1
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Molski M. Theoretical Insight into Psittacofulvins and Their Derivatives. Molecules 2024; 29:2760. [PMID: 38930826 PMCID: PMC11206620 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Psittacofulvins are polyenal dyes responsible for coloring parrot feathers and protecting them against photo-oxidation, harmful radicals, and bacterial degradation. To explain the unusual properties of these compounds, the thermodynamic and global chemical activity descriptors characterizing four natural and three synthetic psittacofulvins, as well as their hydroxyl, carboxyl and dialdehyde derivatives, were determined. To this aim, the DFT method at the B3LYP/QZVP theory level and the C-PCM solvation model were used. The calculations enabled the selection of the projected compounds for the greatest bioactivity and potential applicability as multifunctional ingredients in medicines, cosmetics, supplements, and food, in which they may play a triple role as preservative, radical scavenger, and coloring agent. The results obtained provide arguments for the identification of a fifth psittacofulvin within the parrot feather pigment, characterized by ten conjugated double bonds (docosadecaenal).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Molski
- Department of Quantum Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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2
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Feiner N, Yang W, Bunikis I, While GM, Uller T. Adaptive introgression reveals the genetic basis of a sexually selected syndrome in wall lizards. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9315. [PMID: 38569035 PMCID: PMC10990284 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The joint expression of particular colors, morphologies, and behaviors is a common feature of adaptation, but the genetic basis for such "phenotypic syndromes" remains poorly understood. Here, we identified a complex genetic architecture associated with a sexually selected syndrome in common wall lizards, by capitalizing on the adaptive introgression of coloration and morphology into a distantly related lineage. Consistent with the hypothesis that the evolution of phenotypic syndromes in vertebrates is facilitated by developmental linkage through neural crest cells, most of the genes associated with the syndrome are involved in neural crest cell regulation. A major locus was a ~400-kb region, characterized by standing structural genetic variation and previously implied in the evolutionary innovation of coloration and beak size in birds. We conclude that features of the developmental and genetic architecture contribute to maintaining trait integration, facilitating the extensive and rapid introgressive spread of suites of sexually selected characters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weizhao Yang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ignas Bunikis
- Uppsala Genome Center, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Geoffrey M. While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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3
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Zheng X, Chen J, Nie R, Miao H, Chen Z, He J, Xie Y, Zhang H. Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black-tail independence from body plumage in yellow-bodied chickens. Anim Genet 2024; 55:249-256. [PMID: 38194424 DOI: 10.1111/age.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The genetic foundation of chicken body plumage color has been extensively studied. However, little attention has been paid to the inheritance patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distal feather colors (tail and wingtip). Differences in these colors are common; for example, the Chinese Huiyang Beard chicken has black tail feathers, but yellow body plumage. Here, the hybrid offspring of Huiyang Beard and White Leghorn chickens were used to study the inheritance patterns of tail-feather color. The expression levels of pigment genes in differently colored feather follicles were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that genetic regulation of tail-feather color was independent of body-plumage color. The Dominant White locus inhibited eumelanin synthesis in tail feathers without affecting the formation of yellow body plumage, whereas the Silver locus had the opposite effect. The expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene class 1 transcripts was significantly lower in black tail-feather follicles than in yellow body follicles, whereas tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene expression was significantly higher in black tail feathers. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to exert an effect on eumelanin and pheomelanin formation in feathers, thus influencing the regulation of chicken tail-feather color. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms of regional differences in feather color, contributing to a better understanding of plumage pigmentation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ruixue Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanhuan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiaheng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yinku Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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4
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Ke F, van der Zwan H, Poon ESK, Cloutier A, Van den Abeele D, van der Sluis R, Sin SYW. Convergent evolution of parrot plumage coloration. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae107. [PMID: 38528953 PMCID: PMC10962230 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Parrots have remarkable plumage coloration that result in part from a unique ability to produce pigments called psittacofulvins that yield yellow to red feather colors. Little is known about the evolution of psittacofulvin-based pigmentation. Widespread color mutations of captive-bred parrots provide perfect opportunities to study the genetic basis of this trait. An earlier study on blue budgerigars, which do not possess psittacofulvins, reveals the involvement of an uncharacterized polyketide synthase (MuPKS) in yellow psittacofulvin synthesis. The blue phenotype had repeatedly appeared in different parrot species, similar to independent experimental replications allowing the study of convergent evolution and molecular mechanism of psittacofulvin-based pigmentation. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of the blue phenotypes in two species of Agapornis parrots, Fischer's lovebird (A. fischeri) and Yellow-collared lovebird (A. personatus). Using whole-genome data, we identified a single genomic region with size <2 Mb to be strongly associated with the color difference between blue and wild-type (WT) birds in both species. Surprisingly, we discovered that the mutation associated with the blue Agapornis phenotype was identical to the previously described substitution causing the functional change of MuPKS in budgerigars. Together with the evidence of shared blue-associated haplotypes and signatures of a selective sweep in this genomic region in both species, we demonstrated both de novo mutation and interspecific introgression play a role in the evolution of this trait in different Agapornis species. The convergent substitution in the same gene in both lovebirds and budgerigars also indicates a strong evolutionary constraint on psittacofulvin-based coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fushi Ke
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Henriëtte van der Zwan
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Emily Shui Kei Poon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alison Cloutier
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Rencia van der Sluis
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Simon Yung Wa Sin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Sin SYW, Ke F, Chen G, Huang PY, Enbody ED, Karubian J, Webster MS, Edwards SV. Genetic Basis and Evolution of Structural Color Polymorphism in an Australian Songbird. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae046. [PMID: 38415852 PMCID: PMC10962638 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Island organisms often evolve phenotypes divergent from their mainland counterparts, providing a useful system for studying adaptation under differential selection. In the white-winged fairywren (Malurus leucopterus), subspecies on two islands have a black nuptial plumage whereas the subspecies on the Australian mainland has a blue nuptial plumage. The black subspecies have a feather nanostructure that could in principle produce a blue structural color, suggesting a blue ancestor. An earlier study proposed independent evolution of melanism on the islands based on the history of subspecies divergence. However, the genetic basis of melanism and the origin of color differentiation in this group are still unknown. Here, we used whole-genome resequencing to investigate the genetic basis of melanism by comparing the blue and black M. leucopterus subspecies to identify highly divergent genomic regions. We identified a well-known pigmentation gene ASIP and four candidate genes that may contribute to feather nanostructure development. Contrary to the prediction of convergent evolution of island melanism, we detected signatures of a selective sweep in genomic regions containing ASIP and SCUBE2 not in the black subspecies but in the blue subspecies, which possesses many derived SNPs in these regions, suggesting that the mainland subspecies has re-evolved a blue plumage from a black ancestor. This proposed re-evolution was likely driven by a preexisting female preference. Our findings provide new insight into the evolution of plumage coloration in island versus continental populations, and, importantly, we identify candidate genes that likely play roles in the development and evolution of feather structural coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Yung Wa Sin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Fushi Ke
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoling Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Erik D Enbody
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Michael S Webster
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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6
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Ghosh Roy S, Bakhrat A, Abdu M, Afonso S, Pereira P, Carneiro M, Abdu U. Mutations in SLC45A2 lead to loss of melanin in parrot feathers. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkad254. [PMID: 37943814 PMCID: PMC10849330 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Bird plumage coloration is a complex and multifactorial process that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Diverse pigment groups contribute to plumage variation in different birds. In parrots, the predominant green color results from the combination of 2 different primary colors: yellow and blue. Psittacofulvin, a pigment uniquely found in parrots, is responsible for the yellow coloration, while blue is suggested to be the result of light scattering by feather nanostructures and melanin granules. So far, genetic control of melanin-mediated blue coloration has been elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that feather from the yellow mutant rose-ringed parakeet displays loss of melanosome granules in spongy layer of feather barb. Using whole genome sequencing, we found that mutation in SLC45A2, an important solute carrier protein in melanin synthetic pathway, is responsible for the sex-linked yellow phenotype in rose-ringed parakeet. Intriguingly, one of the mutations, P53L found in yellow Psittacula krameri is already reported as P58A/S in the human albinism database, known to be associated with human OCA4. We further showed that mutations in SLC45A2 gene affect melanin production also in other members of Psittaculidae family such as alexandrine and plum-headed parakeets. Additionally, we demonstrate that the mutations associated with the sex-linked yellow phenotype, localized within the transmembrane domains of the SLC45A2 protein, affect the protein localization pattern. This is the first evidence of plumage color variation involving SLC45A2 in parrots and confirmation of associated mutations in the transmembrane domains of the protein that affects its localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatadru Ghosh Roy
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Anna Bakhrat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Moty Abdu
- ST Lab Hashita 240, Sede Tzvi 85340, Israel
| | - Sandra Afonso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pereira
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Miguel Carneiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Uri Abdu
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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7
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Lin Z, Li F, Krug PJ, Schmidt EW. The polyketide to fatty acid transition in the evolution of animal lipid metabolism. Nat Commun 2024; 15:236. [PMID: 38172109 PMCID: PMC10764717 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44497-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals synthesize simple lipids using a distinct fatty acid synthase (FAS) related to the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes that produce complex specialized metabolites. The evolutionary origin of the animal FAS and its relationship to the diversity of PKSs remain unclear despite the critical role of lipid synthesis in cellular metabolism. Recently, an animal FAS-like PKS (AFPK) was identified in sacoglossan molluscs. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of AFPKs and other PKS and FAS enzymes across the tree of life. We found AFPKs widely distributed in arthropods and molluscs (>6300 newly described AFPK sequences). The AFPKs form a clade with the animal FAS, providing an evolutionary link bridging the type I PKSs and the animal FAS. We found molluscan AFPK diversification correlated with shell loss, suggesting AFPKs provide a chemical defense. Arthropods have few or no PKSs, but our results indicate AFPKs contributed to their ecological and evolutionary success by facilitating branched hydrocarbon and pheromone biosynthesis. Although animal metabolism is well studied, surprising new metabolic enzyme classes such as AFPKs await discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Patrick J Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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8
