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Tang S, Janpoom S, Prasertlux S, Rongmung P, Ittarat W, Ratdee O, Khamnamtong B, Klinbunga S. Identification of pigmentation genes in skin, muscle and tail of a Thai-flag variety of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 50:101243. [PMID: 38749208 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101243] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Pigmentation genes expressed in skin, body muscle and tail of Thai-flag compared with Blue, White and Red varieties of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens were identified. In total, 22,919 new unigenes were found. Pearson correlation and PCA analysis revealed that expression profiles of genes in muscle, skin and tail across solid color variety were similar. In contrast, those in skin and red tail part of Thai-flag were closely related but they showed different expression profiles with the white tail part. Moreover, 21,347-64,965 SNPs were identified in exonic regions of identified genes. In total, 28,899 genes were differentially expressed between paired comparisons of libraries where 13,907 genes (48.12 %) were upregulated and 14,992 genes (51.88 %) were downregulated. DEGs between paired libraries were 106-5775 genes relative to the compared libraries (56-2982 and 50-2782 for upregulated and downregulated DEGs). Interestingly, 432 pigmentation genes of B. splendens were found. Of these, 297 DEGs showed differential expression between varieties. Many DEGs in melanogenesis (Bsmcr1r, Bsmcr5r, and Bsslc2a15b), tyrosine metabolism (Bstyr, Bstyrp1b and Bsdct), stripe repressor (BsAsip1 and BsAsip2b), pteridine (Bsgch2) and carotenoid (BsBco2) biosynthesis were downregulated in the Thai-flag compared with solid color varieties. Expression of Bsbco1l, Bsfrem2b, Bskcnj13, Bszic2a and Bspah in skin, muscle and tail of Thai-flag, Blue, Red and White varieties was analyzed by qRT-PCR and revealed differential expression between fish varieties and showed anatomical tissue-preferred expression patterns in the same fish variety. The information could be applied to assist genetic-based development of new B. splendens varieties in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureerat Tang
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sirithorn Janpoom
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sirikan Prasertlux
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Puttawan Rongmung
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Wanwipa Ittarat
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Onchuda Ratdee
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Bavornlak Khamnamtong
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sirawut Klinbunga
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
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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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3
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Twomey E, Melo-Sampaio P, Schulte LM, Bossuyt F, Brown JL, Castroviejo-Fisher S. Multiple Routes to Color Convergence in a Radiation of Neotropical Poison Frogs. Syst Biol 2023; 72:1247-1261. [PMID: 37561391 PMCID: PMC10924724 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syad051] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Convergent evolution is defined as the independent evolution of similar phenotypes in different lineages. Its existence underscores the importance of external selection pressures in evolutionary history, revealing how functionally similar adaptations can evolve in response to persistent ecological challenges through a diversity of evolutionary routes. However, many examples of convergence, particularly among closely related species, involve parallel changes in the same genes or developmental pathways, raising the possibility that homology at deeper mechanistic levels is an important facilitator of phenotypic convergence. Using the genus Ranitomeya, a young, color-diverse radiation of Neotropical poison frogs, we set out to 1) provide a phylogenetic framework for this group, 2) leverage this framework to determine if color phenotypes are convergent, and 3) to characterize the underlying coloration mechanisms to test whether color convergence occurred through the same or different physical mechanisms. We generated a phylogeny for Ranitomeya using ultraconserved elements and investigated the physical mechanisms underlying bright coloration, focusing on skin pigments. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we identified several instances of color convergence, involving several gains and losses of carotenoid and pterin pigments. We also found a compelling example of nonparallel convergence, where, in one lineage, red coloration evolved through the red pterin pigment drosopterin, and in another lineage through red ketocarotenoids. Additionally, in another lineage, "reddish" coloration evolved predominantly through structural color mechanisms. Our study demonstrates that, even within a radiation of closely related species, convergent evolution can occur through both parallel and nonparallel mechanisms, challenging the assumption that similar phenotypes among close relatives evolve through the same mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Twomey
