1
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Xia L, Li C, Chen S, Lyu L, Xie W, Yan J, Zhou K, Li P. Spatio-temporal expression patterns of glycine-rich beta proteins and cysteine-rich beta proteins in setae development of Gekko japonicus. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:535. [PMID: 38816837 PMCID: PMC11140998 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10426-8] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Setae on the pad lamellae of the Japanese gecko Gekko japonicus (Schlegel, 1836), a vital epidermal derivative, are primarily composed of cornified beta-proteins (CBPs) and play a pivotal role in adhesion and climbing. The amino acid composition of CBPs might be a determining factor influencing their functional properties. However, the molecular mechanisms governed by CBP genes with diverse amino acid compositions in setae development remain unexplored. RESULTS Based on RNA-seq analyses, this study confirmed that all G. japonicus CBPs (GjCBPs) are involved in setae formation. Cysteine-rich CBPs encoding genes (ge-cprp-17 to ge-cprp-26) and glycine-rich CBPs encoding genes (ge-gprp-17 to ge-gprp-22) were haphazardly selected, with quantitative real-time PCR revealing their expression patterns in embryonic pad lamellae and dorsal epidermis. It is inferred that glycine-rich CBPs are integral to the formation of both dorsal scales and lamellar setae, cysteine-rich CBPs are primarily associated with setae development. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed spatiotemporal differences in the expression of a glycine-rich CBP encoding gene (ge-gprp-19) and a cysteine-rich CBP encoding gene (ge-cprp-17) during dorsal scales and/or lamellar development. CONCLUSIONS All 66 CBPs are involved in the formation of setae. Glycine-rich CBPs hold a significant role in the development of dorsal scales and lamellar setae, whereas most cysteine-rich CBPs appear to be essential components of G. japonicus setae. Even GjCBPs with similar amino acid compositions may play diverse functions. The clear spatio-temporal expression differences between the glycine-rich and cysteine-rich CBP encoding genes during epidermal scale and/or setae formation were observed. Embryonic developmental stages 39 to 42 emerged as crucial phases for setae development. These findings lay the groundwork for deeper investigation into the function of GjCBPs in the development of G. japonicus setae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Xia
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Chao Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Shengnan Chen
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Linna Lyu
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wenli Xie
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yan
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Kaiya Zhou
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Peng Li
- Herpetological Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, P. R. China.
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2
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Dhouailly D. The avian ectodermal default competence to make feathers. Dev Biol 2024; 508:64-76. [PMID: 38190932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Feathers originate as protofeathers before birds, in pterosaurs and basal dinosaurs. What characterizes a feather is not only its outgrowth, but its barb cells differentiation and a set of beta-corneous proteins. Reticula appear concomitantly with feathers, as small bumps on plantar skin, made only of keratins. Avian scales, with their own set of beta-corneous proteins, appear more recently than feathers on the shank, and only in some species. In the chick embryo, when feather placodes form, all the non-feather areas of the integument are already specified. Among them, midventral apterium, cornea, reticula, and scale morphogenesis appear to be driven by negative regulatory mechanisms, which modulate the inherited capacity of the avian ectoderm to form feathers. Successive dermal/epidermal interactions, initiated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and involving principally Eda/Edar, BMP, FGF20 and Shh signaling, are responsible for the formation not only of feather, but also of scale placodes and reticula, with notable differences in the level of Shh, and probably FGF20 expressions. This sequence is a dynamic and labile process, the turning point being the FGF20 expression by the placode. This epidermal signal endows its associated dermis with the memory to aggregate and to stimulate the morphogenesis that follows, involving even a re-initiation of the placode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Dhouailly
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, University Grenoble-Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38700, La Tronche, France.
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3
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Rashwan AM, El-Gendy SAA, Ez Elarab SM, Alsafy MAM. A comprehensive exploration of diverse skin cell types in the limb of the desert tortoise (Testudo graeca) through light, transmission, scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence techniques. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102335. [PMID: 38412578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The Greek tortoise, inhabiting harsh desert environments, provides a compelling case for investigating skin adaptations to extreme conditions. We have utilized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence analysis to describe the structure of the arid-adapted limb skin in the Greek tortoise. Our aim was to identify the cell types that reflect the skin adaptation of this tortoise to arid conditions. Utilizing seven antibodies, we localized and elucidated the functions of various skin cells, shedding light on how the tortoise adapts to adverse environmental conditions. Our findings unveiled numerous scales on the limbs, varying in size and color, acting as protective armor against abrasions, bites, and other potential threats in their rocky habitats. The epidermis comprises four layers: stratum basalis, stratum spinosum, peri-corneous layer, and stratum corneum. Cytokeratin 14 (CK14) was explicitly detected in the basal layer of the epidermis, suggesting a role in maintaining epidermal integrity and cellular function. Langerhans cells were observed between epidermal cells filled with ribosomes and Birbeck granules. Numerous dendritic-shaped Langerhans cells revealed through E-Cadherin signify strong immunity in tortoises' skin. Melanophores were identified using the Melan-A antibody, labeling the cytoplasm, and the SOX10 antibody, labeling the nucleus, providing comprehensive insights into melanophores morphology and distribution. Two types of melanophores were found: dendritic below the stratum basalis of the epidermis and clustered oval melanophores in the deep dermal layer. Varied melanophores distribution resulted in a spotted skin pattern, potentially offering adaptive camouflage and protection against environmental challenges. Numerous myofibroblasts were discerned through alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA) expression, indicating that the Greek tortoise's skin possesses a robust tissue repair and remodeling capacity. B-cell lymphocytes detected via CD20 immunostaining exhibited sporadic distribution in the dermis, concentrating in lymphoid aggregates and around vessels, implying potential roles in local immune responses and inflammation modulation. Employing Tom20 to identify skin cells with abundant mitochondria revealed a notable presence in melanophores and the basal layer of the epidermis, suggesting high metabolic activity in these cell types and potentially influencing cellular functions. These findings contribute to our comprehension of tortoise skin anatomy and physiology, offering insights into the remarkable adaptations of this species finely tuned to their specific environmental habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511 Egypt; Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt.
