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Melo Rojas C, Bravo Matheus PW, Zapata Coacalla C, Lopez Durand V, Melo Anccasi M. MC1R Gene Variants and Their Relationship with Coat Color in South American Camelids. ScientificWorldJournal 2023; 2023:4871135. [PMID: 37786645 PMCID: PMC10541998 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4871135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In domestic camelids, fleece color is an essential characteristic because it defines the direction of production. Variants were determined in the MC1R gene that showed a relationship with coat color in alpacas and llamas at the level of the coding region. This report sequenced the MC1R gene from 290 alpacas (142 white, 84 black, 50 brown, and 14 light fawn), five brown llamas, nine vicuñas, and three guanacos to analyze the association between coat color and the MC1R gene among South American camelids. A total of nineteen polymorphisms were identified. Seven polymorphisms were significant; three of them were of nonsynonymous type (c.82A > G, c.376G > A, and c.901C > T), two were of synonymous type (c.126 T > C and c.933G > A), one was in the promoter region (-42C > G), and one was in the 3' UTR (+5T > C). More polymorphisms were found in domestic camelids than in wild camelids. Besides polymorphism, the association of polymorphisms might cause white and dark pigmentation in the fleece of South American camelids. In addition, the MC1R protein would answer the pigmentation in alpacas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Melo Rojas
- Laboratorio de Genetica, Escuela Profesional de Medicina Veterinaria Canchis, National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco, Cusco, Peru
| | - P. Walter Bravo Matheus
- Laboratorio de Genetica, Escuela Profesional de Medicina Veterinaria Canchis, National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco, Cusco, Peru
| | - Celso Zapata Coacalla
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru
| | - Victor Lopez Durand
- Laboratorio de Genetica, Escuela Profesional de Medicina Veterinaria Canchis, National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco, Cusco, Peru
| | - Maximo Melo Anccasi
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru
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2
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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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3
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Zimova M, Moberg D, Mills LS, Dietz AJ, Angerbjörn A. Colour moult phenology and camouflage mismatch in polymorphic populations of Arctic foxes. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220334. [PMID: 36382371 PMCID: PMC9667137 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0334] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Species that seasonally moult from brown to white to match snowy backgrounds become conspicuous and experience increased predation risk as snow cover duration declines. Long-term adaptation to camouflage mismatch in a changing climate might occur through phenotypic plasticity in colour moult phenology and or evolutionary shifts in moult rate or timing. Also, adaptation may include evolutionary shifts towards winter brown phenotypes that forgo the winter white moult. Most studies of these processes have occurred in winter white populations, with little attention to polymorphic populations with sympatric winter brown and winter white morphs. Here, we used remote camera traps to record moult phenology and mismatch in two polymorphic populations of Arctic foxes in Sweden over 2 years. We found that the colder, more northern population moulted earlier in the autumn and later in the spring. Next, foxes moulted earlier in the autumn and later in the spring during colder and snowier years. Finally, white foxes experienced relatively low camouflage mismatch while blue foxes were mismatched against snowy backgrounds most of the autumn through the spring. Because the brown-on-white mismatch imposes no evident costs, we predict that as snow duration decreases, increasing blue morph frequencies might help facilitate species persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Zimova
- Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Dick Moberg
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Office of the Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences - Evenstad, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | - Andreas J. Dietz
- German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD), German Aerospace Center (DLR), 82234 Wessling, Germany
| | - Anders Angerbjörn
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
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Ji RL, Tao YX. Melanocortin-1 receptor mutations and pigmentation: Insights from large animals. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:179-213. [PMID: 35595349 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed in cutaneous and hair follicle melanocytes, and plays a central role in coat color determination in vertebrates. Numerous MC1R variants have been identified in diverse species. Some of these variants have been associated with specific hair and skin color phenotypes in humans as well as coat color in animals. Gain-of-function mutations of the MC1R gene cause dominant or partially dominant black/dark coat color, and loss-of-function mutations of the MC1R gene cause recessive or partially recessive red/yellow/pale coat color phenotypes. These have been well documented in a large number of mammals, including human, dog, cattle, horse, sheep, pig, and fox. Higher similarities between large mammals and humans makes them better models to understand pathogenesis of human diseases caused by MC1R mutations. High identities in MC1Rs and similar variants identified in both humans and large mammals also provide an opportunity for receptor structure and function study. In this review, we aim to summarize the naturally occurring mutations of MC1R in humans and large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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5