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Liu D, Tong Y, Dong R, Ye X, Yu X. A Breeding Plumage in the Making: The Unique Process of Plumage Coloration in the Crested Ibis in Terms of Chemical Composition and Sex Hormones. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3820. [PMID: 38136856 PMCID: PMC10740519 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) has long fascinated ornithologists with its enigmatic plumage color change. After more than a century of curiosity, the mystery was finally unraveled in the 1970s, unveiling the mechanism behind this remarkable transformation. Unlike other bird species, the Crested Ibis achieves its nuptial plumage coloration through a unique daubing behavior. After a water-bathing, it applies a sticky black substance secreted by a patch of skin in the neck and throat region. However, the chemical components of this black substance have not been studied in detail until now. To address this issue, we conducted a study to detect the components of the black substance and explore the relationship between sex hormone levels and the secretion of the black substance. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the monthly changes in steroid hormone levels (estradiol E2, testosterone T, and progesterone PROG) levels in feces. We also analyzed the correlation between sex hormone levels and daubing behavior. The results showed that the sex hormone levels are closely related to the secretion and application of the black substance. In addition, we qualitatively analyzed the chemical components of the black substance using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), uncovering the presence of 117 distinct chemical components. We assume that the black coloration results from the polymerization of selected chemical constituents among these components. These findings provide a groundwork for further exploration into the biological significance of the black substance. Overall, our study detected components in the black substance and studied how sex hormone levels relate to its secretion. Understanding the hormone effects on coloration helps in precise habitat management, like wetland preservation, crucial for Crested Ibis survival. Implementing hormone-boosting measures during breeding seasons enhances reproduction and health, vital for their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (D.L.); (Y.T.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yiwei Tong
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (D.L.); (Y.T.); (X.Y.)
| | - Rong Dong
- Research Center for Qinling Giant Panda, Shaanxi Academy of Foresty, Xi’an 710082, China;
| | - Xinping Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (D.L.); (Y.T.); (X.Y.)
- Research Center for UAV Remote Sensing, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China; (D.L.); (Y.T.); (X.Y.)
- Shaanxi Provincial Field Observation and Research Station for Golden Monkey, Giant Panda and Biodiversity, Xi’an 723400, China
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9
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Johansen M, Saenko S, Schilthuizen M, Blaxter M, Davison A. Fine mapping of the Cepaea nemoralis shell colour and mid-banded loci using a high-density linkage map. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 131:327-337. [PMID: 37758900 PMCID: PMC10673960 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00648-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Molluscs are a highly speciose phylum that exhibits an astonishing array of colours and patterns, yet relatively little progress has been made in identifying the underlying genes that determine phenotypic variation. One prominent example is the land snail Cepaea nemoralis for which classical genetic studies have shown that around nine loci, several physically linked and inherited together as a 'supergene', control the shell colour and banding polymorphism. As a first step towards identifying the genes involved, we used whole-genome resequencing of individuals from a laboratory cross to construct a high-density linkage map, and then trait mapping to identify 95% confidence intervals for the chromosomal region that contains the supergene, specifically the colour locus (C), and the unlinked mid-banded locus (U). The linkage map is made up of 215,593 markers, ordered into 22 linkage groups, with one large group making up ~27% of the genome. The C locus was mapped to a ~1.3 cM region on linkage group 11, and the U locus was mapped to a ~0.7 cM region on linkage group 15. The linkage map will serve as an important resource for further evolutionary and population genomic studies of C. nemoralis and related species, as well as the identification of candidate genes within the supergene and for the mid-banding phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe Johansen
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Suzanne Saenko
- Evolutionary Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2333CR, The Netherlands
- Animal Sciences, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333BE, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Schilthuizen
- Evolutionary Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, 2333CR, The Netherlands
- Animal Sciences, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, 2333BE, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Angus Davison
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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10
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Xu Z, Lin T, Wang T, Hu Y, Shen G, Feng K, Zhang P, He L. Uridine Diphosphate Glycosyltransferases (UGTs) Involved in the Carotenoid-Based Body Color Difference between Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Red) and Tetranychus urticae (Green). INSECTS 2023; 14:823. [PMID: 37887835 PMCID: PMC10607543 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
It has long been disputed whether Tetranychus cinnabarinus and Tetranychus urticae belong to the same genus, with T. cinnabarinus regarded as a red form of T. urticae. However, it is unclear why T. urticae and T. cinnabarinus have different body colors. Since carotenoids are responsible for the color of many organisms, the carotenoid profiles of T. cinnabarinus and T. urticae were compared by HPLC. There was no difference in carotenoid type, but T. cinnabarinus contained significantly more neoxanthin, astaxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, and γ-carotene, which may contribute to the deep red color. The transcriptome sequencing of both species identified 4079 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 12 were related to carotenoid metabolism. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrated that silencing seven of these DEGs resulted in the different accumulation of carotenoid compounds in T. cinnabarinus and T. urticae. In addition, the body of T. urticae turned yellow after two days of feeding with UGT double-stranded RNAs and β-UGT small interfering RNAs. In conclusion, differences in the carotenoid profiles of T. urticae and T. cinnabarinus may be responsible for the different body colors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ting Lin
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tongyang Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangmao Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Kaiyang Feng
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lin He
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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11
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Li F, Lin Z, Krug PJ, Catrow JL, Cox JE, Schmidt EW. Animal FAS-like polyketide synthases produce diverse polypropionates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305575120. [PMID: 37695909 PMCID: PMC10515154 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305575120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal cytoplasmic fatty acid synthase (FAS) represents a unique family of enzymes that are classically thought to be most closely related to fungal polyketide synthase (PKS). Recently, a widespread family of animal lipid metabolic enzymes has been described that bridges the gap between these two ubiquitous and important enzyme classes: the animal FAS-like PKSs (AFPKs). Although very similar in sequence to FAS enzymes that produce saturated lipids widely found in animals, AFPKs instead produce structurally diverse compounds that resemble bioactive polyketides. Little is known about the factors that bridge lipid and polyketide synthesis in the animals. Here, we describe the function of EcPKS2 from Elysia chlorotica, which synthesizes a complex polypropionate natural product found in this mollusc. EcPKS2 starter unit promiscuity potentially explains the high diversity of polyketides found in and among molluscan species. Biochemical comparison of EcPKS2 with the previously described EcPKS1 reveals molecular principles governing substrate selectivity that should apply to related enzymes encoded within the genomes of photosynthetic gastropods. Hybridization experiments combining EcPKS1 and EcPKS2 demonstrate the interactions between the ketoreductase and ketosynthase domains in governing the product outcomes. Overall, these findings enable an understanding of the molecular principles of structural diversity underlying the many molluscan polyketides likely produced by the diverse AFPK enzyme family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Patrick J. Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA90032
| | - J. Leon Catrow
- Metabolomics Core, Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - James E. Cox
- Metabolomics Core, Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT84112
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Eric W. Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
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12
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Elkin J, Martin A, Courtier-Orgogozo V, Santos ME. Analysis of the genetic loci of pigment pattern evolution in vertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1250-1277. [PMID: 37017088 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate pigmentation patterns are amongst the best characterised model systems for studying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution. The wealth of available data on the genetic basis for pigmentation evolution allows for analysis of trends and quantitative testing of evolutionary hypotheses. We employed Gephebase, a database of genetic variants associated with natural and domesticated trait variation, to examine trends in how cis-regulatory and coding mutations contribute to vertebrate pigmentation phenotypes, as well as factors that favour one mutation type over the other. We found that studies with lower ascertainment bias identified higher proportions of cis-regulatory mutations, and that cis-regulatory mutations were more common amongst animals harbouring a higher number of pigment cell classes. We classified pigmentation traits firstly according to their physiological basis and secondly according to whether they affect colour or pattern, and identified that carotenoid-based pigmentation and variation in pattern boundaries are preferentially associated with cis-regulatory change. We also classified genes according to their developmental, cellular, and molecular functions. We found a greater proportion of cis-regulatory mutations in genes implicated in upstream developmental processes compared to those involved in downstream cellular functions, and that ligands were associated with a higher proportion of cis-regulatory mutations than their respective receptors. Based on these trends, we discuss future directions for research in vertebrate pigmentation evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Elkin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St. NW, Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | | | - M Emília Santos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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13
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Tang CY, Zhang X, Xu X, Sun S, Peng C, Song MH, Yan C, Sun H, Liu M, Xie L, Luo SJ, Li JT. Genetic mapping and molecular mechanism behind color variation in the Asian vine snake. Genome Biol 2023; 24:46. [PMID: 36895044 PMCID: PMC9999515 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reptiles exhibit a wide variety of skin colors, which serve essential roles in survival and reproduction. However, the molecular basis of these conspicuous colors remains unresolved. RESULTS We investigate color morph-enriched Asian vine snakes (Ahaetulla prasina), to explore the mechanism underpinning color variations. Transmission electron microscopy imaging and metabolomics analysis indicates that chromatophore morphology (mainly iridophores) is the main basis for differences in skin color. Additionally, we assemble a 1.77-Gb high-quality chromosome-anchored genome of the snake. Genome-wide association study and RNA sequencing reveal a conservative amino acid substitution (p.P20S) in SMARCE1, which may be involved in the regulation of chromatophore development initiated from neural crest cells. SMARCE1 knockdown in zebrafish and immunofluorescence verify the interactions among SMARCE1, iridophores, and tfec, which may determine color variations in the Asian vine snake. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the genetic associations of color variation in Asian vine snakes, providing insights and important resources for a deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms related to reptilian coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yang Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shijie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changjun Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Meng-Huan Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chaochao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huaqin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mingfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shu-Jin Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jia-Tang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yezin Nay Pyi Taw, 05282, Myanmar.