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4
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Holthaus KB, Eckhart L. Development-Associated Genes of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). J Dev Biol 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38248869 PMCID: PMC10801484 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode protein components of the outermost layers of the epidermis in mammals, reptiles and birds. The development of the stratified epidermis from a single-layered ectoderm involves an embryo-specific superficial cell layer, the periderm. An additional layer, the subperiderm, develops in crocodilians and over scutate scales of birds. Here, we review the expression of EDC genes during embryonic development. Several EDC genes are expressed predominantly or exclusively in embryo-specific cell layers, whereas others are confined to the epidermal layers that are maintained in postnatal skin. The S100 fused-type proteins scaffoldin and trichohyalin are expressed in the avian and mammalian periderm, respectively. Scaffoldin forms the so-called periderm granules, which are histological markers of the periderm in birds. Epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP) and epidermal differentiation protein containing DPCC motifs (EDDM) are expressed in the avian subperiderm where they are supposed to undergo cross-linking via disulfide bonds. Furthermore, a histidine-rich epidermal differentiation protein and feather-type corneous beta-proteins, also known as beta-keratins, are expressed in the subperiderm. The accumulating evidence for roles of EDC genes in the development of the epidermis has implications on the evolutionary diversification of the skin in amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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5
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Slater TS, Ito S, Wakamatsu K, Zhang F, Sjövall P, Jarenmark M, Lindgren J, McNamara ME. Taphonomic experiments reveal authentic molecular signals for fossil melanins and verify preservation of phaeomelanin in fossils. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5651. [PMID: 37803012 PMCID: PMC10558522 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40570-w] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin pigments play a critical role in physiological processes and shaping animal behaviour. Fossil melanin is a unique resource for understanding the functional evolution of melanin but the impact of fossilisation on molecular signatures for eumelanin and, especially, phaeomelanin is not fully understood. Here we present a model for the chemical taphonomy of fossil eumelanin and phaeomelanin based on thermal maturation experiments using feathers from extant birds. Our results reveal which molecular signatures are authentic signals for thermally matured eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which signatures are artefacts derived from the maturation of non-melanin molecules, and how these chemical data are impacted by sample preparation. Our model correctly predicts the molecular composition of eumelanins in diverse vertebrate fossils from the Miocene and Cretaceous and, critically, identifies direct molecular evidence for phaeomelanin in these fossils. This taphonomic framework adds to the geochemical toolbox that underpins reconstructions of melanin evolution and of melanin-based coloration in fossil vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Slater
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Institute for Melanin Chemistry, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fucheng Zhang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi City, Shandong, China
| | - Peter Sjövall
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production, 501 15, Borås, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Lindgren
- Department of Geology, Lund University, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria E McNamara
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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6
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Slater TS, Edwards NP, Webb SM, Zhang F, McNamara ME. Preservation of corneous β-proteins in Mesozoic feathers. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1706-1713. [PMID: 37735563 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Fossil proteins are valuable tools in evolutionary biology. Recent technological advances and better integration of experimental methods have confirmed the feasibility of biomolecular preservation in deep time, yielding new insights into the timing of key evolutionary transitions. Keratins (formerly α-keratins) and corneous β-proteins (CBPs, formerly β-keratins) are of particular interest as they define tissue structures that underpin fundamental physiological and ecological strategies and have the potential to inform on the molecular evolution of the vertebrate integument. Reports of CBPs in Mesozoic fossils, however, appear to conflict with experimental evidence for CBP degradation during fossilization. Further, the recent model for molecular modification of feather chemistry during the dinosaur-bird transition does not consider the relative preservation potential of different feather proteins. Here we use controlled taphonomic experiments coupled with infrared and sulfur X-ray spectroscopy to show that the dominant β-sheet structure of CBPs is progressively altered to α-helices with increasing temperature, suggesting that (α-)keratins and α-helices in fossil feathers are most likely artefacts of fossilization. Our analyses of fossil feathers shows that this process is independent of geological age, as even Cenozoic feathers can comprise primarily α-helices and disordered structures. Critically, our experiments show that feather CBPs can survive moderate thermal maturation. As predicted by our experiments, analyses of Mesozoic feathers confirm that evidence of feather CBPs can persist through deep time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Slater
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Nicholas P Edwards
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Samuel M Webb
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Fucheng Zhang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Maria E McNamara
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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7
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Mori G, Liuzzi A, Ronda L, Di Palma M, Chegkazi MS, Bui S, Garcia-Maya M, Ragazzini J, Malatesta M, Della Monica E, Rivetti C, Antin PB, Bettati S, Steiner RA, Percudani R. Cysteine Enrichment Mediates Co-Option of Uricase in Reptilian Skin and Transition to Uricotelism. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad200. [PMID: 37695804 PMCID: PMC10517255 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad200] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Uric acid is the main means of nitrogen excretion in uricotelic vertebrates (birds and reptiles) and the end product of purine catabolism in humans and a few other mammals. While uricase is inactivated in mammals unable to degrade urate, the presence of orthologous genes without inactivating mutations in avian and reptilian genomes is unexplained. Here we show that the Gallus gallus gene we name cysteine-rich urate oxidase (CRUOX) encodes a functional protein representing a unique case of cysteine enrichment in the evolution of vertebrate orthologous genes. CRUOX retains the ability to catalyze urate oxidation to hydrogen peroxide and 5-hydroxyisourate (HIU), albeit with a 100-fold reduced efficiency. However, differently from all uricases hitherto characterized, it can also facilitate urate regeneration from HIU, a catalytic property that we propose depends on its enrichment in cysteine residues. X-ray structural analysis highlights differences in the active site compared to known orthologs and suggests a mechanism for cysteine-mediated self-aggregation under H2O2-oxidative conditions. Cysteine enrichment was concurrent with the transition to uricotelism and a shift in gene expression from the liver to the skin where CRUOX is co-expressed with β-keratins. Therefore, the loss of urate degradation in amniotes has followed opposite evolutionary trajectories: while uricase has been eliminated by pseudogenization in some mammals, it has been repurposed as a redox-sensitive enzyme in the reptilian skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anastasia Liuzzi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Ronda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Di Palma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Magda S Chegkazi
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Soi Bui
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mitla Garcia-Maya
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jasmine Ragazzini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Malatesta
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Della Monica
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudio Rivetti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Parker B Antin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Stefano Bettati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto A Steiner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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8
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Xia L, Li C, Zhao Y, Zhang W, Hu C, Qu Y, Li H, Yan J, Zhou K, Li P. Expression analysis of alpha keratins and corneous beta-protein genes during embryonic development of Gekko japonicus. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 47:101116. [PMID: 37567027 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal appendages of birds and reptiles, including claws, feathers, scales, and setae, are primarily composed of alpha keratins (KRTs) and corneous beta-proteins (CBPs). A comprehensive and systematic knowledge of KRTs and CBPs in Schlegel's Japanese gecko (Gekko japonicus) is still lacking. In this study, 22 candidate Gecko japonicus keratin (GjKRT) family genes (12 type I genes, 10 type II genes) were identified in the G. japonicus genome. The majority of GjKRT genes across various subgroups had undergone a prolonged and highly conservative evolutionary process. Through a combination of morphological observation, RNA-seq analysis, and qRT-PCR assay, it was possible to discern the dynamic alterations in the expression of GjKRTs and Gecko japonicus corneous beta-proteins genes (GjCBPs). These findings strongly indicate that GjKRTs gradually accumulate to constitute an α-layer, which is subsequently succeeded by the formation of the corneous beta layer containing GjCBPs at late stages (40-42) of embryonic development. The epidermal appendages in G. japonicus may result from the joint accumulation of KRTs and CBPs, with stages 40-42 being critical for their development. These findings provide novel insights into KRTs and CBPs of G. japonicus and offer a foundation for investigating the functions of GjKRT and GjCBP gene families. Furthermore, this knowledge contributes to unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of epidermal appendages in G. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjie Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Chao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Chaochao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yanfu Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jie Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Kaiya Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Peng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China.