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Tietgen L, Hagen IJ, Kleven O, Bernardi CD, Kvalnes T, Norén K, Hasselgren M, Wallén JF, Angerbjörn A, Landa A, Eide NE, Flagstad Ø, Jensen H. Fur colour in the Arctic fox: genetic architecture and consequences for fitness. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211452. [PMID: 34583587 PMCID: PMC8479361 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies provide good opportunities for studying the genetic basis of adaptive traits in wild populations. Yet, previous studies often failed to identify major effect genes. In this study, we used high-density single nucleotide polymorphism and individual fitness data from a wild non-model species. Using a whole-genome approach, we identified the MC1R gene as the sole causal gene underlying Arctic fox Vulpes lagopus fur colour. Further, we showed the adaptive importance of fur colour genotypes through measures of fitness that link ecological and evolutionary processes. We found a tendency for blue foxes that are heterozygous at the fur colour locus to have higher fitness than homozygous white foxes. The effect of genotype on fitness was independent of winter duration but varied with prey availability, with the strongest effect in years of increasing rodent populations. MC1R is located in a genomic region with high gene density, and we discuss the potential for indirect selection through linkage and pleiotropy. Our study shows that whole-genome analyses can be successfully applied to wild species and identify major effect genes underlying adaptive traits. Furthermore, we show how this approach can be used to identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of interactions between ecology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Tietgen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.,Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Ingerid J Hagen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway.,Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Oddmund Kleven
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Cecilia Di Bernardi
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale dell' Università 32, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Karin Norén
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Malin Hasselgren
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Johan Fredrik Wallén
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden.,Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm 10405, Sweden
| | - Anders Angerbjörn
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Arild Landa
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Nina E Eide
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Øystein Flagstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim 7485, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
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Miranda I, Giska I, Farelo L, Pimenta J, Zimova M, Bryk J, Dalén L, Mills LS, Zub K, Melo-Ferreira J. Museomics dissects the genetic basis for adaptive seasonal colouration in the least weasel. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4388-4402. [PMID: 34157721 PMCID: PMC8476133 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissecting the link between genetic variation and adaptive phenotypes provides outstanding opportunities to understand fundamental evolutionary processes. Here, we use a museomics approach to investigate the genetic basis and evolution of winter coat colouration morphs in least weasels (Mustela nivalis), a repeated adaptation for camouflage in mammals with seasonal pelage colour moults across regions with varying winter snow. Whole-genome sequence data was obtained from biological collections and mapped onto a newly assembled reference genome for the species. Sampling represented two replicate transition zones between nivalis and vulgaris colouration morphs in Europe, which typically develop white or brown winter coats, respectively. Population analyses showed that the morph distribution across transition zones is not a by-product of historical structure. Association scans linked a 200 kb genomic region to colouration morph, which was validated by genotyping museum specimens from inter-morph experimental crosses. Genotyping the wild populations narrowed down the association to pigmentation gene MC1R and pinpointed a candidate amino acid change co-segregating with colouration morph. This polymorphism replaces an ancestral leucine residue by lysine at the start of the first extracellular loop of the protein in the vulgaris morph. A selective sweep signature overlapped the association region in vulgaris, suggesting that past adaptation favoured winter-brown morphs and can anchor future adaptive responses to decreasing winter snow. Using biological collections as valuable resources to study natural adaptations, our study showed a new evolutionary route generating winter colour variation in mammals and that seasonal camouflage can be modulated by changes at single key genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Miranda
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Iwona Giska
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal
| | - Liliana Farelo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal
| | - João Pimenta
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal
| | - Marketa Zimova
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Dana Natural Resources Building, 440 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI, 49109, USA
| | - Jarosław Bryk
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Quennsgate, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Love Dalén
- Centre for Palaeogenetics, Svante Arrhenius väg 20C, Stockholm, SE-10691, Sweden.,Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, Stockholm, SE-10405, Sweden
| | - L Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.,Office of Research and Creative Scholarship, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - Karol Zub
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, Białowieża 17-230, Poland
| | - José Melo-Ferreira
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, 4485-661, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4169-007, Portugal
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7
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Di Bernardi C, Thierry AM, Eide NE, Bowler DE, Rød-Eriksen L, Blumentrath S, Tietgen L, Sandercock BK, Flagstad Ø, Landa A. Fitness and fur colouration: Testing the camouflage and thermoregulation hypotheses in an Arctic mammal. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1328-1340. [PMID: 33660289 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Selection for crypsis has been recognized as an important ecological driver of animal colouration, whereas the relative importance of thermoregulation is more contentious with mixed empirical support. A potential thermal advantage of darker individuals has been observed in a wide range of animal species. Arctic animals that exhibit colour polymorphisms and undergo seasonal colour moults are interesting study subjects for testing the two alternative hypotheses: demographic performance of different colour morphs might be differentially affected by snow cover with a cryptic advantage for lighter morphs, or conversely by winter temperature with a thermal advantage for darker morphs. In this study, we explored whether camouflage and thermoregulation might explain differences in reproduction and survival between the white and blue colour morphs of the Arctic fox Vulpes lagopus under natural conditions. Juvenile and adult survival, breeding propensity and litter size were measured for 798 captive-bred and released or wild-born Arctic foxes monitored during an 11-year period (2007-2017) in two subpopulations in south-central Norway. We investigated the proportion of the two colour morphs and compared their demographic performance in relation to spatial variation in duration of snow cover, onset of snow season and winter temperatures. After population re-establishment, a