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14
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Brown AR, Comai K, Mannino D, McCullough H, Donekal Y, Meyers HC, Graves CW, Seidel HS. A community-science approach identifies genetic variants associated with three color morphs in ball pythons (Python regius). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276376. [PMID: 36260636 PMCID: PMC9581371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Color morphs in ball pythons (Python regius) provide a unique and largely untapped resource for understanding the genetics of coloration in reptiles. Here we use a community-science approach to investigate the genetics of three color morphs affecting production of the pigment melanin. These morphs-Albino, Lavender Albino, and Ultramel-show a loss of melanin in the skin and eyes, ranging from severe (Albino) to moderate (Lavender Albino) to mild (Ultramel). To identify genetic variants causing each morph, we recruited shed skins of pet ball pythons via social media, extracted DNA from the skins, and searched for putative loss-of-function variants in homologs of genes controlling melanin production in other vertebrates. We report that the Albino morph is associated with missense and non-coding variants in the gene TYR. The Lavender Albino morph is associated with a deletion in the gene OCA2. The Ultramel morph is associated with a missense variant and a putative deletion in the gene TYRP1. Our study is one of the first to identify genetic variants associated with color morphs in ball pythons and shows that pet samples recruited from the community can provide a resource for genetic studies in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn R. Brown
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Kaylee Comai
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Dominic Mannino
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Haily McCullough
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Yamini Donekal
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Hunter C. Meyers
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
| | - Chiron W. Graves
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CWG); (HSS)
| | - Hannah S. Seidel
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CWG); (HSS)
| | - The BIO306W Consortium
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, United States of America
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15
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Campagna L, Toews DP. The genomics of adaptation in birds. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R1173-R1186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Smith BT, Merwin J, Provost KL, Thom G, Brumfield RT, Ferreira M, Mauck Iii WM, Moyle RG, Wright T, Joseph L. Phylogenomic analysis of the parrots of the world distinguishes artifactual from biological sources of gene tree discordance. Syst Biol 2022; 72:228-241. [PMID: 35916751 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene tree discordance is expected in phylogenomic trees and biological processes are often invoked to explain it. However, heterogeneous levels of phylogenetic signal among individuals within datasets may cause artifactual sources of topological discordance. We examined how the information content in tips and subclades impacts topological discordance in the parrots (Order: Psittaciformes), a diverse and highly threatened clade of nearly 400 species. Using ultraconserved elements from 96% of the clade's species-level diversity, we estimated concatenated and species trees for 382 ingroup taxa. We found that discordance among tree topologies was most common at nodes dating between the late Miocene and Pliocene, and often at the taxonomic level of genus. Accordingly, we used two metrics to characterize information content in tips and assess the degree to which conflict between trees was being driven by lower quality samples. Most instances of topological conflict and non-monophyletic genera in the species tree could be objectively identified using these metrics. For subclades still discordant after tip-based filtering, we used a machine learning approach to determine whether phylogenetic signal or noise was the more important predictor of metrics supporting the alternative topologies. We found that when signal favored one of the topologies, noise was the most important variable in poorly performing models that favored the alternative topology. In sum, we show that artifactual sources of gene tree discordance, which are likely a common phenomenon in many datasets, can be distinguished from biological sources by quantifying the information content in each tip and modeling which factors support each topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Tilston Smith
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Jon Merwin
- Department of Ornithology, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.,Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Kaiya L Provost
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gregory Thom
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Robb T Brumfield
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Mateus Ferreira
- Centro de Estudos da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Av. Cap. Ene Garcez, 2413, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - William M Mauck Iii
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Robert G Moyle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Timothy Wright
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA
| | - Leo Joseph
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, National Research Collections Australia, CSIRO, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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17
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D’Ambrosio HK, Ganley JG, Keeler AM, Derbyshire ER. A single amino acid residue controls acyltransferase activity in a polyketide synthase from Toxoplasma gondii. iScience 2022; 25:104443. [PMID: 35874921 PMCID: PMC9301873 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I polyketide synthases (PKSs) are multidomain, multimodule enzymes capable of producing complex polyketide metabolites. These modules contain an acyltransferase (AT) domain, which selects acyl-CoA substrates to be incorporated into the metabolite scaffold. Herein, we reveal the sequences of three AT domains from a polyketide synthase (TgPKS2) from the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Phylogenic analysis indicates these ATs (AT1, AT2, and AT3) are distinct from domains in well-characterized microbial biosynthetic gene clusters. Biochemical investigations revealed that AT1 and AT2 hydrolyze malonyl-CoA but the terminal AT3 domain is non-functional. We further identify an "on-off switch" residue that controls activity such that a single amino acid change in AT3 confers hydrolysis activity while the analogous mutation in AT2 eliminates activity. This biochemical analysis of AT domains from an apicomplexan PKS lays the foundation for further molecular and structural studies on PKSs from T. gondii and other protists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. D’Ambrosio
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jack G. Ganley
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Aaron M. Keeler
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Emily R. Derbyshire
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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18
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Li F, Lin Z, Torres JP, Hill EA, Li D, Townsend CA, Schmidt EW. Sea Urchin Polyketide Synthase SpPks1 Produces the Naphthalene Precursor to Echinoderm Pigments. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:9363-9371. [PMID: 35588530 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nearly every animal species on Earth contains a unique polyketide synthase (PKS) encoded in its genome, yet no animal-clade PKS has been biochemically characterized, and even the chemical products of these ubiquitous enzymes are known in only a few cases. The earliest animal genome-encoded PKS gene to be identified was SpPks1 from sea urchins. Previous genetic knockdown experiments implicated SpPks1 in synthesis of the sea urchin pigment echinochrome. Here, we express and purify SpPks1, performing biochemical experiments to demonstrate that the sea urchin protein is responsible for the synthesis of 2-acetyl-1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (ATHN). Since ATHN is a plausible precursor of echinochromes, this result defines a biosynthetic pathway to the ubiquitous echinoderm pigments and rewrites the previous hypothesis for echinochrome biosynthesis. Truncation experiments showed that, unlike other type I iterative PKSs so far characterized, SpPks1 produces the naphthalene core using solely ketoacylsynthase (KS), acyltransferase, and acyl carrier protein domains, delineating a unique class of animal nonreducing aromatic PKSs (aPKSs). A series of amino acids in the KS domain define the family and are likely crucial in cyclization activity. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that SpPks1 and its homologs are widespread in echinoderms and their closest relatives, the acorn worms, reinforcing their fundamental importance to echinoderm biology. While the animal microbiome is known to produce aromatic polyketides, this work provides biochemical evidence that animals themselves also harbor ancient, convergent, dedicated pathways to carbocyclic aromatic polyketides. More fundamentally, biochemical analysis of SpPks1 begins to define the vast and unexplored biosynthetic space of the ubiquitous animal PKS family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joshua P Torres
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Eric A Hill
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Dehai Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
| | - Craig A Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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19
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Akat E, Yenmiş M, Pombal MA, Molist P, Megías M, Arman S, Veselỳ M, Anderson R, Ayaz D. Comparison of Vertebrate Skin Structure at Class Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3543-3608. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Akat
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Melodi Yenmiş
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Manuel A. Pombal
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Pilar Molist
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Manuel Megías
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Sezgi Arman
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Department Sakarya Turkey
| | - Milan Veselỳ
- Palacky University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology Olomouc Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Anderson
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dinçer Ayaz
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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20
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Huang Z, De O Furo I, Liu J, Peona V, Gomes AJB, Cen W, Huang H, Zhang Y, Chen D, Xue T, Zhang Q, Yue Z, Wang Q, Yu L, Chen Y, Suh A, de Oliveira EHC, Xu L. Recurrent chromosome reshuffling and the evolution of neo-sex chromosomes in parrots. Nat Commun 2022; 13:944. [PMID: 35177601 PMCID: PMC8854603 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The karyotype of most birds has remained considerably stable during more than 100 million years' evolution, except for some groups, such as parrots. The evolutionary processes and underlying genetic mechanism of chromosomal rearrangements in parrots, however, are poorly understood. Here, using chromosome-level assemblies of four parrot genomes, we uncover frequent chromosome fusions and fissions, with most of them occurring independently among lineages. The increased activities of chromosomal rearrangements in parrots are likely associated with parrot-specific loss of two genes, ALC1 and PARP3, that have known functions in the repair of double-strand breaks and maintenance of genome stability. We further find that the fusion of the ZW sex chromosomes and chromosome 11 has created a pair of neo-sex chromosomes in the ancestor of parrots, and the chromosome 25 has been further added to the sex chromosomes in monk parakeet. Together, the combination of our genomic and cytogenetic analyses characterizes the complex evolutionary history of chromosomal rearrangements and sex chromosomes in parrots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ivanete De O Furo