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9
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Yenmiş M, Ayaz D. The Story of the Finest Armor: Developmental Aspects of Reptile Skin. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010005. [PMID: 36810457 PMCID: PMC9944452 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The reptile skin is a barrier against water loss and pathogens and an armor for mechanical damages. The integument of reptiles consists of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, the hard cover of the body which has an armor-like role, varies among extant reptiles in terms of structural aspects such as thickness, hardness or the kinds of appendages it constitutes. The reptile epithelial cells of the epidermis (keratinocytes) are composed of two main proteins: intermediate filament keratins (IFKs) and corneous beta proteins (CBPs). The outer horny layer of the epidermis, stratum corneum, is constituted of keratinocytes by means of terminal differentiation or cornification which is a result of the protein interactions where CBPs associate with and coat the initial scaffold of IFKs. Reptiles were able to colonize the terrestrial environment due to the changes in these epidermal structures, which led to various cornified epidermal appendages such as scales and scutes, a beak, claws or setae. Developmental and structural aspects of the epidermal CBPs as well as their shared chromosomal locus (EDC) indicate an ancestral origin that gave rise to the finest armor of reptilians.
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10
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De La Garza RG, Madsen H, Sjövall P, Osbӕck F, Zheng W, Jarenmark M, Schweitzer MH, Engdahl A, Uvdal P, Eriksson ME, Lindgren J. An ancestral hard-shelled sea turtle with a mosaic of soft skin and scutes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22655. [PMID: 36587051 PMCID: PMC9805447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition from terrestrial to marine environments by secondarily aquatic tetrapods necessitates a suite of adaptive changes associated with life in the sea, e.g., the scaleless skin in adult individuals of the extant leatherback turtle. A partial, yet exceptionally preserved hard-shelled (Pan-Cheloniidae) sea turtle with extensive soft-tissue remains, including epidermal scutes and a virtually complete flipper outline, was recently recovered from the Eocene Fur Formation of Denmark. Examination of the fossilized limb tissue revealed an originally soft, wrinkly skin devoid of scales, together with organic residues that contain remnant eumelanin pigment and inferred epidermal transformation products. Notably, this stem cheloniid-unlike its scaly living descendants-combined scaleless limbs with a bony carapace covered in scutes. Our findings show that the adaptive transition to neritic waters by the ancestral pan-chelonioids was more complex than hitherto appreciated, and included at least one evolutionary lineage with a mosaic of integumental features not seen in any living turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Sjövall
- grid.450998.90000 0004 0438 1242Materials and Production, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Frank Osbӕck
- grid.502431.10000 0004 4914 0813Museum Salling, Fur Museum, Skive, Denmark
| | - Wenxia Zheng
- grid.40803.3f0000 0001 2173 6074Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Martin Jarenmark
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mary H. Schweitzer
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden ,grid.40803.3f0000 0001 2173 6074Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA ,grid.421582.80000 0001 2226 059XNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Anders Engdahl
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Medical Microspectroscopy, Biomedical Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per Uvdal
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mats E. Eriksson
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Lindgren
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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11
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Establishment of a culture model for the prolonged maintenance of chicken feather follicles structure in vitro. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271448. [PMID: 36206252 PMCID: PMC9544018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocols allowing the in vitro culture of human hair follicles in a serum free-medium up to 9 days were developed 30 years ago. By using similar protocols, we achieved the prolonged maintenance in vitro of juvenile feather follicles (FF) microdissected from young chickens. Histology showed a preservation of the FF up to 7 days as well as feather morphology compatible with growth and/or differentiation. The integrity of the FF wall epithelium was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy at Day 5 and 7 of culture. A slight elongation of the feathers was detected up to 5 days for 75% of the examined feathers. By immunochemistry, we demonstrated the maintenance of expression and localization of two structural proteins: scaffoldin and fibronectin. Gene expression (assessed by qRT-PCR) of NCAM, LCAM, Wnt6, Notch1, and BMP4 was not altered. In contrast, Shh and HBS1 expression collapsed, DKK3 increased, and KRT14 transiently increased upon cultivation. This indicates that cultivation modifies the mRNA expression of a few genes, possibly due to reduced growth or cell differentiation in the feather, notably in the barb ridges. In conclusion, we have developed the first method that allows the culture and maintenance of chicken FF in vitro that preserves the structure and biology of the FF close to its in vivo state, despite transcriptional modifications of a few genes involved in feather development. This new culture model may serve to study feather interactions with pathogens or toxics and constitutes a way to reduce animal experimentation.
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12
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Lin GW, Liang YC, Wu P, Chen CK, Lai YC, Jiang TX, Haung YH, Chuong CM. Regional specific differentiation of integumentary organs: SATB2 is involved in α- and β-keratin gene cluster switching in the chicken. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1490-1508. [PMID: 34240503 PMCID: PMC8742846 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animals develop skin regional specificities to best adapt to their environments. Birds are excellent models in which to study the epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate these adaptions. Patients suffering from SATB2 mutations exhibit multiple defects including ectodermal dysplasia-like changes. The preferential expression of SATB2, a chromatin regulator, in feather-forming compared to scale-forming regions, suggests it functions in regional specification of chicken skin appendages by acting on either differentiation or morphogenesis. RESULTS Retrovirus mediated SATB2 misexpression in developing feathers, beaks, and claws causes epidermal differentiation abnormalities (e.g. knobs, plaques) with few organ morphology alterations. Chicken β-keratins are encoded in 5 sub-clusters (Claw, Feather, Feather-like, Scale, and Keratinocyte) on Chromosome 25 and a large Feather keratin cluster on Chromosome 27. Type I and II α-keratin clusters are located on Chromosomes 27 and 33, respectively. Transcriptome analyses showed these keratins (1) are often tuned up or down collectively as a sub-cluster, and (2) these changes occur in a temporo-spatial specific manner. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest an organizing role of SATB2 in cluster-level gene co-regulation during skin regional specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gee-Way Lin
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chen Liang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University and Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Chih-Kuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- The IEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402204, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chih Lai
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University and Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Xin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Yen-Hua Haung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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13
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Evolutionary diversification of epidermal barrier genes in amphibians. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13634. [PMID: 35948609 PMCID: PMC9365767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18053-7] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes encoding components of the skin barrier in terrestrial vertebrates. EDC genes can be categorized as S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) genes such as filaggrin, which contain two coding exons, and single-coding-exon EDC (SEDC) genes such as loricrin. SFTPs are known to be present in amniotes (mammals, reptiles and birds) and amphibians, whereas SEDCs have not yet been reported in amphibians. Here, we show that caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) have both SFTP and SEDC genes. Two to four SEDC genes were identified in the genomes of Rhinatrema bivittatum, Microcaecilia unicolor and Geotrypetes seraphini. Comparative analysis of tissue transcriptomes indicated predominant expression of SEDC genes in the skin of caecilians. The proteins encoded by caecilian SEDC genes resemble human SEDC proteins, such as involucrin and small proline-rich proteins, with regard to low sequence complexity and high contents of proline, glutamine and lysine. Our data reveal diversification of EDC genes in amphibians and suggest that SEDC-type skin barrier genes have originated either in a common ancestor of tetrapods followed by loss in Batrachia (frogs and salamanders) or, by convergent evolution, in caecilians and amniotes.