- Department of Wildlife/Zoo Animal Biology and Systematics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Paulo Melo-Sampaio
- Departamento de Vertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, R. Gen. Herculano Gomes 41, Rio de Janeiro 20941-360, Brazil
| | - Lisa M Schulte
- Department of Wildlife/Zoo Animal Biology and Systematics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Laboratory, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Jason L Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 125 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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Liao Y, Shi H, Han T, Jiang D, Lu B, Shi G, Zhu C, Li G. Pigment Identification and Gene Expression Analysis during Erythrophore Development in Spotted Scat ( Scatophagus argus) Larvae. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15356. [PMID: 37895036 PMCID: PMC10607709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015356] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Red coloration is considered an economically important trait in some fish species, including spotted scat, a marine aquaculture fish. Erythrophores are gradually covered by melanophores from the embryonic stage. Despite studies of black spot formation and melanophore coloration in the species, little is known about erythrophore development, which is responsible for red coloration. 1-phenyl 2-thiourea (PTU) is a tyrosinase inhibitor commonly used to inhibit melanogenesis and contribute to the visualization of embryonic development. In this study, spotted scat embryos were treated with 0.003% PTU from 0 to 72 h post fertilization (hpf) to inhibit melanin. Erythrophores were clearly observed during the embryonic stage from 14 to 72 hpf, showing an initial increase (14 to 36 hpf), followed by a gradual decrease (36 to 72 hpf). The number and size of erythrophores at 36 hpf were larger than those at 24 and 72 hpf. At 36 hpf, LC-MS and absorbance spectrophotometry revealed that the carotenoid content was eight times higher than the pteridine content, and β-carotene and lutein were the main pigments related to red coloration in spotted scat larvae. Compared with their expression in the normal hatching group, rlbp1b, rbp1.1, and rpe65a related to retinol metabolism and soat2 and apoa1 related to steroid hormone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis were significantly up-regulated in the PTU group, and rh2 associated with phototransduction was significantly down-regulated. By qRT-PCR, the expression levels of genes involved in carotenoid metabolism (scarb1, plin6, plin2, apoda, bco1, and rep65a), pteridine synthesis (gch2), and chromatophore differentiation (slc2a15b and csf1ra) were significantly higher at 36 hpf than at 24 hpf and 72 hpf, except for bco1. These gene expression profiles were consistent with the developmental changes of erythrophores. These findings provide insights into pigment cell differentiation and gene function in the regulation of red coloration and contribute to selective breeding programs for ornamental aquatic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguan Liao
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Hongjuan Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Tong Han
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Dongneng Jiang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Baoyue Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
| | - Gang Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
| | - Guangli Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; (Y.L.); (H.S.); (T.H.); (D.J.); (G.S.); (C.Z.)
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Nishida Y, Berg PC, Shakersain B, Hecht K, Takikawa A, Tao R, Kakuta Y, Uragami C, Hashimoto H, Misawa N, Maoka T. Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:514. [PMID: 37888449 PMCID: PMC10608541 DOI: 10.3390/md21100514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nishida
- Fuji Chemical Industries, Co., Ltd., 55 Yokohoonji, Kamiich-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama 930-0405, Japan
| | | | - Behnaz Shakersain
- AstaReal AB, Signum, Forumvägen 14, Level 16, 131 53 Nacka, Sweden; (P.C.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Karen Hecht
- AstaReal, Inc., 3 Terri Lane, Unit 12, Burlington, NJ 08016, USA;
| | - Akiko Takikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan;
| | - Ruohan Tao
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Japan; (R.T.); (Y.K.); (C.U.); (H.H.)
| | - Yumeka Kakuta
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Japan; (R.T.); (Y.K.); (C.U.); (H.H.)
| | - Chiasa Uragami
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Japan; (R.T.); (Y.K.); (C.U.); (H.H.)
| | - Hideki Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen-Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Japan; (R.T.); (Y.K.); (C.U.); (H.H.)