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA) Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (LABRAC), Parauapebas, PA, Brazil
- Laboratório de Citogenômica e Mutagênese Ambiental, SAMAM, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentina Peona
- Department of Organismal Biology, Systematic Biology, Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Wan Cen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Special Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yanding Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Duo Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Special Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Xue
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Special Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qiujin Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhicao Yue
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics; International Cancer Center; and Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Disease Prevention, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanxi Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health (Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University), Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lingyu Yu
- Annoroad Gene Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Youling Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology & Southern Center for Biomedical Research, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Alexander Suh
- Department of Organismal Biology, Systematic Biology, Science for Life Laboratories, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Organisms and the Environment, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Edivaldo H C de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, PPGBM, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Laboratório de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogenética, SAMAM, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Luohao Xu
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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21
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Wu L, Jiao X, Zhang D, Cheng Y, Song G, Qu Y, Lei F. Comparative Genomics and Evolution of Avian Specialized Traits. Curr Genomics 2021; 22:496-511. [PMID: 35386431 PMCID: PMC8905638 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666211227143952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic data are important for understanding the origin and evolution of traits. Under the context of rapidly developing of sequencing technologies and more widely available genome sequences, researchers are able to study evolutionary mechanisms of traits via comparative genomic methods. Compared with other vertebrates, bird genomes are relatively small and exhibit conserved synteny with few repetitive elements, which makes them suitable for evolutionary studies. Increasing genomic progress has been reported on the evolution of powered flight, body size variation, beak morphology, plumage colouration, high-elevation colonization, migration, and vocalization. By summarizing previous studies, we demonstrate the genetic bases of trait evolution, highlighting the roles of small-scale sequence variation, genomic structural variation, and changes in gene interaction networks. We suggest that future studies should focus on improving the quality of reference genomes, exploring the evolution of regulatory elements and networks, and combining genomic data with morphological, ecological, behavioural, and developmental biology data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaolu Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dezhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yalin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Gang Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanhua Qu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fumin Lei
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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22
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Tay EJ, Barnsley JE, Thomas DB, Gordon KC. Elucidating the resonance Raman spectra of psittacofulvins. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 262:120146. [PMID: 34274684 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Spectroscopic studies into the identification and characterisation of psittacofulvins were performed using resonance Raman spectroscopy. It was confirmed that red colour regions display Raman band wavenumber shifts with excitation wavelength, whereas yellow regions do not. There was, however, one yellow region (Calyptorhynchus banksii) that did display wavenumber shifting with excitation wavelength. The data in Raman band wavenumber shifting is observed may be interpreted as probing sample volumes in which a number of dyes of differing length are present in which comparative resonance Raman signals select out the dyes to differing extents depending on their absorption profile, structurally changes between the ground and excited state and the Raman scattering of particular modes. The observed spectral features suggest the presence of a psittacofulvin with greater conjugation than has been reported previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot J Tay
- Chemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Daniel B Thomas
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keith C Gordon
- Chemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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23
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Funk ER, Mason NA, Pálsson S, Albrecht T, Johnson JA, Taylor SA. A supergene underlies linked variation in color and morphology in a Holarctic songbird. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6833. [PMID: 34824228 PMCID: PMC8616904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic architecture of a phenotype can have considerable effects on the evolution of a trait or species. Characterizing genetic architecture provides insight into the complexity of a given phenotype and, potentially, the role of the phenotype in evolutionary processes like speciation. We use genome sequences to investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in redpoll finches (Acanthis spp.). We demonstrate that variation in redpoll phenotype is broadly controlled by a ~55-Mb chromosomal inversion. Within this inversion, we find multiple candidate genes related to melanogenesis, carotenoid coloration, and bill shape, suggesting the inversion acts as a supergene controlling multiple linked traits. A latitudinal gradient in ecotype distribution suggests supergene driven variation in color and bill morphology are likely under environmental selection, maintaining supergene haplotypes as a balanced polymorphism. Our results provide a mechanism for the maintenance of ecotype variation in redpolls despite a genome largely homogenized by gene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Funk
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Mason
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Snæbjörn Pálsson
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Department of Zoology, Charles University, Vinicna 7, CZ-12844, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kvetna 8, CZ-60365, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Scott A Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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24
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Bravo GA, Schmitt CJ, Edwards SV. What Have We Learned from the First 500 Avian Genomes? ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-012121-085928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The increased capacity of DNA sequencing has significantly advanced our understanding of the phylogeny of birds and the proximate and ultimate mechanisms molding their genomic diversity. In less than a decade, the number of available avian reference genomes has increased to over 500—approximately 5% of bird diversity—placing birds in a privileged position to advance the fields of phylogenomics and comparative, functional, and population genomics. Whole-genome sequence data, as well as indels and rare genomic changes, are further resolving the avian tree of life. The accumulation of bird genomes, increasingly with long-read sequence data, greatly improves the resolution of genomic features such as germline-restricted chromosomes and the W chromosome, and is facilitating the comparative integration of genotypes and phenotypes. Community-based initiatives such as the Bird 10,000 Genomes Project and Vertebrate Genome Project are playing a fundamental role in amplifying and coalescing a vibrant international program in avian comparative genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo A. Bravo
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA;, ,
| | - C. Jonathan Schmitt
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA;, ,
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA;, ,
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25
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O’Connor TK, Sandoval MC, Wang J, Hans JC, Takenaka R, Child M, Whiteman NK. Ecological basis and genetic architecture of crypsis polymorphism in the desert clicker grasshopper (Ligurotettix coquilletti). Evolution 2021; 75:2441-2459. [PMID: 34370317 PMCID: PMC8932956 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Color polymorphic species can offer exceptional insight into the ecology and genetics of adaptation. Although the genetic architecture of animal coloration is diverse, many color polymorphisms are associated with large structural variants and maintained by biotic interactions. Grasshoppers are notably polymorphic in both color and karyotype, which makes them excellent models for understanding the ecological drivers and genetic underpinnings of color variation. Banded and uniform morphs of the desert clicker grasshopper (Ligurotettix coquilletti) are found across the western deserts of North America. To address the hypothesis that predation maintains local color polymorphism and shapes regional crypsis variation, we surveyed morph frequencies and tested for covariation with two predation environments. Morphs coexisted at intermediate frequencies at most sites, consistent with local balancing selection. Morph frequencies covaried with the appearance of desert substrate-an environment used only by females-suggesting that ground-foraging predators are major agents of selection on crypsis. We next addressed the hypothesized link between morph variation and genome structure. To do so, we designed an approach for detecting inversions and indels using only RADseq data. The banded morph was perfectly correlated with a large putative indel. Remarkably, indel dominance differed among populations, a rare example of dominance evolution in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K. O’Connor
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Current address: Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Marissa C. Sandoval
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Jacob C. Hans
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Risa Takenaka
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Myron Child
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Noah K. Whiteman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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26
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Medema MH, de Rond T, Moore BS. Mining genomes to illuminate the specialized chemistry of life. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:553-571. [PMID: 34083778 PMCID: PMC8364890 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00363-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