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14
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Timorshina S, Popova E, Osmolovskiy A. Sustainable Applications of Animal Waste Proteins. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14081601. [PMID: 35458349 PMCID: PMC9027211 DOI: 10.3390/polym14081601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the growth of the global population leads to an increase in demand for agricultural products. Expanding the obtaining and consumption of food products results in a scale up in the amount of by-products formed, the development of processing methods for which is becoming an urgent task of modern science. Collagen and keratin make up a significant part of the animal origin protein waste, and the potential for their biotechnological application is almost inexhaustible. The specific fibrillar structure allows collagen and keratin to be in demand in bioengineering in various forms and formats, as a basis for obtaining hydrogels, nanoparticles and scaffolds for regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery, films for the development of biodegradable packaging materials, etc. This review describes the variety of sustainable sources of collagen and keratin and the beneficial application multiformity of these proteins.
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15
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Lin PY, Huang PY, Lee YC, Ng CS. Analysis and comparison of protein secondary structures in the rachis of avian flight feathers. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12919. [PMID: 35251779 PMCID: PMC8893027 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Avians have evolved many different modes of flying as well as various types of feathers for adapting to varied environments. However, the protein content and ratio of protein secondary structures (PSSs) in mature flight feathers are less understood. Further research is needed to understand the proportions of PSSs in feather shafts adapted to various flight modes in different avian species. Flight feathers were analyzed in chicken, mallard, sacred ibis, crested goshawk, collared scops owl, budgie, and zebra finch to investigate the PSSs that have evolved in the feather cortex and medulla by using nondestructive attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In addition, synchrotron radiation-based, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SR-FTIRM) was utilized to measure and analyze cross-sections of the feather shafts of seven bird species at a high lateral resolution to resolve the composition of proteins distributed within the sampled area of interest. In this study, significant amounts of α-keratin and collagen components were observed in flight feather shafts, suggesting that these proteins play significant roles in the mechanical strength of flight feathers. This investigation increases our understanding of adaptations to flight by elucidating the structural and mechanistic basis of the feather composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Yen Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chang Lee
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen Siang Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Bioresource Conservation Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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16
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Akat E, Yenmiş M, Pombal MA, Molist P, Megías M, Arman S, Veselỳ M, Anderson R, Ayaz D. Comparison of Vertebrate Skin Structure at Class Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3543-3608. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Akat
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Melodi Yenmiş
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Manuel A. Pombal
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Pilar Molist
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Manuel Megías
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Sezgi Arman
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Department Sakarya Turkey
| | - Milan Veselỳ
- Palacky University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology Olomouc Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Anderson
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dinçer Ayaz
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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17
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Haase E, Dybus A, Konieczna A, Kovalev A, Gorb S. Effects of a FCBP gene polymorphism, location, and sex on Young's modulus of the tenth primary feather in racing pigeons. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1785. [PMID: 35110587 PMCID: PMC8810990 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05649-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Young's modulus (E) is a measure for stiffness of a material and a higher E means a higher stiffness. The respective polymorphism of the feather corneous beta-protein gene causes the replacement of glycine by cysteine. We looked for possible effects of the three FCBP genotypes on E in the 10th primaries of racing pigeons. However, we did not find a statistically significant difference of E between the genotypes, even within the sexes and/or within different locations under our test conditions. Our findings do not preclude the possibility that under other conditions (temperature, moisture) an influence of the glycine/cysteine polymorphism on E may exist. Compared to the more proximal locations of the rachis (base and middle) we observed lower values for E in the distal region (tip). The 10th primary constitutes the leading edge of the pigeon wing and this special function may require higher stiffness in the proximal parts of the shaft. We observed significantly higher values of E in females than in males, which result only from statistically significantly higher values in the middle region. The higher stiffness of female primaries may also contribute to the better results of hens compared to cocks in pigeon races.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Haase
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute of the University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrzej Dybus
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Aleja Piastów 45, 70-311, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Aneta Konieczna
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute of the University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Aleja Piastów 45, 70-311, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Alexander Kovalev
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute of the University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute of the University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
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18
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Alibardi L. Keratinization and Cornification are not equivalent processes but keratinization in fish and amphibians evolved into cornification in terrestrial vertebrates. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:794-799. [PMID: 35007368 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present account offers a generalized view of the evolution of process of terminal differentiation in keratinocytes of the epidermis in anamniotes, indicated as keratinization, into a further differentiating process of cornification in the skin and appendages of terrestrial vertebrates. Keratinization indicates the prevalent accumulation of intermediate filaments of keratins (IFKs) and is present in most fish and amphibian epidermis and inner epithelia of all vertebrates. During land adaptation, terrestrial vertebrates evolved a process of cornification and keratinocytes became dead corneocytes by the addition of numerous others proteins to the IFKs framework, represented by keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) and corneous proteins (CPs). Most of genes coding for these types of proteins are localized in chromosomal loci different and un-related from those of IFKs, and CPs originated from a gene cluster indicated as epidermal differentiation complex. During the evolution of reptiles and birds, the epidermis and corneous derivatives such as scales, claws, beaks and feathers mainly accumulate a type of CPs that overcome IFKs and containing a 34 amino acid beta-sheet core indicated as corneous beta proteins, formerly known as beta-keratins. Mammals did not evolve a beta-sheet core in their CPs and KAPs but instead produced numerous cysteine-rich IFKs in their epidermis and specialized KAPs in hairs, claws, nails, hooves and horns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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19