| | - Norihiko Misawa
- Research Institute for Bioresources and Biotechnology, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Suematsu, Nonoichi-shi 921-8836, Japan;
| | - Takashi Maoka
- Research Institute for Production Development, 15 Shimogamo-morimoto-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0805, Japan
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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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7
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Zhang Y, Mei Y, Cao A, Li S, He C, Song L, Gao J, Zhu Y, Cao X. Transcriptome analyses of betta fish (Betta splendens) provide novel insights into fin regeneration and color-related genes. Gene 2023:147508. [PMID: 37230203 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147508] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The betta fish (Betta splendens), an important ornamental fish, haswell-developed and colorful fins.After fin amputation, betta fish can easily regenerate finssimilar to the originalsin terms of structureand color. The powerful fin regeneration ability and a variety of colors in the betta fish are fascinating. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, tail fin amputation and regeneration experiments were performed on two kinds of betta fish: red and white color betta fish. Then, transcriptome analyseswere conducted to screen out fin regeneration and color-relatedgenes in betta fish. Through enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we founda series of enrichment pathways and genes related to finregeneration, including cell cycle (i.e. plcg2), TGF-beta signaling pathway (i.e. bmp6), PI3K-Akt signaling pathway (i.e. loxl2aand loxl2b), Wnt signaling pathway(i.e. lef1), gap junctions (i.e. cx43), angiogenesis (i.e. foxp1), and interferon regulatory factor (i.e. irf8). Meanwhile, some fin color-related pathways and genes were identified in betta fish, especially melanogenesis (i.e. tyr, tyrp1a, tyrp1b, and mc1r) and carotenoid color genes (i.e. pax3, pax7, sox10, and ednrba). In conclusion, this studycan not only enrich the research onfish tissue regeneration, but also has a potential significance for the aquaculture and breeding of the betta fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbang Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihui Mei
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Aiying Cao
- Beijing Aquaculture Technology Extention Station, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Sen Li
- Beijing Aquaculture Technology Extention Station, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Chuan He
- Beijing Aquaculture Technology Extention Station, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Liyuan Song
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jian Gao
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yurong Zhu
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojuan Cao
- College of Fisheries, Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang J, Tian C, Zhu K, Liu Y, Zhao C, Jiang M, Zhu C, Li G. Effects of Natural and Synthetic Astaxanthin on Growth, Body Color, and Transcriptome and Metabolome Profiles in the Leopard Coral Grouper (Plectropomus leopardus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071252. [PMID: 37048508 PMCID: PMC10093260 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural and synthetic astaxanthin can promote pigmentation in fish. In this study, the effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth and pigmentation were evaluated in leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus). Fish were assigned to three groups: 0% astaxanthin (C), 0.02% natural astaxanthin (HP), and 0.02% synthetic astaxanthin (AS). Brightness (L*) was not influenced by astaxanthin. However, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were significantly higher for fish fed astaxanthin-containing diets than fish fed control diets and were significantly higher in the HP group than in the AS group. In a transcriptome analysis, 466, 33, and 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between C and HP, C and AS, and AS and HP, including various pigmentation-related genes. DEGs were enriched for carotenoid deposition and other pathways related to skin color. A metabolome analysis revealed 377, 249, and 179 differential metabolites (DMs) between C and HP, C and AS, and AS and HP, respectively. In conclusion, natural astaxanthin has a better coloration effect on P. leopardus, which is more suitable as a red colorant in aquaculture. These results improve our understanding of the effects of natural and synthetic astaxanthin on red color formation in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Changxu Tian
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Kecheng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Mouyan Jiang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chunhua Zhu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Guangli Li
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Mariculture Organism Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