All organisms produce specialized organic molecules, ranging from small volatile chemicals to large gene-encoded peptides, that have evolved to provide them with diverse cellular and ecological functions. As natural products, they are broadly applied in medicine, agriculture and nutrition. The rapid accumulation of genomic information has revealed that the metabolic capacity of virtually all organisms is vastly underappreciated. Pioneered mainly in bacteria and fungi, genome mining technologies are accelerating metabolite discovery. Recent efforts are now being expanded to all life forms, including protists, plants and animals, and new integrative omics technologies are enabling the increasingly effective mining of this molecular diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnix H Medema
- Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tristan de Rond
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bradley S Moore
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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27
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Price-Waldman R, Stoddard MC. Avian Coloration Genetics: Recent Advances and Emerging Questions. J Hered 2021; 112:395-416. [PMID: 34002228 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The colorful phenotypes of birds have long provided rich source material for evolutionary biologists. Avian plumage, beaks, skin, and eggs-which exhibit a stunning range of cryptic and conspicuous forms-inspired early work on adaptive coloration. More recently, avian color has fueled discoveries on the physiological, developmental, and-increasingly-genetic mechanisms responsible for phenotypic variation. The relative ease with which avian color traits can be quantified has made birds an attractive system for uncovering links between phenotype and genotype. Accordingly, the field of avian coloration genetics is burgeoning. In this review, we highlight recent advances and emerging questions associated with the genetic underpinnings of bird color. We start by describing breakthroughs related to 2 pigment classes: carotenoids that produce red, yellow, and orange in most birds and psittacofulvins that produce similar colors in parrots. We then discuss structural colors, which are produced by the interaction of light with nanoscale materials and greatly extend the plumage palette. Structural color genetics remain understudied-but this paradigm is changing. We next explore how colors that arise from interactions among pigmentary and structural mechanisms may be controlled by genes that are co-expressed or co-regulated. We also identify opportunities to investigate genes mediating within-feather micropatterning and the coloration of bare parts and eggs. We conclude by spotlighting 2 research areas-mechanistic links between color vision and color production, and speciation-that have been invigorated by genetic insights, a trend likely to continue as new genomic approaches are applied to non-model species.
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28
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Mapping the biosynthetic pathway of a hybrid polyketide-nonribosomal peptide in a metazoan. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4912. [PMID: 34389721 PMCID: PMC8363725 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyketide synthase (PKS) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) hybrid systems typically use complex protein-protein interactions to facilitate direct transfer of intermediates between these multimodular megaenzymes. In the canal-associated neurons (CANs) of Caenorhabditis elegans, PKS-1 and NRPS-1 produce the nemamides, the only known hybrid polyketide-nonribosomal peptides biosynthesized by animals, through a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we use genome editing and mass spectrometry to map the roles of individual PKS-1 and NRPS-1 enzymatic domains in nemamide biosynthesis. Furthermore, we show that nemamide biosynthesis requires at least five additional enzymes expressed in the CANs that are encoded by genes distributed across the worm genome. We identify the roles of these enzymes and discover a mechanism for trafficking intermediates between a PKS and an NRPS. Specifically, the enzyme PKAL-1 activates an advanced polyketide intermediate as an adenylate and directly loads it onto a carrier protein in NRPS-1. This trafficking mechanism provides a means by which a PKS-NRPS system can expand its biosynthetic potential and is likely important for the regulation of nemamide biosynthesis. The only known animal polyketide-nonribosomal peptides, the nemamides, are biosynthesized by two megasynthetases in the canal-associated neurons (CANs) of C. elegans. Here, the authors map the biosynthetic roles of individual megasynthetase domains and identify additional enzymes in the CANs required for nemamide biosynthesis.
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29
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van der Zwan H, van der Sluis R. Polly Wants a Genome: The Lack of Genetic Testing for Pet Parrot Species. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1097. [PMID: 34356113 PMCID: PMC8307168 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Parrots are considered the third most popular pet species, after dogs and cats, in the United States of America. Popular birds include budgerigars, lovebirds and cockatiels and are known for their plumage and vocal learning abilities. Plumage colour variation remains the main driving force behind breeder selection. Despite the birds' popularity, only two molecular genetic tests-bird sexing and pathogen screening-are commercially available to breeders. For a limited number of species, parentage verification tests are available, but are mainly used in conservation and not for breeding purposes. No plumage colour genotyping test is available for any of the species. Due to the fact that there isn't any commercial plumage genotype screening or parentage verification tests available, breeders mate close relatives to ensure recessive colour alleles are passed to the next generation. This, in turn, leads to inbreeding depression and decreased fertility, lower hatchability and smaller clutch sizes, all important traits in commercial breeding systems. This review highlights the research carried out in the field of pet parrot genomics and points out the areas where future research can make a vital contribution to understanding how parrot breeding can be improved to breed healthy, genetically diverse birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriëtte van der Zwan
- Focus Area for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
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30
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Scherlach K, Hertweck C. Mining and unearthing hidden biosynthetic potential. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3864. [PMID: 34162873 PMCID: PMC8222398 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded small molecules (secondary metabolites) play eminent roles in ecological interactions, as pathogenicity factors and as drug leads. Yet, these chemical mediators often evade detection, and the discovery of novel entities is hampered by low production and high rediscovery rates. These limitations may be addressed by genome mining for biosynthetic gene clusters, thereby unveiling cryptic metabolic potential. The development of sophisticated data mining methods and genetic and analytical tools has enabled the discovery of an impressive array of previously overlooked natural products. This review shows the newest developments in the field, highlighting compound discovery from unconventional sources and microbiomes. Natural products are an important source of bioactive compounds and have versatile applications in different fields, but their discovery is challenging. Here, the authors review the recent developments in genome mining for discovery of natural products, focusing on compounds from unconventional microorganisms and microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Scherlach
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, HKI, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, HKI, Jena, Germany. .,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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31
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Nie C, Qu L, Li X, Jiang Z, Wang K, Li H, Wang H, Qu C, Qu L, Ning Z. Genomic Regions Related to White/Black Tail Feather Color in Dwarf Chickens Identified Using a Genome-Wide Association Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:566047. [PMID: 33995468 PMCID: PMC8120320 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.566047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic foundation of chicken body feather color has been extensively explored, that of tail feather color remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used a synthetic chicken dwarf line (DW), derived from hybrids bred between a black tail chicken breed, Rhode Island Red (RIR), and a white tail breed, dwarf layer (DL), to investigate the genetic rules associated white/black tail color. Even though the body feathers are predominantly red, the DW line still comprises individuals with black or white tails after more than 10 generations of self-crossing and selection for the body feather color. We first performed four crosses using the DW chickens, including black-tailed males to females, reciprocal crosses between the black and white, and white males to females to elucidate the inheritance pattern of the white/black tail. We also performed a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis to determine the candidate genomic regions underlying the tail feather color using black tail chickens from the RIR and DW lines and white individuals from the DW line. In the crossing experiment, we found that (i) the white/black tail feather color is independent of body feather color; (ii) the phenotype is a simple autosomal trait; and (iii) the white is dominant to the black in the DW line. The GWA results showed that seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 24 were significantly correlated with tail feather color. The significant region (3.97-4.26 Mb) comprises nine known genes (NECTIN1, THY1, gga-mir-1466, USP2, C1QTNF5, RNF26, MCAM, CBL, and CCDC153) and five anonymous genes. This study revealed that the white/black tail feather trait is autosome-linked in DW chickens. Fourteen genes were found in the significant ~0.29 Mb genomic region, and some, especially MCAM, are suggested to play critical roles in the determination of white/black tail feather color. Our research is the first study on the genetics underlying tail feather color and could help further the understanding of feather pigmentation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Qu
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Kehua Wang
- Jiangsu Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Li
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Huie Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Tarim Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changqing Qu
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Anti-aging Chinese Herbal Medicine of Anhui Province, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China
| | - Lujiang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghua Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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32
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Chen CK, Juan WT, Liang YC, Wu P, Chuong CM. Making region-specific integumentary organs in birds: evolution and modifications. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:103-111. [PMID: 33780743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Birds are the most diversified terrestrial vertebrates due to highly diverse integumentary organs that enable robust adaptability to various eco-spaces. Here we show that this complexity is built upon multi-level regional specifications. Across-the-body (macro-) specification includes the evolution of beaks and feathers as new integumentary organs that are formed with regional specificity. Within-an-organ (micro-) specification involves further modifications of organ shapes. We review recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying feather diversification as an example. (1) β-Keratin gene clusters are regulated by typical enhancers or high order chromatin looping to achieve macro- and micro-level regional specification, respectively. (2) Multi-level symmetry-breaking of feather branches confers new functional forms. (3) Complex color patterns are produced by combinations of macro-patterning and micro-patterning processes. The integration of these findings provides new insights toward the principle of making a robustly adaptive bio-interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; The IEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tau Juan