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Lachner J, Ehrlich F, Wielscher M, Farlik M, Hermann M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Single-cell transcriptomics defines keratinocyte differentiation in avian scutate scales. Sci Rep 2022; 12:126. [PMID: 34997067 PMCID: PMC8742010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of skin appendages, such as hair, feathers and scales, depends on terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we investigated keratinocyte differentiation in avian scutate scales. Cells were isolated from the skin on the legs of 1-day old chicks and subjected to single-cell transcriptomics. We identified two distinct populations of differentiated keratinocytes. The first population was characterized by mRNAs encoding cysteine-rich keratins and corneous beta-proteins (CBPs), also known as beta-keratins, of the scale type, indicating that these cells form hard scales. The second population of differentiated keratinocytes contained mRNAs encoding cysteine-poor keratins and keratinocyte-type CBPs, suggesting that these cells form the soft interscale epidermis. We raised an antibody against keratin 9-like cysteine-rich 2 (KRT9LC2), which is encoded by an mRNA enriched in the first keratinocyte population. Immunostaining confirmed expression of KRT9LC2 in the suprabasal epidermal layers of scutate scales but not in interscale epidermis. Keratinocyte differentiation in chicken leg skin resembled that in human skin with regard to the transcriptional upregulation of epidermal differentiation complex genes and genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport. In conclusion, this study defines gene expression programs that build scutate scales and interscale epidermis of birds and reveals evolutionarily conserved keratinocyte differentiation genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Wielscher
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Farlik
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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20
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Alibardi L. Introduction to the Study on Regeneration in Lizards as an Amniote Model of Organ Regeneration. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:51. [PMID: 34842730 PMCID: PMC8628930 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Initial observations on the regeneration of the tail in lizards were recorded in brief notes by Aristotle over 2000 years ago, as reported in his book, History of Animals (cited from [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy;
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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21
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García-Cobos D, Gómez-Sánchez DA, Crowe-Riddell JM, Sanders KL, Molina J. Ecological and sexual roles of scale mechanoreceptors in two species of Neotropical freshwater snake (Dipsadinae: Helicops). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Understanding the roles of ecological and sexual selection in the variation of sensory systems may elucidate aspects of the natural history of organisms. Little is known about the evolution of mechanoreception in snakes and how the function and structure of mechanoreceptors vary between species or sexes. Here, we describe the internal and external morphology of cephalic mechanoreceptor sensilla and quantify inter- and intraspecific variation in four sensilla traits of two freshwater snake species that differ in their habitat and diet preferences, Helicops pastazae and Helicops angulatus, by combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histological techniques and image analyses. SEM showed sensilla as prominent evaginations of the epidermis surrounded by concentric rings, with H. pastazae having larger and more heterogeneous sensilla. In both species, histology showed a reduction in the outer epidermal layer above the sensilla with a grouping of dermally derived central cells below it. Higher values of sensilla traits were found in H. pastazae, except for the chin-shields. We also found that males of both species had significantly higher values of sensilla traits on all of the scales examined. We hypothesize that the variation in both qualitative and quantitative traits in scale sensilla might be a consequence of differences in foraging and/or reproductive strategies between species and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela García-Cobos
- Subdirección de Investigaciones, Colecciones Biológicas, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Claustro de San Agustín, Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia
- Museo de Historia Natural C.J. Marinkelle, Universidad de los Andes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Diego A Gómez-Sánchez
- Reserva Natural Rey Zamuro – Matarredonda, San Martín de los Llanos, Dpto. Meta, Colombia
| | - Jenna M Crowe-Riddell
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48100, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Kate L Sanders
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Jorge Molina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Universidad de los Andes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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22
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Parry DAD, Winter DJ. Keratin intermediate filament chains in the European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) and a potential keratin filament crosslinker. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107793. [PMID: 34481988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107793] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of sequence homology with mammalian α-keratins, and on the criteria that the coiled-coil segments and central linker in the rod domain of these molecules must have conserved lengths if they are to assemble into viable intermediate filaments, a total of 28 Type I and Type II keratin intermediate filament chains (KIF) have been identified from the genome of the European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis). Using the same criteria this number may be compared to 33 found here in the green anole lizard (Anole carolinensis) and 25 in the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). The Type I and Type II KIF genes in the wall lizard fall in clusters on chromosomes 13 and 2 respectively. Although some differences occur in the terminal domains in the KIF chains of the two lizards and tuatara, the similarities between key indicator residues - cysteine, glycine and proline - are significant. The terminal domains of the KIF chains in the wall lizard also contain sequence repeats commonly based on glycine and large apolar residues and would permit the fine tuning of physical properties when incorporated within the intermediate filaments. The H1 domain in the Type II chain is conserved across the lizards, tuatara and mammals, and has been related to its role in assembly at the 2-4 molecule level. A KIF-like chain (K80) with an extensive tail domain comprised of multiple tandem repeats has been identified as having a potential filament-crosslinking role.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A D Parry
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - David J Winter
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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23
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Lin GW, Lai YC, Liang YC, Widelitz RB, Wu P, Chuong CM. Regional Specific Differentiation of Integumentary Organs: Regulation of Gene Clusters within the Avian Epidermal Differentiation Complex and Impacts of SATB2 Overexpression. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081291. [PMID: 34440465 PMCID: PMC8394334 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) encodes a group of unique proteins expressed in late epidermal differentiation. The EDC gave integuments new physicochemical properties and is critical in evolution. Recently, we showed β-keratins, members of the EDC, undergo gene cluster switching with overexpression of SATB2 (Special AT-rich binding protein-2), considered a chromatin regulator. We wondered whether this unique regulatory mechanism is specific to β-keratins or may be derived from and common to EDC members. Here we explore (1) the systematic expression patterns of non-β-keratin EDC genes and their preferential expression in different skin appendages during development, (2) whether the expression of non-β-keratin EDC sub-clusters are also regulated in clusters by SATB2. We analyzed bulk RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data and also evaluated the disrupted expression patterns caused by overexpressing SATB2. The results show that the expression of whole EDDA and EDQM sub-clusters are possibly mediated by enhancers in E14-feathers. Overexpressing SATB2 down-regulates the enriched EDCRP sub-cluster in feathers and the EDCH sub-cluster in beaks. These results reveal the potential of complex epigenetic regulation activities within the avian EDC, implying transcriptional regulation of EDC members acting at the gene and/or gene cluster level in a temporal and skin regional-specific fashion, which may contribute to the evolution of diverse avian integuments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gee-Way Lin
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chih Lai
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chen Liang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Randall B. Widelitz