higher proportion of blue individuals was observed among wild-born Arctic foxes compared to the proportion of blue foxes released from the captive population. Our field study provides the first evidence for an effect of colour morph on the reproductive performance of Arctic foxes under natural conditions, with a higher breeding propensity of the blue morph compared to the white one. Performance of the two colour morphs was not differentially affected by the climatic variables, except for juvenile survival. Blue morph juveniles showed a tendency for higher survival under colder winter temperatures but lower survival under warmer temperatures compared to white morph juveniles. Overall, our findings do not consistently support predictions of the camouflage or the thermoregulation hypotheses. The higher success of blue foxes suggests an advantage of the dark morph not directly related to disruptive selection by crypsis or thermoregulation. Our results rather point to physiological adaptations and behavioural traits not necessarily connected to thermoregulation, such as stress response, immune function, sexual behaviour and aggressiveness. Our findings highlight the need to explore the potential role of genetic linkage or pleiotropy in influencing the fitness of white and blue Arctic foxes as well as other species with colour polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina E Eide
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Diana E Bowler
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Lars Rød-Eriksen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Lukas Tietgen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Øystein Flagstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arild Landa
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Bergen, Norway
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Reiner G, Weber T, Nietfeld F, Fischer D, Wurmser C, Fries R, Willems H. A genome-wide scan study identifies a single nucleotide substitution in MC1R gene associated with white coat colour in fallow deer (Dama dama). BMC Genet 2020; 21:126. [PMID: 33213385 PMCID: PMC7678172 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coat colour of fallow deer is highly variable and even white animals can regularly be observed in game farming and in the wild. Affected animals do not show complete albinism but rather some residual pigmentation resembling a very pale beige dilution of coat colour. The eyes and claws of the animals are pigmented. To facilitate the conservation and management of such animals, it would be helpful to know the responsible gene and causative variant. We collected 102 samples from 22 white animals and from 80 animals with wildtype coat colour. The samples came from 12 different wild flocks or game conservations located in different regions of Germany, at the border to Luxembourg and in Poland. The genomes of one white hind and her brown calf were sequenced. Results Based on a list of colour genes of the International Federation of Pigment Cell Societies (http://www.ifpcs.org/albinism/), a variant in the MC1R gene (NM_174108.2:c.143 T > C) resulting in an amino acid exchange from leucine to proline at position 48 of the MC1R receptor protein (NP_776533.1:p.L48P) was identified as a likely cause of coat colour dilution. A gene test revealed that all animals of the white phenotype were of genotype CC whereas all pigmented animals were of genotype TT or TC. The study showed that 14% of the pigmented (brown or dark pigmented) animals carried the white allele. Conclusions A genome-wide scan study led to a molecular test to determine the coat colour of fallow deer. Identification of the MC1R gene provides a deeper insight into the mechanism of dilution. The gene marker is now available for the conservation of white fallow deer in wild and farmed animals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-020-00950-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Reiner
- Department for Veterinary Clinical Science, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 112, D-35392, Giessen, Germany. .,Arbeitskreis Wildbiologie e.V., Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Tim Weber
- Department for Veterinary Clinical Science, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 112, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Florian Nietfeld
- Department for Veterinary Clinical Science, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 112, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Arbeitskreis Wildbiologie e.V., Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wurmser
- Department of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 1, D-85354, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Ruedi Fries
- Department of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 1, D-85354, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Hermann Willems
- Department for Veterinary Clinical Science, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Strasse 112, D-35392, Giessen, Germany
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Introgression drives repeated evolution of winter coat color polymorphism in hares. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:24150-24156. [PMID: 31712446 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1910471116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing from summer-brown to winter-white pelage or plumage is a crucial adaptation to seasonal snow in more than 20 mammal and bird species. Many of these species maintain nonwhite winter morphs, locally adapted to less snowy conditions, which may have evolved independently. Mountain hares (Lepus timidus) from Fennoscandia were introduced into the Faroe Islands in 1855. While they were initially winter-white, within ∼65 y all Faroese hares became winter-gray, a morph that occurs in the source population at low frequency. The documented population history makes this a valuable model for understanding the genetic basis and evolution of the seasonal trait polymorphism. Through whole-genome scans of differentiation and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, we associated winter coat color polymorphism to the genomic region of the pigmentation gene Agouti, previously linked to introgression-driven winter coat color variation in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Lower Agouti expression in the skin of winter-gray individuals during the autumn molt suggests that regulatory changes may underlie the color polymorphism. Variation in the associated genomic region shows signatures of a selective sweep in the Faroese population, suggesting that positive selection drove the fixation of the variant after the introduction. Whole-genome analyses of several hare species revealed that the winter-gray variant originated through introgression from a noncolor changing species, in keeping with the history of ancient hybridization between the species. Our findings show the recurrent role of introgression in generating winter coat color variation by repeatedly recruiting the regulatory region of Agouti to modulate seasonal coat color change.