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Garcia-Elfring A, Sabin CE, Iouchmanov AL, Roffey HL, Samudra SP, Alcala AJ, Osman RS, Lauderdale JD, Hendry AP, Menke DB, Barrett RDH. Piebaldism and chromatophore development in reptiles are linked to the tfec gene. Curr Biol 2023; 33:755-763.e3. [PMID: 36702128 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.004] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles display great diversity in color and pattern, yet much of what we know about vertebrate coloration comes from classic model species such as the mouse and zebrafish.1,2,3,4 Captive-bred ball pythons (Python regius) exhibit a remarkable degree of color and pattern variation. Despite the wide range of Mendelian color phenotypes available in the pet trade, ball pythons remain an overlooked species in pigmentation research. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of the recessive piebald phenotype, a pattern defect characterized by patches of unpigmented skin (leucoderma). We performed whole-genome sequencing and used a case-control approach to discover a nonsense mutation in the gene encoding the transcription factor tfec, implicating this gene in the leucodermic patches in ball pythons. We functionally validated tfec in a lizard model (Anolis sagrei) using the gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 system and TEM imaging of skin. Our findings show that reading frame mutations in tfec affect coloration and lead to a loss of iridophores in Anolis, indicating that tfec is required for chromatophore development. This study highlights the value of captive-bred ball pythons as a model species for accelerating discoveries on the genetic basis of vertebrate coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Garcia-Elfring
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Christina E Sabin
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Anna L Iouchmanov
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Heather L Roffey
- Biology Department, Vanier College, Montreal, QC H4L 3X9, Canada
| | - Sukhada P Samudra
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Aaron J Alcala
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rida S Osman
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - James D Lauderdale
- Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Andrew P Hendry
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Douglas B Menke
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rowan D H Barrett
- Department of Biology, Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
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10
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Wu HY, Chen KS, Huang YS, Hsieh HY, Tsai H. Comparative transcriptome analysis of skin color-associated genes in leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:5. [PMID: 36604632 PMCID: PMC9817277 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) is an important economic species in East Asia-Pacific countries. To meet the market demand, leopard coral grouper is facing overfishing and their population is rapidly declining. With the improvement of the artificial propagation technique, the leopard coral grouper has been successfully cultured by Fisheries Research Institute in Taiwan. However, the skin color of farmed individuals is often lacking bright redness. As such, the market price of farmed individuals is lower than wild-type. RESULTS To understand the genetic mechanisms of skin coloration in leopard coral grouper, we compared leopard coral grouper with different skin colors through transcriptome analysis. Six cDNA libraries generated from wild-caught leopard coral grouper with different skin colors were characterized by using the Illumina platform. Reference-guided de novo transcriptome data of leopard coral grouper obtained 24,700 transcripts, and 1,089 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between red and brown skin color individuals. The results showed that nine candidate DEGs (epha2, sema6d, acsl4, slc7a5, hipk1, nol6, timp2, slc25a42, and kdf1) significantly associated with skin color were detected by using comparative transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). CONCLUSIONS The findings may provide genetic information for further skin color research, and to boost the market price of farmed leopard coral grouper by selective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yi Wu
- grid.412036.20000 0004 0531 9758Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kao-Sung Chen
- grid.453140.70000 0001 1957 0060Planning and Information Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - You-Syu Huang
- Eastern Marine Biology Research Center, Taitung City, Taiwan
| | - Hern-Yi Hsieh
- Penghu Marine Biology Research Center, Penghu County, Magong, Taiwan
| | - HsinYuan Tsai
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. .,Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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11
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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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12
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Toomey MB, Marques CI, Araújo PM, Huang D, Zhong S, Liu Y, Schreiner GD, Myers CA, Pereira P, Afonso S, Andrade P, Gazda MA, Lopes RJ, Viegas I, Koch RE, Haynes ME, Smith DJ, Ogawa Y, Murphy D, Kopec RE, Parichy DM, Carneiro M, Corbo JC. A mechanism for red coloration in vertebrates. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4201-4214.e12. [PMID: 36049480 PMCID: PMC9588406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Red coloration is a salient feature of the natural world. Many vertebrates produce red color by converting dietary yellow carotenoids into red ketocarotenoids via an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that two enzymes, cytochrome P450 2J19 (CYP2J19) and 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1-like (BDH1L), are sufficient to catalyze this conversion. In birds, both enzymes are expressed at the sites of ketocarotenoid biosynthesis (feather follicles and red cone photoreceptors), and genetic evidence implicates these enzymes in yellow/red color variation in feathers. In fish, the homologs of CYP2J19 and BDH1L are required for ketocarotenoid production, and we show that these enzymes are sufficient to produce ketocarotenoids in cell culture and when ectopically expressed in fish skin. Finally, we demonstrate that the red-cone-enriched tetratricopeptide repeat protein 39B (TTC39B) enhances ketocarotenoid production when co-expressed with CYP2J19 and BDH1L. The discovery of this mechanism of ketocarotenoid biosynthesis has major implications for understanding the evolution of color diversity in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Toomey