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chen Liang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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33
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Girija A, Vijayanathan M, Sreekumar S, Basheer J, Menon TG, Krishnankutty RE, Soniya EV. Harnessing the natural pool of polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide family: A route map towards novel drug development. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:265-291. [PMID: 33745440 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210319145816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emergence of communicable and non-communicable diseases possess health challenge to millions of people worldwide and is a major threat to the economic and social development in the coming century. The occurrence of recent pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 caused by lethal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is one such example. Rapid research and development of drugs for the treatment and management of these diseases has been an incredibly challenging task for the pharmaceutical industry. Although, substantial focus has been made in the discovery of therapeutic compounds from natural sources having significant medicinal potential, their synthesis has shown a slow progress. Hence, the discovery of new targets by the application of the latest biotechnological and synthetic biology approaches is very much the need of the hour. Polyketides (PKs) and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) found in bacteria, fungi and plants are a large diverse family of natural products synthesized by two classes of enzymes: polyketide synthases (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). These enzymes possess immense biomedical potential due to their simple architecture, catalytic capacity, as well as diversity. With the advent of latest in-silico and in-vitro strategies, these enzymes and their related metabolic pathways, if targeted, can contribute highly towards the biosynthesis of an array of potentially natural drug leads that have antagonist effects on biopolymers associated with various human diseases. In the face of the rising threat from the multidrug-resistant pathogens, this will further open new avenues for the discovery of novel and improved drugs by combining the natural and the synthetic approaches. This review discusses the relevance of polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides and the improvement strategies for the development of their derivatives and scaffolds, and how they will be beneficial to the future bioprospecting and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiswarya Girija
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Institute of Biological Environmental Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - Mallika Vijayanathan
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Biology Centre - Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Sweda Sreekumar
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, India
| | - Jasim Basheer
- School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, PD Hills, Kottayam, Kerala, India.,Department of Cell Biology, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tara G Menon
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Eppurathu Vasudevan Soniya
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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34
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Garcia-Cortes A, Garcia-Vásquez JA, Aranguren Y, Ramirez-Castrillon M. Pigment Production Improvement in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AJB01 Using Design of Experiments. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020387. [PMID: 33672878 PMCID: PMC7918216 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of biopigments has received considerable attention from the industrial sector, mainly for potential applications as novel molecules with biological activity, in cosmetics or if aquaculture food supplements. The main objective of this study was to increase the production of carotenoid pigments in a naturally pigmented yeast by subjecting the yeast to various cellular stresses using design of experiments. The fungal strain Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AJB01 was isolated from a food sample collected in Barranquilla, Colombia, and one of the pigments produced was β-carotene. This strain was subjected to various stress conditions, including osmotic stress using different salts, physical stress by ultraviolet (UV) light, and light stress using different photoperiods. The optimal growth conditions for carotenoid production were determined to be 1 min of UV light, 0.5 mg/L of magnesium sulfate, and an 18:6 h light/dark period, which resulted in a carotenoid yield of 118.3 µg of carotenoid per gram of yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Garcia-Cortes
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Campus Pampalinda, Calle 5 # 62-00, Santiago de Cali 760035, Colombia; (A.G.-C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Julián Andres Garcia-Vásquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Campus Pampalinda, Calle 5 # 62-00, Santiago de Cali 760035, Colombia; (A.G.-C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
| | - Yani Aranguren
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Carrera 59 # 59-65, Barranquilla 080003, Colombia;
| | - Mauricio Ramirez-Castrillon
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Campus Pampalinda, Calle 5 # 62-00, Santiago de Cali 760035, Colombia; (A.G.-C.); (J.A.G.-V.)
- Correspondence:
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35
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Abstract
Statins are effective cholesterol-lowering drugs. Lovastatin, one of the precursors of statins, is formed from dihydromonacolin L (DML), which is synthesized by lovastatin nonaketide synthase (LovB), with the assistance of a separate trans-acting enoyl reductase (LovC). A full DML synthesis comprises 8 polyketide synthetic cycles with about 35 steps. The assembling of the LovB-LovC complex, and the structural basis for the iterative and yet permutative functions of the megasynthase have remained a mystery. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of the LovB-LovC complex at 3.60 Å and the core LovB at 2.91 Å resolution. The domain organization of LovB is an X-shaped face-to-face dimer containing eight connected domains. The binding of LovC laterally to the malonyl-acetyl transferase domain allows the completion of a L-shaped catalytic chamber consisting of six active domains. This architecture and the structural details of the megasynthase provide the basis for the processing of the intermediates by the individual catalytic domains. The detailed architectural model provides structural insights that may enable the re-engineering of the megasynthase for the generation of new statins.
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36
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Aguillon SM, Walsh J, Lovette IJ. Extensive hybridization reveals multiple coloration genes underlying a complex plumage phenotype. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20201805. [PMID: 33468000 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coloration is an important target of both natural and sexual selection. Discovering the genetic basis of colour differences can help us to understand how this visually striking phenotype evolves. Hybridizing taxa with both clear colour differences and shallow genomic divergences are unusually tractable for associating coloration phenotypes with their causal genotypes. Here, we leverage the extensive admixture between two common North American woodpeckers-yellow-shafted and red-shafted flickers-to identify the genomic bases of six distinct plumage patches involving both melanin and carotenoid pigments. Comparisons between flickers across approximately 7.25 million genome-wide SNPs show that these two forms differ at only a small proportion of the genome (mean FST = 0.008). Within the few highly differentiated genomic regions, we identify 368 SNPs significantly associated with four of the six plumage patches. These SNPs are linked to multiple genes known to be involved in melanin and carotenoid pigmentation. For example, a gene (CYP2J19) known to cause yellow to red colour transitions in other birds is strongly associated with the yellow versus red differences in the wing and tail feathers of these flickers. Additionally, our analyses suggest novel links between known melanin genes and carotenoid coloration. Our finding of patch-specific control of plumage coloration adds to the growing body of literature suggesting colour diversity in animals could be created through selection acting on novel combinations of coloration genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepfanie M Aguillon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Jennifer Walsh
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Irby J Lovette
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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37
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Zhang J, Feng J, Jia L, Xu R, Zhao J, Zheng Z, Zhou T. Top-Down Direct Preparation of Orange-Yellow Dye Similar to Psittacofulvins from Commercial Polymer by Laser Writing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:58339-58348. [PMID: 33320523 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Laser manufacturing is a promising method for the design and preparation of high value-added materials. When the laser acts on the polymer precursors, some wonderful phenomena will always occur and accompanied by the generation of new substances. Herein, we report a top-down approach for the direct preparation of orange-yellow dye that is similar to psittacofulvins from commercial polymer resins by laser writing. Conjugated double bonds and micro-rough structures are formed simultaneously on laser-irradiated polymer substrate surfaces. The typical polyconjugated structures of psittacofulvin dyes were confirmed by micro-Raman and Raman imaging results. Temperature-dependent Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further demonstrated the formation mechanism of laser-induced psittacofulvins dyes based on the chemical composition. Further, optical microscopy, laser confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to characterize the physical morphologies of laser-irradiated polymer substrates. A unique advantage of preparing psittacofulvins dye using laser writing is its simple steps, and the dye can be converted directly from the appropriate precursor substrate. Interestingly, the laser-irradiated polymer substrate surface undergoes color change. This laser-induced color patterning is attractive due to the characteristics of high precision, flexibility, and maskless; any patterns can be easily designed and produced on the polymer at desired positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Liyang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Rui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Zhuo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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38