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10
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Xiao N, Li H, Shafique L, Zhao S, Su X, Zhang Y, Cui K, Liu Q, Shi D. A Novel Pale-Yellow Coat Color of Rabbits Generated via MC1R Mutation With CRISPR/Cas9 System. Front Genet 2019; 10:875. [PMID: 31620174 PMCID: PMC6759607 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coat color is of great importance in animal breed characteristics; it is not only a significant productive trait but also an indispensable economic trait, especially in the rabbit industry. In the present study, the relationship between melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genotypes and coat color phenotypes was observed in five rabbit breeds with popular coat colors that are present in China. These breeds comprised the Lianshan black rabbit (BR), Fujian yellow rabbit (YR), New Zealand white rabbit (WR), Gray Giant rabbit (GR), and Checkered Giant rabbit (CR), which were firstly determined, and the results showed that GR had an E allele; WR, CR, and BR had a 6-bp in-frame deletion (c.281_286del6, ED allele); and YR had a 30-bp deletion (c.304_333del30 E allele). To explore the feasibility of obtaining a novel rabbit coat color through the mutation of MC1R with the CRISPR/Cas9 system, two single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed for the MC1R gene, and the editing efficiency was confirmed by injection of rabbits' zygotes. Unlike the donor rabbits whose coat color was originally black, two novel pale-yellow-coated rabbits were generated in the founders. A total of six novel MC1R gene deletions were identified in the two founder rabbits, in which the longest deletion was more than 700 bp. The histological hematoxylin-and-eosin (H&E) staining results indicated that eumelanin amounts were absent in hair follicles of MC1R-knockout (KO) rabbits, when compared with that of donor BR. In addition, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of some key downstream genes in the MC1R pathway were all downregulated in MC1R-KO rabbits compared with BR and YR. These results further indicate that loss-of-function MC1R contributed to blocking the synthesis of eumelanin and created a novel pale-yellow coat color in the MC1R-KO rabbits, and gene editing technology may be a useful tool to generate novel phenotypes in rabbit breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongli Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Laiba Shafique
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoping Su
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kuiqing Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qingyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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11
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Jones MR, Mills LS, Alves PC, Callahan CM, Alves JM, Lafferty DJR, Jiggins FM, Jensen JD, Melo-Ferreira J, Good JM. Adaptive introgression underlies polymorphic seasonal camouflage in snowshoe hares. Science 2018; 360:1355-1358. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aar5273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) maintain seasonal camouflage by molting to a white winter coat, but some hares remain brown during the winter in regions with low snow cover. We show that cis-regulatory variation controlling seasonal expression of the Agouti gene underlies this adaptive winter camouflage polymorphism. Genetic variation at Agouti clustered by winter coat color across multiple hare and jackrabbit species, revealing a history of recurrent interspecific gene flow. Brown winter coats in snowshoe hares likely originated from an introgressed black-tailed jackrabbit allele that has swept to high frequency in mild winter environments. These discoveries show that introgression of genetic variants that underlie key ecological traits can seed past and ongoing adaptation to rapidly changing environments.
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Zimova M, Hackländer K, Good JM, Melo‐Ferreira J, Alves PC, Mills LS. Function and underlying mechanisms of seasonal colour moulting in mammals and birds: what keeps them changing in a warming world? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1478-1498. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Zimova
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 U.S.A
| | - Klaus Hackländer
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 U.S.A
- Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management BOKU ‐ University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna 1180 Austria
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - José Melo‐Ferreira
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485‐661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169‐007 Porto Portugal
| | - Paulo Célio Alves
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 U.S.A
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485‐661 Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169‐007 Porto Portugal
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program and Office of Research and Creative Scholarship University of Montana Missoula MT 59812 USA
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13
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Mills LS, Bragina EV, Kumar AV, Zimova M, Lafferty DJR, Feltner J, Davis BM, Hackländer K, Alves PC, Good JM, Melo-Ferreira J, Dietz A, Abramov AV, Lopatina N, Fay K. Winter color polymorphisms identify global hot spots for evolutionary rescue from climate change. Science 2018; 359:1033-1036. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aan8097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Sasamori S, Wiewel AS, Thomson VA, Kobayashi M, Nakata K, Suzuki H. Potential Causative Mutation for Melanism in Rats Identified in the Agouti Signaling Protein Gene (Asip) of the Rattus rattus Species Complex on Okinawa Island, Japan. Zoolog Sci 2017; 34:513-522. [PMID: 29219041 DOI: 10.2108/zs170027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of black fur, or melanism, in many mammalian species is known to be linked to DNA sequence variation in the agouti signaling protein (Asip) gene, which is a major determinant of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments in coat color. We investigated 38 agouti (i.e., banded wildtype) and four melanistic Rattus rattus species complex (RrC) lineage II specimens from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, for genetic variation in three exons and associated flanking regions in the Asip gene. On Okinawa, a predicted loss-of-function mutation caused by a cysteine to serine amino acid change at p.124C>S (c.370T>A) in the highly conserved functional domain of Asip was found in melanistic rats, but was absent in agouti specimens, suggesting that the p.124C>S mutation is responsible for the observed melanism. Phylogeographic analysis found that Asip sequences from Okinawan RrC lineage II, including both agouti and melanistic specimens, differed from: 1) both agouti and melanistic RrC lineage I from Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, and 2) agouti RrC lineages I and II from South Australia. This suggests the possibility of in-situ mutation of the Asip gene, either within the RrC lineage II population on Okinawa or in an unsampled RrC lineage II population with biogeographic links to Okinawa, although incomplete lineage sorting could not be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Sasamori
- 1 Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Andrew S Wiewel
- 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Vicki A Thomson
- 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Motoko Kobayashi
- 1 Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Katsushi Nakata