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| | - Cristiana I Marques
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro M Araújo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal; University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Delai Huang
- Department of Biology and Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Siqiong Zhong
- Program in Human Nutrition, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gretchen D Schreiner
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Connie A Myers
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paulo Pereira
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Afonso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Pedro Andrade
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Małgorzata A Gazda
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal; MHNC-UP, Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivan Viegas
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rebecca E Koch
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Maureen E Haynes
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Dustin J Smith
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Yohey Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel Murphy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rachel E Kopec
- Program in Human Nutrition, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David M Parichy
- Department of Biology and Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Miguel Carneiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Joseph C Corbo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Genetic and correlative light and electron microscopy evidence for the unique differentiation pathway of erythrophores in brown trout skin. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1015. [PMID: 35046436 PMCID: PMC8770521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on their cell ultrastructure, two types of erythrophores in the spotted skin regions of brown trout (Salmo trutta) were previously described. To test the hypothesis regarding the origin of a new cell type following genome duplication, we analysed the gene and paralogue gene expression patterns of erythrophores in brown trout skin. In addition, the ultrastructure of both erythrophore types was precisely examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and correlative light microscopy and electron microscopy (CLEM). Ultrastructural differences between the sizes of erythrophore inclusions were confirmed; however, the overlapping inclusion sizes blur the distinction between erythrophore types, which we have instead defined as cell subtypes. Nevertheless, the red spots of brown trout skin with subtype 2 erythrophores, exhibited unique gene expression patterns. Many of the upregulated genes are involved in melanogenesis or xanthophore differentiation. In addition, sox10, related to progenitor cells, was also upregulated in the red spots. The expressions of paralogues derived from two genome duplication events were also analysed. Multiple paralogues were overexpressed in the red spots compared with other skin regions, suggesting that the duplicated gene copies adopted new functions and contributed to the origin of a new cell subtype that is characteristic for red spot. Possible mechanisms regarding erythrophore origin are proposed and discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate pigment cell types in the black and red spots of brown trout skin using the advanced CLEM approach together with gene expression profiling.
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14
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Huang D, Lewis VM, Foster TN, Toomey MB, Corbo JC, Parichy DM. Development and genetics of red coloration in the zebrafish relative Danio albolineatus. eLife 2021; 10:70253. [PMID: 34435950 PMCID: PMC8416024 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal pigment patterns play important roles in behavior and, in many species, red coloration serves as an honest signal of individual quality in mate choice. Among Danio fishes, some species develop erythrophores, pigment cells that contain red ketocarotenoids, whereas other species, like zebrafish (D. rerio) only have yellow xanthophores. Here, we use pearl danio (D. albolineatus) to assess the developmental origin of erythrophores and their mechanisms of differentiation. We show that erythrophores in the fin of D. albolineatus share a common progenitor with xanthophores and maintain plasticity in cell fate even after differentiation. We further identify the predominant ketocarotenoids that confer red coloration to erythrophores and use reverse genetics to pinpoint genes required for the differentiation and maintenance of these cells. Our analyses are a first step toward defining the mechanisms underlying the development of erythrophore-mediated red coloration in Danio and reveal striking parallels with the mechanism of red coloration in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delai Huang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Victor M Lewis
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Tarah N Foster
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, United States
| | - Matthew B Toomey
- Department of Biological Science, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, United States
| | - Joseph C Corbo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, United States
| | - David M Parichy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
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