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Maia LF, De Oliveira VE, Edwards HGM, De Oliveira LFC. The Diversity of Linear Conjugated Polyenes and Colours in Nature: Raman Spectroscopy as a Diagnostic Tool. Chemphyschem 2020; 22:231-249. [PMID: 33225557 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202000818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This review is centered on the linear conjugated polyenes, which encompasses chromatic biomolecules, such as carotenoids, polyunsaturated aldehydes and polyolefinic fatty acids. The linear extension of the conjugated double bonds in these molecules is the main feature that determines the spectroscopic properties as light-absorbing. These classes of compounds are responsible for the yellow, orange, red and purple colors which are observed in their parent flora and fauna in nature. Raman spectroscopy has been used as analytical tool for the characterization of these molecules, mainly due to the strong light scattering produced by the delocalized pi electrons in the carbon chain. In addition, conjugated polyenes are one of the main target molecular species for astrobiology, and we also present a brief discussion of the use of Raman spectroscopy as one of the main analytical tools for the detection of polyenes extra-terrestrially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenize F Maia
- Núcleo de Espectroscopia e Estrutura Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário s/n - Martelos, Juiz de Fora-MG, 36033-620, Brazil
| | - Vanessa E De Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Universitário de Rio das Ostras, Rua Recife, Lotes 1-7, Jardim Bela Vista, Rio das Ostras, RJ, 28895-532, Brazil
| | - Howell G M Edwards
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Fernando C De Oliveira
- Núcleo de Espectroscopia e Estrutura Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário s/n - Martelos, Juiz de Fora-MG, 36033-620, Brazil
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39
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de Oliveira Neves AC, Galván I. Models for human porphyrias: Have animals in the wild been overlooked?: Some birds and mammals accumulate significant amounts of porphyrins in the body without showing the injurious symptoms observed in human porphyrias. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000155. [PMID: 33155299 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Humans accumulate porphyrins in the body mostly during the course of porphyrias, diseases caused by defects in the enzymes of the heme biosynthesis pathway and that produce acute attacks, skin lesions and liver cancer. In contrast, some wild mammals and birds are adapted to accumulate porphyrins without injurious consequences. Here we propose viewing such physiological adaptations as potential solutions to human porphyrias, and suggest certain wild animals as models. Given the enzymatic activity and/or the patterns of porphyrin excretion and accumulation, the fox squirrel, the great bustard and the Eurasian eagle owl may constitute overlooked models for different porphyrias. The Harderian gland of rodents, where large amounts of porphyrins are synthesized, presents an underexplored potential for understanding the carcinogenic/toxic effect of porphyrin accumulation. Investigating how these animals avoid porphyrin pathogenicity may complement the use of laboratory models for porphyrias and provide new insights into the treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
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40
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Brückner A, Kaltenpoth M, Heethoff M. De novo biosynthesis of simple aromatic compounds by an arthropod ( Archegozetes longisetosus). Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201429. [PMID: 32873199 PMCID: PMC7542773 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to synthesize simple aromatic compounds is well known from bacteria, fungi and plants, which all share an exclusive biosynthetic route—the shikimic acid pathway. Some of these organisms further evolved the polyketide pathway to form core benzenoids via a head-to-tail condensation of polyketide precursors. Arthropods supposedly lack the ability to synthesize aromatics and instead rely on aromatic amino acids acquired from food, or from symbiotic microorganisms. The few studies purportedly showing de novo biosynthesis via the polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway failed to exclude endosymbiotic bacteria, so their results are inconclusive. We investigated the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds in defence secretions of the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus. Exposing the mites to a diet containing high concentrations of antibiotics removed potential microbial partners but did not affect the production of defensive benzenoids. To gain insights into benzenoid biosynthesis, we fed mites with stable-isotope labelled precursors and monitored incorporation with mass spectrometry. Glucose, malonic acid and acetate, but not phenylalanine, were incorporated into the benzenoids, further evidencing autogenous biosynthesis. Whole-transcriptome sequencing with hidden Markov model profile search of protein domain families and subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed a putative PKS domain similar to an actinobacterial PKS, possibly indicating a horizontal gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Brückner
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, Ecological Networks, Schnittspahnstraße 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.,California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 13, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Heethoff
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, Ecological Networks, Schnittspahnstraße 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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41
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Zheng X, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zhong H, Nie R, Li J, Zhang H, Wu C. Transcriptome analysis of feather follicles reveals candidate genes and pathways associated with pheomelanin pigmentation in chickens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12088. [PMID: 32694523 PMCID: PMC7374586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellow plumage is common in chickens, especially in breeds such as the Huiyang Bearded chicken, which is indigenous to China. We evaluated plumage colour distribution in F1, F2, and F3 populations of an Huiyang Bearded chicken × White Leghorn chicken cross, the heredity of the yellow plumage trait was distinguished from that of the gold plumage and other known plumage colours. Microscopic analysis of the feather follicles indicated that pheomelanin particles were formed in yellow but not in white feathers. To screen genes related to formation of the pheomelanin particles, we generated transcriptome data from yellow and white feather follicles from 7- and 11-week-old F3 chickens using RNA-seq. We identified 27 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing the yellow and white feather follicles. These DEGs were enriched in the Gene Ontology classes ‘melanosome’ and ‘melanosome organization’ related to the pigmentation process. Down-regulation of TYRP1, DCT, PMEL, MLANA, and HPGDS, verified using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, may lead to reduced eumelanin and increased pheomelanin synthesis in yellow plumage. Owing to the presence of the Dominant white locus, both white and yellow plumage lack eumelanin, and white feathers showed no pigments. Our results provide an understanding of yellow plumage formation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Haian Zhong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ruixue Nie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Junying Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Changxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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42
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Inaba M, Chuong CM. Avian Pigment Pattern Formation: Developmental Control of Macro- (Across the Body) and Micro- (Within a Feather) Level of Pigment Patterns. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:620. [PMID: 32754601 PMCID: PMC7365947 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal color patterns are of interest to many fields, such as developmental biology, evolutionary biology, ethology, mathematical biology, bio-mimetics, etc. The skin provides easy access to experimentation and analysis enabling the developmental pigment patterning process to be analyzed at the cellular and molecular level. Studies in animals with distinct pigment patterns (such as zebrafish, horse, feline, etc.) have revealed some genetic information underlying color pattern formation. Yet, how the complex pigment patterns in diverse avian species are established remains an open question. Here we summarize recent progress. Avian plumage shows color patterns occurring at different spatial levels. The two main levels are macro- (across the body) and micro- (within a feather) pigment patterns. At the cellular level, colors are mainly produced by melanocytes generating eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (yellow, orange). These melanin-based patterns are regulated by melanocyte migration, differentiation, cell death, and/or interaction with neighboring skin cells. In addition, non-melanin chemical pigments and structural colors add more colors to the available palette in different cell types or skin regions. We discuss classic and recent tissue transplantation experiments that explore the avian pigment patterning process and some potential molecular mechanisms. We find color patterns can be controlled autonomously by melanocytes but also non-autonomously by dermal cells. Complex plumage color patterns are generated by the combination of these multi-scale patterning mechanisms. These interactions can be further modulated by environmental factors such as sex hormones, which generate striking sexual dimorphic colors in avian integuments and can also be influenced by seasons and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Inaba
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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43
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Sun L, Zhou T, Wan QH, Fang SG. Transcriptome Comparison Reveals Key Components of Nuptial Plumage Coloration in Crested Ibis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E905. [PMID: 32549189 PMCID: PMC7356354 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuptial plumage coloration is critical in the mating choice of the crested ibis. This species has a characteristic nuptial plumage that develops from the application of a black sticky substance, secreted by a patch of skin in the throat and neck region. We aimed to identify the genes regulating its coloring, by comparing skin transcriptomes between ibises during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. In breeding season skins, key eumelanin synthesis genes, TYR, DCT, and TYRP1 were upregulated. Tyrosine metabolism, which is closely related to melanin synthesis, was also upregulated, as were transporter proteins belonging to multiple SLC families, which might act during melanosome transportation to keratinocytes. These results indicate that eumelanin is likely an important component of the black substance. In addition, we observed upregulation in lipid metabolism in breeding season skins. We suggest that the lipids contribute to an oil base, which imbues the black substance with water insolubility and enhances its adhesion to feather surfaces. In nonbreeding season skins, we observed upregulation in cell adhesion molecules, which play critical roles in cell interactions. A number of molecules involved in innervation and angiogenesis were upregulated, indicating an ongoing expansion of nerves and blood vessels in sampled skins. Feather β keratin, a basic component of avian feather filament, was also upregulated. These results are consistent with feather regeneration in the black skin of nonbreeding season ibises. Our results provide the first molecular evidence indicating that eumelanin is the key component of ibis coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sheng-Guo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, State Conservation Centre for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (L.S.); (T.Z.); (Q.-H.W.)