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (G.-W.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (R.B.W.); (P.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Williams C, Kirby A, Marghoub A, Kéver L, Ostashevskaya-Gohstand S, Bertazzo S, Moazen M, Abzhanov A, Herrel A, Evans SE, Vickaryous M. A review of the osteoderms of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:1-19. [PMID: 34397141 PMCID: PMC9292694 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are mineralised structures consisting mainly of calcium phosphate and collagen. They form directly within the skin, with or without physical contact with the skeleton. Osteoderms, in some form, may be primitive for tetrapods as a whole, and are found in representatives of most major living lineages including turtles, crocodilians, lizards, armadillos, and some frogs, as well as extinct taxa ranging from early tetrapods to dinosaurs. However, their distribution in time and space raises questions about their evolution and homology in individual groups. Among lizards and their relatives, osteoderms may be completely absent; present only on the head or dorsum; or present all over the body in one of several arrangements, including non-overlapping mineralised clusters, a continuous covering of overlapping plates, or as spicular mineralisations that thicken with age. This diversity makes lizards an excellent focal group in which to study osteoderm structure, function, development and evolution. In the past, the focus of researchers was primarily on the histological structure and/or the gross anatomy of individual osteoderms in a limited sample of taxa. Those studies demonstrated that lizard osteoderms are sometimes two-layered structures, with a vitreous, avascular layer just below the epidermis and a deeper internal layer with abundant collagen within the deep dermis. However, there is considerable variation on this model, in terms of the arrangement of collagen fibres, presence of extra tissues, and/or a cancellous bone core bordered by cortices. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus on the contribution, if any, of osteoblasts in osteoderm development, despite research describing patterns of resorption and replacement that would suggest both osteoclast and osteoblast involvement. Key to this is information on development, but our understanding of the genetic and skeletogenic processes involved in osteoderm development and patterning remains minimal. The most common proposition for the presence of osteoderms is that they provide a protective armour. However, the large morphological and distributional diversity in lizard osteoderms raises the possibility that they may have other roles such as biomechanical reinforcement in response to ecological or functional constraints. If lizard osteoderms are primarily for defence, whether against predators or conspecifics, then this 'bony armour' might be predicted to have different structural and/or mechanical properties compared to other hard tissues (generally intended for support and locomotion). The cellular and biomineralisation mechanisms by which osteoderms are formed could also be different from those of other hard tissues, as reflected in their material composition and nanostructure. Material properties, especially the combination of malleability and resistance to impact, are of interest to the biomimetics and bioinspired material communities in the development of protective clothing and body armour. Currently, the literature on osteoderms is patchy and is distributed across a wide range of journals. Herein we present a synthesis of current knowledge on lizard osteoderm evolution and distribution, micro- and macrostructure, development, and function, with a view to stimulating further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114-116, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Alexander Kirby
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Loïc Kéver
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Sonya Ostashevskaya-Gohstand
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Matt Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Alibardi L. Vertebrate keratinization evolved into cornification mainly due to transglutaminase and sulfhydryl oxidase activities on epidermal proteins: An immunohistochemical survey. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:333-358. [PMID: 34219408 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epidermis of vertebrates forms an extended organ to protect and exchange gas, water, and organic molecules with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Herein, the processes of keratinization and cornification in aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates were compared using immunohistochemistry. Keratins with low cysteine and glycine contents form the main bulk of proteins in the anamniote epidermis, which undergoes keratinization. In contrast, specialized keratins rich in cysteine-glycine and keratin associated corneous proteins rich in cysteine, glycine, and tyrosine form the bulk of proteins of amniote soft cornification in the epidermis and hard cornification in scales, claws, beak, feathers, hairs, and horns. Transglutaminase (TGase) and sulfhydryl oxidase (SOXase) are the main enzymes involved in cornification. Their evolution was fundamental for the terrestrial adaptation of vertebrates. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that TGase and SOXase were low to absent in fish and amphibian epidermis, while they increased in the epidermis of amniotes with the evolution of the stratum corneum and skin appendages. TGase aids the formation of isopeptide bonds, while SOXase forms disulfide bonds that generate numerous cross-links between keratins and associated corneous proteins, likely increasing the mechanical resistance and durability of the amniote epidermis and its appendages. TGase is low to absent in the beta-corneous layers of sauropsids but is detected in the softer but pliable alpha-layers of sauropsids, mammalian epidermis, medulla, and inner root sheath of hairs. SOXase is present in hard and soft corneous appendages of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and determines cross-linking among corneous proteins of scales, claws, beaks, hairs, and feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Lachner J, Derdak S, Mlitz V, Wagner T, Holthaus KB, Ehrlich F, Mildner M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. An In Vitro Model of Avian Skin Reveals Evolutionarily Conserved Transcriptional Regulation of Epidermal Barrier Formation. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2829-2837. [PMID: 34116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The function of the skin as a barrier against a dry environment evolved in a common ancestor of terrestrial vertebrates such as mammals and birds. However, it is unknown which elements of the genetic program of skin barrier formation are evolutionarily ancient and conserved. In this study, we determined the transcriptomes of chicken keratinocytes (KCs) grown in monolayer culture and in an organotypic model of avian skin. The differentiation-associated changes in global gene expression were compared with previously published transcriptome changes of human KCs cultured under equivalent conditions. We found that specific keratins and genes of the epidermal differentiation complex were upregulated during the differentiation of both chicken and human KCs. Likewise, the transcriptional upregulation of genes that control the synthesis and transport of lipids, anti-inflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family, protease inhibitors, and other regulators of tissue homeostasis was conserved in the KCs of both species. However, some avian KC differentiation-associated transcripts lack homologs in mammals and vice versa, indicating a genetic basis for taxon-specific skin features. The results of this study reveal an evolutionarily ancient program in which dynamic gene transcription controls the metabolism and transport of lipids as well as other core processes during terrestrial skin barrier formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Wagner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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27
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Alibardi L, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization of epidermal differentiation complex proteins reveals distinct molecular compositions of cells that control structure and mechanical properties of avian skin appendages. J Morphol 2021; 282:917-933. [PMID: 33830534 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode structural proteins of skin derivatives with variable mechanical performances, from the scales of reptiles and birds to the hard claws and beaks, and to the flexible but resistant corneous material of feathers. Corneous proteins with or without extended beta-regions are produced from avian genomes, and include the largely prevalent corneous beta proteins (CβPs, formerly indicated as beta-keratins), and minor contribution from histidine-rich proteins, trichohyalin-like proteins (scaffoldin), loricrin, and other proteins rich in cysteine or other types of amino acids. The light-microscopic and ultrastructural immunolocalization of major and minor EDC-proteins in avian skin (feather CβPs, EDKM, EDWM, EDMTFH, EDDM, and scaffoldin) suggests that each specific appendage consists of a particular mix of these proteins in addition to the main proteins containing a peculiar beta-region of 34 amino acids, indicated as feather/scale/claw/beak CβPs (fCβPs, sCβPs, cCβPs, bCβPs). This indicates that numerous proteins of the EDC are added to the variable meshwork of intermediate filament keratins to produce avian epidermis with different mechanical and functional properties. Although the specific roles for these proteins are not known they likely make an important contribution to the final material properties of the different skin appendages of birds. The highest number of sauropsid CβPs is found in birds, suggesting a relation to the evolution of feathers, and additional epidermal differentiation proteins have contributed to the evolutionary adaptations of avian skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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28