- 3 Yambaru Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment, Kunigami-son, Okinawa 905-1413, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- 1 Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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15
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Funakoshi K, Nagasato A, Takenouchi S, Kannonji R, Kikusui M, Uchihara A, Tamai K. Annual Molting Cycle and Photoperiods That Affect Seasonal Coat Color Changes in the Japanese Marten (Martes melampus). MAMMAL STUDY 2017. [DOI: 10.3106/041.042.0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimitake Funakoshi
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Ayumi Nagasato
- The Foundation of Environmental Research and Service, Kagoshima 891-0132, Japan
| | - Seiko Takenouchi
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Rie Kannonji
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Madoka Kikusui
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Aimi Uchihara
- Biological Laboratory, Faculty of Intercultural Studies, The International University of Kagoshima, Kagoshima 891-0197, Japan
| | - Kanji Tamai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan
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16
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Krause ET, Krüger O, Hoffman JI. The influence of inherited plumage colour morph on morphometric traits and breeding investment in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188582. [PMID: 29190647 PMCID: PMC5708660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin-based plumage polymorphism occurs in many wild bird populations and has been linked to fitness variation in several species. These fitness differences often arise as a consequence of variation in traits such as behaviour, immune responsiveness, body size and reproductive investment. However, few studies have controlled for genetic differences between colour morphs that could potentially generate artefactual associations between plumage colouration and trait variation. Here, we used zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model system in order to evaluate whether life-history traits such as adult body condition and reproductive investment could be influenced by plumage morph. To maximise any potential differences, we selected wild-type and white plumage morphs, which differ maximally in their extent of melanisation, while using a controlled three-generation breeding design to homogenise the genetic background. We found that F2 adults with white plumage colouration were on average lighter and had poorer body condition than wild-type F2 birds. However, they appeared to compensate for this by reproducing earlier and producing heavier eggs relative to their own body mass. Our study thus reveals differences in morphological and life history traits that could be relevant to fitness variation, although further studies will be required to evaluate fitness effects under natural conditions as well as to characterise any potential fitness costs of compensatory strategies in white zebra finches.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Tobias Krause
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Joseph I. Hoffman
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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17
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Yannic G, Statham MJ, Denoyelle L, Szor G, Qulaut GQ, Sacks BN, Lecomte N. Investigating the ancestry of putative hybrids: are Arctic fox and red fox hybridizing? Polar Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-017-2126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Lu C, Yu H, Xing Y, Cheng YY, Wu QY, Li SM, Fu HY, Zhang X, Hao LL, Liu D. Haplotype diversity in MC1R locus between the Min and white-haired pig breeds. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2017.1337215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Lu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - H. Yu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y. Xing
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y.-Y. Cheng
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Q.-Y. Wu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - S.-M. Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - H.-Y. Fu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - X. Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - L.-L. Hao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - D. Liu
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Ferreira MS, Alves PC, Callahan CM, Marques JP, Mills LS, Good JM, Melo‐Ferreira J. The transcriptional landscape of seasonal coat colour moult in the snowshoe hare. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:4173-4185. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda S. Ferreira
- CIBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
| | - Paulo C. Alves
- CIBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT USA
| | - Colin M. Callahan
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula MT USA
| | - João P. Marques
- CIBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
| | - L. Scott Mills
- Wildlife Biology Program University of Montana Missoula MT USA
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Good
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula MT USA
| | - José Melo‐Ferreira
- CIBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos InBIO Laboratório Associado Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
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20
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Gong YF, Liu ZZ, Zhang WX, Feng MS, Duan LX, Zhu WJ, Liu XR, Wu JH, Ge MX, Li XL. Genetic polymorphisms in the 5'-flanking region of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene in foxes. RUSS J GENET+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279541704007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Lou ZL, Cong W, Meng QF, Sun WW, Qin SY, Zhang XX, Zhu XQ, Qian AD. First report of Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Farmed Arctic Foxes (Vulpes lagopus) in Eastern and Northeastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:775-8. [PMID: 26684525 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Until now, no information on Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) was available in China. A serological survey was undertaken to assess T. gondii seroprevalence in farmed Arctic foxes in eastern and northeastern China. Antibodies to T. gondii were examined in 1346 farmed Arctic foxes using the modified agglutination test (MAT). A total of 113 (8.39%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.91-9.87) serum samples were positive to T. gondii at a 1:25 cutoff. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in male Arctic foxes was 8.68% (95% CI 6.75-10.6), which was higher than that in the female Arctic foxes (7.95%, 95% CI 5.65-10.26). The prevalence in polar foxes was 7.07% (95% CI 5.14-8.99), which was lower than that in the blue foxes (9.75%, 95% CI 7.49-11.99). T. gondii seroprevalence in Arctic foxes in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Shandong Provinces was 9.85% (95% CI 5.75-13.95), 9.21% (95% CI 5.54-12.87), 7.37% (95% CI 5.22-9.51), and 8.68% (95% CI 5.66-11.70), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between T. gondii seroprevalence and morphs, sex, or regions of Arctic foxes in logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). The results of the present survey indicated that T. gondii infection in farmed Arctic foxes is prevalent in China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in Arctic foxes in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Long Lou
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, P.R. China
| | - Wei Cong
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Feng Meng
