggshell formation by immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Precise sites and timing of secretion were established for the deposition of particular macromolecules. Type X collagen is detected at the very first moment of shell membrane formation. The appearance of keratan sulfate coincides with the appearance of mammillae, while dermatan sulfate is deposited later, coincident with shell matrix deposition. We propose that keratan sulfate, due to its precise localization, temporal appearance and calcium-binding affinity, relates to the maintenance of calcium reserve bodies, the primary source of calcium for the embryo. On the other hand, dermatan sulfate may control crystal growth, resulting in a preferential orientation of calcite crystals within the palisade layer.

Involvement of osteopontin in egg shell formation in the laying chicken

Expression of the osteopontin (OPN) gene in the oviduct of the laying hen was studied. It was detected only in the egg shell gland (ESG), where massive calcification occurs. No OPN gene expression was detected in any other part of the oviduct, such as the magnum and isthmus. The OPN gene was expressed in a circadian fashion during the daily egg cycle only during the period of egg shell calcification. No OPN gene expression was detected in the ESG of a pre-laying hen before the onset of reproduction, or after forced removal of the egg close to its entrance into the ESG. OPN was found to be synthesized by the epithelial cells of the ESG lining the lumen. Upon synthesis, OPN is immediately secreted out of cells and accumulates in the egg shell. These findings demonstrate for the first time temporal and spatial association of OPN with egg shell calcification. OPN, which was found to be part of the organic matrix of the egg shell, may play an important role in egg shell calcification.