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Parry DAD. Structures of the ß-Keratin Filaments and Keratin Intermediate Filaments in the Epidermal Appendages of Birds and Reptiles (Sauropsids). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:591. [PMID: 33920614 PMCID: PMC8072682 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal appendages of birds and reptiles (the sauropsids) include claws, scales, and feathers. Each has specialized physical properties that facilitate movement, thermal insulation, defence mechanisms, and/or the catching of prey. The mechanical attributes of each of these appendages originate from its fibril-matrix texture, where the two filamentous structures present, i.e., the corneous ß-proteins (CBP or ß-keratins) that form 3.4 nm diameter filaments and the α-fibrous molecules that form the 7-10 nm diameter keratin intermediate filaments (KIF), provide much of the required tensile properties. The matrix, which is composed of the terminal domains of the KIF molecules and the proteins of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) (and which include the terminal domains of the CBP), provides the appendages, with their ability to resist compression and torsion. Only by knowing the detailed structures of the individual components and the manner in which they interact with one another will a full understanding be gained of the physical properties of the tissues as a whole. Towards that end, newly-derived aspects of the detailed conformations of the two filamentous structures will be discussed and then placed in the context of former knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A D Parry
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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29
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Chen CK, Juan WT, Liang YC, Wu P, Chuong CM. Making region-specific integumentary organs in birds: evolution and modifications. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 69:103-111. [PMID: 33780743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Birds are the most diversified terrestrial vertebrates due to highly diverse integumentary organs that enable robust adaptability to various eco-spaces. Here we show that this complexity is built upon multi-level regional specifications. Across-the-body (macro-) specification includes the evolution of beaks and feathers as new integumentary organs that are formed with regional specificity. Within-an-organ (micro-) specification involves further modifications of organ shapes. We review recent progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying feather diversification as an example. (1) β-Keratin gene clusters are regulated by typical enhancers or high order chromatin looping to achieve macro- and micro-level regional specification, respectively. (2) Multi-level symmetry-breaking of feather branches confers new functional forms. (3) Complex color patterns are produced by combinations of macro-patterning and micro-patterning processes. The integration of these findings provides new insights toward the principle of making a robustly adaptive bio-interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kuan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; The IEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tau Juan
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chen Liang
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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30
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Ehrlich F, Lachner J, Hermann M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Convergent Evolution of Cysteine-Rich Keratins in Hard Skin Appendages of Terrestrial Vertebrates. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 37:982-993. [PMID: 31822906 PMCID: PMC7086170 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial vertebrates have evolved hard skin appendages, such as scales, claws, feathers, and hair that play crucial roles in defense, predation, locomotion, and thermal insulation. The mechanical properties of these skin appendages are largely determined by cornified epithelial components. So-called "hair keratins," cysteine-rich intermediate filament proteins that undergo covalent cross-linking via disulfide bonds, are the crucial structural proteins of hair and claws in mammals and hair keratin orthologs are also present in lizard claws, indicating an evolutionary origin in a hairless common ancestor of amniotes. Here, we show that reptiles and birds have also other cysteine-rich keratins which lack cysteine-rich orthologs in mammals. In addition to hard acidic (type I) sauropsid-specific (HAS) keratins, we identified hard basic (type II) sauropsid-specific (HBS) keratins which are conserved in lepidosaurs, turtles, crocodilians, and birds. Immunohistochemical analysis with a newly made antibody revealed expression of chicken HBS1 keratin in the cornifying epithelial cells of feathers. Molecular phylogenetics suggested that the high cysteine contents of HAS and HBS keratins evolved independently from the cysteine-rich sequences of hair keratin orthologs, thus representing products of convergent evolution. In conclusion, we propose an evolutionary model in which HAS and HBS keratins evolved as structural proteins in epithelial cornification of reptiles and at least one HBS keratin was co-opted as a component of feathers after the evolutionary divergence of birds from reptiles. Thus, cytoskeletal proteins of hair and feathers are products of convergent evolution and evolutionary co-option to similar biomechanical functions in clade-specific hard skin appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Ehrlich
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Lachner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Solazzo C, Soulat J, Cleland T. Creation of a peptide database of corneous beta-proteins of marine turtles for the identification of tortoiseshell: archaeological combs as case study. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201857. [PMID: 33972868 PMCID: PMC8074788 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tortoiseshell is a proteinaceous material derived from the scutes of marine turtles, and was shaped into an abundance of objects, especially luxurious items, at its peak in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. It has continued to be used even after the advent of plastics and remains one of the main causes of illegal poaching of marine turtles, in particular the hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata. Tortoiseshell is made of structural proteins, of which the most abundant are known as β-keratins, or 'corneous beta-proteins' (CBPs), a family of short proteins containing a central structure in β-sheets. There are, however, few CBP sequences of marine turtles in protein databases. The scutes of the five main species of marine turtles (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea and Lepidochelys kempii) were analysed by proteomics, using nano-liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry to generate peptidic markers for species identification. A total of 187 marker sequences were identified, the large majority of them obtained from automated de novo sequencing. The sequences were classified into peptides A to F: A to D at the N-terminus and central region that forms the β-pleated sheets, E1-4 for a variable region of glycine-repeats region and F at the C-terminus. The markers were tested against a set of combs discovered in various archaeological sites of modern period in France, successfully identifying hawksbill turtle and highlighting patterns of degradation in archaeological tortoiseshell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Solazzo
- Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
| | - Jean Soulat
- LandArc Laboratory, 5, rue Victor Chevin, 77920 Samois-sur-Seine, France
| | - Timothy Cleland
- Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
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32