- 3 Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Wu-Wen Sun
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, P.R. China
- 4 Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine , Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
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22
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Liu Z, Gong Y, Feng M, Duan L, Li Y, Li X. Genetic variations of the coding region of the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) gene in the fox. Vet Dermatol 2016; 27:135-e36. [PMID: 27072328 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene plays an important role in the control of coat colour in mammals. Genetic variation of the MC1R gene and the relationship between genotype and coat colour are not well understood. Studies in the fox may improve our understanding of gene influence on coat colour in dogs and cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To investigate coat colour associated mutations in the coding region of MC1R gene in foxes. ANIMALS A total of 118 foxes, comprising 70 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (19 red, 10 white silver, 29 silver and 12 chocolate foxes) and 48 arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) (9 dominant white blue foxes and 39 normal blue foxes) were included in the study. METHODS Evaluation of the DNA sequence of the coding region of MC1R gene and its polymorphisms. RESULTS Eight polymorphic sites (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) distributed throughout the 954-bp coding region of the fox MC1R gene were detected. Among them, c.13G>T, c.124A>G, c.289G>A, c.373T>C and c.839 T>G were mis-sense mutations, which resulted in codon change of p.G5C, p.N42D, p.V97I, p.C125R and p.F280C, respectively. Mutation and haplotype analysis indicated that c.373T>C was associated with black and brown pigmented phenotypes in foxes, and c.13G>T and c.839T>G were important in distinguishing V. lagopus and V. vulpes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE SNP c.373T>C in the coding region of the MC1R gene is probably associated with the brown phenotype of chocolate foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzhu Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yuanfang Gong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Minshan Feng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Lingxin Duan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xianglong Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, 066004, Qinhuangdao, China
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23
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Bao J, Wang L, Wang G, Liu X, Yang F. Isolation and Culture of Melanocytes from the Arctic Fox (Alopex Lagopus). ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2015.4005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Bao
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology, Changchun, China
| | - Guiwu Wang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology, Changchun, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology, Changchun, China
| | - Fuhe Yang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- State Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology, Changchun, China
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24
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Yan SQ, Guo PC, Yue Y, Li WH, Bai CY, Li YM, Sun JH, Zhao ZH. The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus). Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 27:4095-4096. [DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2014.1003860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Qing Yan
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Peng-Cheng Guo
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Yuan Yue
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Wan-Hong Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Chun-Yan Bai
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Yu-Mei Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
| | - Jin-Hai Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hui Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China and
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25
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Våge DI, Nieminen M, Anderson DG, Røed KH. Two missense mutations in melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) are strongly associated with dark ventral coat color in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Anim Genet 2014; 45:750-3. [PMID: 25039753 DOI: 10.1111/age.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The protein-coding region of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) was sequenced to identify potential variation affecting coat color in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). A T→C sequence variation at nucleotide position 218 (c.218T>C) causing an amino acid (aa) change from methionine to threonine at aa position 73 (p.Met73Thr) was identified. In addition, a T→G sequence variation was found at nucleotide position 839 (c.839T>G), causing phenylalanine to be exchanged by cysteine at aa position 280 (p.Phe280Cys). The two sequence variants (c.218C and c.839G) were found to be closely associated with a darker belly coat compared with animals not having any of these two variants. The aa acid change p.Met73Thr affects the same position as p.Met73Lys previously reported to give constitutive activation of MC1R in black sheep (Ovis aries), whereas p.Phe280Cys is identical to one of two variants previously reported to be associated with dark coat color in Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), supporting that the two variants found in reindeer are functional. The complete absence of Thr73 and Cys280 among the 51 wild reindeer analyzed provides some evidence that these variants are more common in the domestic herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D I Våge
- Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences (IHA), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, N-1432, Norway
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26
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Nunome M, Kinoshita G, Tomozawa M, Torii H, Matsuki R, Yamada F, Matsuda Y, Suzuki H. Lack of association between winter coat colour and genetic population structure in the Japanese hare,Lepus brachyurus(Lagomorpha: Leporidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Nunome
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics; Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Gohta Kinoshita
- Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics; Faculty of Environmental Earth Science; Hokkaido University; Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0810 Japan
| | | | - Harumi Torii
- Center for Natural Environment Education; Nara University of Education; Takabatake-cho Nara 630-8528 Japan
| | - Rikyu Matsuki
- Environmental Science Research Laboratory; Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry; 1646 Abiko Chiba 270-1194 Japan
| | - Fumio Yamada
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute; PO Box 16 Tsukuba Norin Ibaraki 305-8687 Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics; Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences; Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Furo-cho Chikusa-ku Nagoya 464-8601 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Laboratory of Ecology and Genetics; Faculty of Environmental Earth Science; Hokkaido University; Kita-ku Sapporo 060-0810 Japan
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Yan SQ, Hou JN, Bai CY, Jiang Y, Zhang XJ, Ren HL, Sun BX, Zhao ZH, Sun JH. A base substitution in the donor site of intron 12 ofKITgene is responsible for the dominant white coat colour of blue fox (Alopex lagopus). Anim Genet 2013; 45:293-6. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Q. Yan