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44
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Torres JP, Lin Z, Winter JM, Krug PJ, Schmidt EW. Animal biosynthesis of complex polyketides in a photosynthetic partnership. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2882. [PMID: 32513940 PMCID: PMC7280274 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex polyketides are typically associated with microbial metabolism. Here, we report that animals also make complex, microbe-like polyketides. We show there is a widespread branch of fatty acid synthase- (FAS)-like polyketide synthase (PKS) proteins, which sacoglossan animals use to synthesize complex products. The purified sacogolassan protein EcPKS1 uses only methylmalonyl-CoA as a substrate, otherwise unknown in animal lipid metabolism. Sacoglossans are sea slugs, some of which eat algae, digesting the cells but maintaining functional chloroplasts. Here, we provide evidence that polyketides support this unusual photosynthetic partnership. The FAS-like PKS family represents an uncharacterized branch of polyketide and fatty acid metabolism, encoding a large diversity of biomedically relevant animal enzymes and chemicals awaiting discovery. The biochemical characterization of an intact animal polyketide biosynthetic enzyme opens the door to understanding the immense untapped metabolic potential of metazoans. Complex polyketides are usually produced by microbes, whereas the origin of polyketides found in animals remained unknown. This study shows that sacoglossan animals, such as sea slugs, employ fatty acid synthase-like proteins to produce microbe-like polyketides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Torres
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Winter
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Patrick J Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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45
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Orteu A, Jiggins CD. The genomics of coloration provides insights into adaptive evolution. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 21:461-475. [PMID: 32382123 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-0234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Coloration is an easily quantifiable visual trait that has proven to be a highly tractable system for genetic analysis and for studying adaptive evolution. The application of genomic approaches to evolutionary studies of coloration is providing new insight into the genetic architectures underlying colour traits, including the importance of large-effect mutations and supergenes, the role of development in shaping genetic variation and the origins of adaptive variation, which often involves adaptive introgression. Improved knowledge of the genetic basis of traits can facilitate field studies of natural selection and sexual selection, making it possible for strong selection and its influence on the genome to be demonstrated in wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orteu
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Chris D Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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46
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Merwin JT, Seeholzer GF, Smith BT. Macroevolutionary bursts and constraints generate a rainbow in a clade of tropical birds. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:32. [PMID: 32093609 PMCID: PMC7041239 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-1577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bird plumage exhibits a diversity of colors that serve functional roles ranging from signaling to camouflage and thermoregulation. However, birds must maintain a balance between evolving colorful signals to attract mates, minimizing conspicuousness to predators, and optimizing adaptation to climate conditions. Examining plumage color macroevolution provides a framework for understanding this dynamic interplay over phylogenetic scales. Plumage evolution due to a single overarching process, such as selection, may generate the same macroevolutionary pattern of color variation across all body regions. In contrast, independent processes may partition plumage and produce region-specific patterns. To test these alternative scenarios, we collected color data from museum specimens of an ornate clade of birds, the Australasian lorikeets, using visible-light and UV-light photography, and comparative methods. We predicted that the diversification of homologous feather regions, i.e., patches, known to be involved in sexual signaling (e.g., face) would be less constrained than patches on the back and wings, where new color states may come at the cost of crypsis. Because environmental adaptation may drive evolution towards or away from color states, we tested whether climate more strongly covaried with plumage regions under greater or weaker macroevolutionary constraint. RESULTS We found that alternative macroevolutionary models and varying rates best describe color evolution, a pattern consistent with our prediction that different plumage regions evolved in response to independent processes. Modeling plumage regions independently, in functional groups, and all together showed that patches with similar macroevolutionary models clustered together into distinct regions (e.g., head, wing, belly), which suggests that plumage does not evolve as a single trait in this group. Wing patches, which were conserved on a macroevolutionary scale, covaried with climate more strongly than plumage regions (e.g., head), which diversified in a burst. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results support the hypothesis that the extraordinary color diversity in the lorikeets was generated by a mosaic of evolutionary processes acting on plumage region subsets. Partitioning of plumage regions in different parts of the body provides a mechanism that allows birds to evolve bright colors for signaling and remain hidden from predators or adapt to local climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon T Merwin
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA.
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Glenn F Seeholzer
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Brian Tilston Smith
- Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA
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47
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Galván I, Vargas‐Mena JC, Rodríguez‐Herrera B. Tent‐roosting may have driven the evolution of yellow skin coloration in Stenodermatinae bats. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station CSIC Sevilla Spain
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48
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Ganley JG, Derbyshire ER. Linking Genes to Molecules in Eukaryotic Sources: An Endeavor to Expand Our Biosynthetic Repertoire. Molecules 2020; 25:E625. [PMID: 32023950 PMCID: PMC7036892 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of natural products continues to interest chemists and biologists for their utility in medicine as well as facilitating our understanding of signaling, pathogenesis, and evolution. Despite an attenuation in the discovery rate of new molecules, the current genomics and transcriptomics revolution has illuminated the untapped biosynthetic potential of many diverse organisms. Today, natural product discovery can be driven by biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) analysis, which is capable of predicting enzymes that catalyze novel reactions and organisms that synthesize new chemical structures. This approach has been particularly effective in mining bacterial and fungal genomes where it has facilitated the discovery of new molecules, increased the understanding of metabolite assembly, and in some instances uncovered enzymes with intriguing synthetic utility. While relatively less is known about the biosynthetic potential of non-fungal eukaryotes, there is compelling evidence to suggest many encode biosynthetic enzymes that produce molecules with unique bioactivities. In this review, we highlight how the advances in genomics and transcriptomics have aided natural product discovery in sources from eukaryotic lineages. We summarize work that has successfully connected genes to previously identified molecules and how advancing these techniques can lead to genetics-guided discovery of novel chemical structures and reactions distributed throughout the tree of life. Ultimately, we discuss the advantage of increasing the known biosynthetic space to ease access to complex natural and non-natural small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack G Ganley
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0346, USA
| | - Emily R Derbyshire
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0346, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, 213 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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49
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Neves ACDO, Galván I, Van den Abeele D. Impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in parrots. J Exp Biol 2020:jeb.225912. [PMID: 34005594 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parrots and allies (Order Psittaciformes) have evolved an exclusive capacity to synthesize polyene pigments called psittacofulvins at feather follicles, which allows them to produce a striking diversity of pigmentation phenotypes. Melanins are polymers constituting the most abundant pigments in animals, and the sulphurated form (pheomelanin) produces colors that are similar to those produced by psittacofulvins. However, the differential contribution of these pigments to psittaciform phenotypic diversity has not been investigated. Given the color redundancy, and physiological limitations associated to pheomelanin synthesis, we hypothesized that the latter would be avoided by psittaciform birds. Here we test this by using Raman spectroscopy to identify pigments in feathers exhibiting colors suspicious of being produced by pheomelanin (i.e., dull red, yellow and grey- and green-brownish) in 26 species from the three main lineages of Psittaciformes. We detected the non-sulphurated melanin form (eumelanin) in black, grey and brown plumage patches, and psittacofulvins in red, yellow and green patches, but no evidence of pheomelanin. As natural melanins are assumed to be composed of eumelanin and pheomelanin in varying ratios, our results represent the first report of impairment of mixed melanin-based pigmentation in animals. Given that psittaciforms also avoid the uptake of circulating carotenoid pigments, these birds seem to have evolved a capacity to avoid functional redundancy between pigments, likely by regulating follicular gene expression. Ours study provides the first vibrational characterization of different psittacofulvin-based colors and thus helps to determine the relative polyene chain length in these pigments, which is related to their antireductant protection activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ismael Galván
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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Grabek KR, Cooke TF, Epperson LE, Spees KK, Cabral GF, Sutton SC, Merriman DK, Martin SL, Bustamante CD. Genetic variation drives seasonal onset of hibernation in the 13-lined ground squirrel. Commun Biol 2019; 2:478. [PMID: 31886416 PMCID: PMC6925185 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hibernation in sciurid rodents is a dynamic phenotype timed by a circannual clock. When housed in an animal facility, 13-lined ground squirrels exhibit variation in seasonal onset of hibernation, which is not explained by environmental or biological factors. We hypothesized that genetic factors instead drive variation in timing. After increasing genome contiguity, here, we employ a genotype-by-sequencing approach to characterize genetic variation in 153 ground squirrels. Combined with datalogger records (n = 72), we estimate high heritability (61-100%) for hibernation onset. Applying a genome-wide scan with 46,996 variants, we identify 2 loci significantly (p < 7.14 × 10-6), and 12 loci suggestively (p < 2.13 × 10-4), associated with onset. At the most significant locus, whole-genome resequencing reveals a putative causal variant in the promoter of FAM204A. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses further reveal gene associations for 8/14 loci. Our results highlight the power of applying genetic mapping to hibernation and present new insight into genetics driving its onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine R. Grabek
- Department of Genetics and Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Fauna Bio Incorporated, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thomas F. Cooke
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - L. Elaine Epperson
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kaitlyn K. Spees
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Gleyce F. Cabral
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1 - 66.075-110, Belem, PA Brazil
| | - Shirley C. Sutton
- Department of Genetics and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Dana K. Merriman
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI USA
| | - Sandra L. Martin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Carlos D. Bustamante
- Department of Genetics and Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA USA
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