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - J. N. Hou
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - C. Y. Bai
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Y. Jiang
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - X. J. Zhang
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - H. L. Ren
- Key Laboratory of Zoonoses; Ministry of Education; Institute of Zoonoses; Jilin University; Jilin 130062 China
| | - B. X. Sun
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Z. H. Zhao
- College of Animal Science; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - J. H. Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Qingdao Agricultural University; Qingdao 266109 China
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Switonski M, Mankowska M, Salamon S. Family of melanocortin receptor (MCR) genes in mammals-mutations, polymorphisms and phenotypic effects. J Appl Genet 2013; 54:461-72. [PMID: 23996627 PMCID: PMC3825561 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-013-0163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin receptor gene family consists of five single-exon members, which are located on autosomes. Three genes (MC2R, MC4R and MC5R) are syntenic in the human, mouse, cattle and dog genomes, while in the pig, the syntenic group comprises MC1R, MC2R and MC5R. Two genes (MC1R and MC4R) have been extensively studied due to their function in melanogenesis (MC1R) and energy control (MC4R). Conservative organisation of these genes in five mammalian species (human, mouse, cattle, pig and dog), in terms of the encoded amino acid sequence, is higher in the case of MC4R compared to MC1R. Polymorphisms of these two genes are responsible or associated with variation of pigmentation (MC1R) and adipose tissue deposition (MC4R). Polymorphic variants in MC1R, causing coat colour variation, were described in humans and domestic mammals (cattle, horse, pig, sheep, dog), as well as farm red and arctic foxes. The MC4R gene is very polymorphic in humans and it is well known that some variants cause monogenic obesity or significantly contribute to the development of polygenic obesity. Such relationships are not so evident in domestic mammals; however, at least one missense substitution (298Asp > Asn) in the porcine MC4R significantly contributes, at least in some breeds, to fat tissue accumulation, feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain. Knowledge on the phenotypic effects of polymorphisms of MC2R, MC3R and MC5R in domestic mammals is scarce, probably due to the small number of reports addressing these genes. Thus, further studies focused on these genes should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 33, 60-637, Poznan, Poland,
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Nowacka-Woszuk J, Salamon S, Gorna A, Switonski M. Missense polymorphisms in the MC1R
gene of the dog, red fox, arctic fox and Chinese raccoon dog. J Anim Breed Genet 2012; 130:136-41. [DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Nowacka-Woszuk
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
| | - S. Salamon
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
| | - A. Gorna
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
| | - M. Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
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Zhan XJ, Dixon A, Fox NC, Bruford MW. Missense SNP of the MC1R gene is associated with plumage variation in the Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus). Anim Genet 2011; 43:460-2. [PMID: 22497627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02263.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A single nucleotide polymorphism (MC1R: c.376A>G) in the MC1R gene was found to be highly correlated with pigment phenotype in the Gyrfalcon. Homozygous genotypes c.376GG and c.376AA were found to dominate the extreme white and dark plumage types respectively, and heterozygotes occurred mainly in intermediate phenotypes. However, some heterozygotes were associated with extreme phenotypes, indicating that melanism/albinism might also involve other loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- X J Zhan
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, UK
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31
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Sequence characterization of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene in sheep with different coat colours and identification of the putative e allele at the ovine Extension locus. Small Rumin Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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A composite six bp in-frame deletion in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene is associated with the Japanese brindling coat colour in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). BMC Genet 2010; 11:59. [PMID: 20594318 PMCID: PMC3236303 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), classical genetic studies have identified five alleles at the Extension locus: ED (dominant black), ES (steel, weaker version of ED), E (wild type, normal extension of black), eJ(Japanese brindling, mosaic distribution of black and yellow) and e (non-extension of black, yellow/red with white belly). Sequencing almost the complete coding sequence (CDS) of the rabbit MC1R gene, we recently identified two in-frame deletions associated with dominant black (c.280_285del6; alleles ED or ES) and recessive red (c.304_333del30; allele e) coat colours. It remained to characterize the eJallele whose phenotypic effect is similar to the Orange and Sex-linked yellow loci of cat and Syrian hamster. Results We sequenced the whole CDS in 25 rabbits of different coat colours including 10 Japanese and 10 Rhinelander (tricolour) rabbits and identified another 6 bp-in frame deletion flanked by a G > A transition in 5' (c.[124G>A;125_130del6]) that was present in all animals with Japanese brindling coat colour and pattern. These mutations eliminate two amino acids in the first transmembrane domain and, in addition, cause an amino acid substitution at position 44 of the wild type sequence. Genotyping 371 rabbits of 31 breeds with different coat colour this allele (eJ) was present in homozygous state in Japanese, Rhinelander and Dutch tricolour rabbits only (except one albino rabbit). Rabbits with eJ/eJ genotype were non fixed at the non-agouti mutation we previously identified in the ASIP gene. Segregation in F1 and F2 families confirmed the order of dominance already determined by classical genetic experiments with a possible dose effect evident comparing eJ/eJ and eJ/e animals. MC1R mRNA was expressed in black hair skin regions only. Conclusions The c.[124A;125_130del6] allele may be responsible for a MC1R variant determining eumelanin production in the black areas. However, the mechanism determining the presence of both red and black hairs in the same animal seems more complex. Expression analyses of the c.[124A;125_130del6] allele suggest that MC1R transcription may be regulated epigenetically in rabbits with the Japanese brindling phenotype. Further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
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Skoglund P, Höglund J. Sequence polymorphism in candidate genes for differences in winter plumage between Scottish and Scandinavian Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus). PLoS One 2010; 5:e10334. [PMID: 20428241 PMCID: PMC2859059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Population variation in the degree of seasonal polymorphism is rare in birds, and the genetic basis of this phenomenon remains largely undescribed. Both sexes of Scandinavian and Scottish Willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) display marked differences in their winter phenotypes, with Scottish grouse retaining a pigmented plumage year-round and Scandinavian Willow grouse molting to a white morph during winter. A widely studied pathway implicated in vertebrate pigmentation is the melanin system, for which functional variation has been characterised in many taxa. Methodology/Principal Findings We sequenced coding regions from four genes involved in melanin pigmentation (DCT, MC1R, TYR and TYRP1), and an additional control involved in the melanocortin pathway (AGRP), to investigate the genetic basis of winter plumage in Lagopus. Despite the well documented role of the melanin system in animal coloration, we found no plumage-associated polymorphism or evidence for selection in a total of ∼2.6 kb analysed sequence. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that the genetic basis of alternating between pigmented and unpigmented seasonal phenotypes is more likely explained by regulatory changes controlling the expression of these or other loci in the physiological pathway leading to pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Skoglund
- Department of Population Biology and Conservation Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kingsley EP, Manceau M, Wiley CD, Hoekstra HE. Melanism in peromyscus is caused by independent mutations in agouti. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6435. [PMID: 19649329 PMCID: PMC2713407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the molecular basis of phenotypes that have evolved independently can provide insight into the ways genetic and developmental constraints influence the maintenance of phenotypic diversity. Melanic (darkly pigmented) phenotypes in mammals provide a potent system in which to study the genetic basis of naturally occurring mutant phenotypes because melanism occurs in many mammals, and the mammalian pigmentation pathway is well understood. Spontaneous alleles of a few key pigmentation loci are known to cause melanism in domestic or laboratory populations of mammals, but in natural populations, mutations at one gene, the melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r), have been implicated in the vast majority of cases, possibly due to its minimal pleiotropic effects. To investigate whether mutations in this or other genes cause melanism in the wild, we investigated the genetic basis of melanism in the rodent genus Peromyscus, in which melanic mice have been reported in several populations. We focused on two genes known to cause melanism in other taxa, Mc1r and its antagonist, the agouti signaling protein (Agouti). While variation in the Mc1r coding region does not correlate with melanism in any population, in a New Hampshire population, we find that a 125-kb deletion, which includes the upstream regulatory region and exons 1 and 2 of Agouti, results in a loss of Agouti expression and is perfectly associated with melanic color. In a second population from Alaska, we find that a premature stop codon in exon 3 of Agouti is associated with a similar melanic phenotype. These results show that melanism has evolved independently in these populations through mutations in the same gene, and suggest that melanism produced by mutations in genes other than Mc1r may be more common than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan P Kingsley
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Feeley NL, Munyard KA. Characterisation of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene in alpaca and identification of possible markers associated with phenotypic variations in colour. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2009. [DOI: 10.1071/an09005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if any correlation exists between melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms and skin and fibre colour in alpacas. Primers capable of amplifying the entire alpaca MC1R gene were designed from a comparative alignment of Bos taurus and Mus musculus MC1R gene sequences. The complete MC1R gene of 41 alpacas exhibiting a range of fibre colours, and which were sourced from farms across Australia, was sequenced from PCR products. Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified within MC1R. Two of these polymorphisms (A82G and C901T) have the potential to reduce eumelanin production by disrupting the activity of MC1R. No agreement was observed between fibre colour alone and MC1R genotype in the 41 animals in this study. However, when the animals were assigned to groups based on the presence or absence of eumelanin in their fibre and skin, only animals that had at least one allele with the A82/C901 combination expressed eumelanin. We propose that A82/C901 is the wild-type dominant ‘E’ MC1R allele, while alpacas with either G82/T901 or G82/Y901 are homozygous for the recessive ‘e’ MC1R allele and are therefore unable to produce eumelanin.
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Abstract
There is an amazing amount of diversity in coloration patterns in nature. The ease of observing this diversity and the recent application of genetic and molecular techniques to model and nonmodel animals are allowing us to investigate the genetic basis and evolution of coloration in an ever-increasing variety of animals. It is now possible to ask questions about how many genes are responsible for any given pattern, what types of genetic changes have occurred to generate the diversity, and if the same underlying genetic changes occur repeatedly when coloration phenotypes arise through convergent evolution or parallel evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith E Protas
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3140, USA
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Characterization of the effect of Melanocortin 1 Receptor, a member of the hair color genetic locus, in alpaca (Lama pacos) fleece color differentiation. Small Rumin Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nadeau NJ, Burke T, Mundy NI. Evolution of an avian pigmentation gene correlates with a measure of sexual selection. Proc Biol Sci 2007; 274:1807-13. [PMID: 17504743 PMCID: PMC2270924 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2007.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extravagant plumage traits of male birds are a favourite example of sexual selection. However, to date the units that selection is acting upon, the genes themselves have been a 'black box'. Here, we report evidence of change driven by sexual selection at a pigmentation gene locus in the galliform birds. Across species, we find a correlation between the rate of amino acid change (dN/dS) at this locus (MC1R) and the degree of sexual dichromatism, which we use as a measure of the strength of sexual selection. There is no evidence for a similar pattern in any of five other loci (four candidate and one control locus). This is consistent with previous work on colour polymorphisms and suggests that MC1R may be a key target for selection acting on plumage colour. The pattern of selection at MC1R seems to be consistent with the continuous or cyclical evolution of traits and preferences that is the outcome of several Fisherian and good-genes models of sexual selection. In contrast, we found no support for models of sexual selection that predict an increase in purifying selection as a result of purging of deleterious mutations or for models that predict an increased rate of mutation in association with stronger sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Nadeau
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Terry Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of SheffieldSheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicholas I Mundy
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
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