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Alibardi L. Development, structure, and protein composition of the corneous beak in turtles. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 304:2703-2725. [PMID: 33620157 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The beak or rhamphotheca in turtles is a horny lamina that replaces the teeth. Its origin, development, structure, and protein composition are here presented. At mid-development stages, the epidermis of the maxilla and mandible gives rise to placodes that enlarge and merge into laminae through an intense cell proliferation. In these expanding laminae, the epidermis gives rise to 5-8 layers of embryonic epidermis where coarse filaments accumulate for the initial keratinization of cells destined to be sloughed before hatching. Underneath the embryonic epidermis of the beak numerous layers of spindle-shaped beta-cells are produced while they are absent in other skin regions. Beta-cells contain hard corneous material and give rise to the corneous layer of the beak whose external layers desquamate due to wearing and mechanical abrasion. Beta-catenin is present in nuclei of proliferating keratinocytes of the germinal layer likely responding to a wnt signal, but also is part of the adhesive junctions located among beak keratinocytes. The thick corneous layer is made of mature corneocytes connected one to another along their irregular perimeter by an unknown cementing material and junctional remnants. Immunolabeling shows that the main components of the horny beak are Corneous Beta Proteins (CBPs) of 10-15 kDa which genes are located in the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC) of the turtle genome. Specific CBPs, in addition to a lower amount of Intermediate Filament Keratins, accumulate in the horny beak. Compaction of the main proteins with other unknown, minor proteins give rise to the hard corneous material of the beak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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33
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Abstract
The skin is a passive and active barrier which protects the body from the environment. Its health is essential for the accomplishment of this role. Since several decades, the skin has aroused a strong interest in various fields (for e.g. cell biology, medicine, toxicology, cosmetology, and pharmacology). In contrast to other organs, 3D models were mostly and directly elaborated in humans due to its architectural simplicity and easy accessibility. The development of these models benefited from the societal pressure to reduce animal experiments. In this review, we first describe human and mouse skin structure and the major differences with other mammals and birds. Next, we describe the different 3D human skin models and their main applications. Finally, we review the available models for domestic animals and discuss the current and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Souci
- ISP, INRAE, Université de Tours, Equipe BioVA, Centre Val de Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Caroline Denesvre
- ISP, INRAE, Université de Tours, Equipe BioVA, Centre Val de Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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34
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Parry DAD, Winter DJ. Keratin intermediate filament chains in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus): A comparison of tuatara and human sequences. J Struct Biol 2021; 213:107706. [PMID: 33577903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Determination of the sequences of the keratin intermediate filament chains in tuatara has shown that these are closely akin to the α-keratins in human and other vertebrates, especially in the central, coiled-coil rod region. The domain lengths within the rod are preserved exactly, both Type I and Type II chains have been recognised, and sequence identity/homology exists between their respective chains. Nonetheless, there are characteristic differences in amino acid composition and sequence between their respective head (N-terminal) domains and their tail (C-terminal) domains, though some similarities are retained. Further, there is evidence of tandem repeats of a variety of lengths in the tuatara heads and tails indicative of sequence duplication events. These are not evident in human α-keratins and would therefore have implications for the physical attributes of the tissues in the two species. Multiple families of keratin-associated proteins that are ultra-high cysteine-rich or glycine + tyrosine-rich in human and other species do not have direct equivalents in the tuatara. Although high-sulphur proteins are present in tuatara the cysteine residue contents are significantly lower than in human. Further, no sequence homologies between the HS proteins in the two species have been found, thereby casting considerable doubt as to whether any matrix-forming high-sulphur proteins exist in tuatara. These observations may be correlated with the numerous cysteine-rich β-keratins (corneous β-proteins) that are present in tuatara, but which are conspicuously absent in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A D Parry
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - David J Winter
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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35
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Folding Keratin Gene Clusters during Skin Regional Specification. Dev Cell 2021; 53:561-576.e9. [PMID: 32516596 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regional specification is critical for skin development, regeneration, and evolution. The contribution of epigenetics in this process remains unknown. Here, using avian epidermis, we find two major strategies regulate β-keratin gene clusters. (1) Over the body, macro-regional specificities (scales, feathers, claws, etc.) established by typical enhancers control five subclusters located within the epidermal differentiation complex on chromosome 25; (2) within a feather, micro-regional specificities are orchestrated by temporospatial chromatin looping of the feather β-keratin gene cluster on chromosome 27. Analyses suggest a three-factor model for regional specification: competence factors (e.g., AP1) make chromatin accessible, regional specifiers (e.g., Zic1) target specific genome regions, and chromatin regulators (e.g., CTCF and SATBs) establish looping configurations. Gene perturbations disrupt morphogenesis and histo-differentiation. This chicken skin paradigm advances our understanding of how regulation of big gene clusters can set up a two-dimensional body surface map.
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36
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Alibardi L. Immunolabeling indicates that sulfhydryl oxidase is absent in anamniote epidermis but marks the process of cornification in the skin of terrestrial vertebrates. J Morphol 2020; 282:247-261. [PMID: 33196118 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The passage between keratinization to cornification of the epidermis and skin appendages in vertebrates requires formation of a stratum corneum rich in SS bonds among other cross-linking chemical bonds. A key enzyme, sulfhydryl oxidase (SOXase) catalyzes the oxidation of SH groups present in keratins and in corneous proteins of the epidermis into SS. Presence and distribution of SAXase has been studied by immunohistochemistry in all vertebrates, from fish to mammals. SOXase is immunohistochemically absent in all fish and amphibian species tested with the exception of a thin pre-corneous layer in the epidermis of adult anurans. SOXase is low to absent in corneous appendages such as horny teeth of lamprey or claws and horny beaks of amphibians. Conversely, SOXase is detected in the transitional (pre-corneous) and inner corneous layers of the epidermis of sauropsids and mammals. In lepidosaurian reptiles, SOXase appears in both beta- and alpha-corneous-layers, but is limited to the pre-corneous and corneous layers of the thin soft epidermises of birds and mammals, including the granular layer. SOXase is localized in pre-corneous layers and disappears in external corneous layers of amniote skin appendages such as claws, beaks of turtles and birds, and in developing feathers. This distribution further indicates that the increase activity of epidermal SOXase is/was essential, in addition to other enzymes such as epidermal transglutaminases, for the evolution of the corneous layer and of the different hard skin appendages present in terrestrial vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Zeisler-Diehl V, Al-Khutabi EAA, Kirfel G, Schreiber L, van Echten-Deckert G, Herzog V. Detection of endogenous lipids in chicken feathers distinct from preen gland constituents. PROTOPLASMA 2020; 257:1709-1724. [PMID: 32851422 PMCID: PMC7567736 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bird feather lipids are usually attributed to the oily secretion product of the uropygial (preen) gland. We have observed, however, that feathers exhibit a strong reaction with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), even after treatment with detergents. This leads us to postulate the existence of endogenous feather lipids distinct from preen gland lipids. In order to substantiate our hypothesis, we investigated down feathers from a 1-day-old chicken as their uropgygial gland is not functionally active. The results confirmed the osmiophilic reaction, which was concentrated in the center of barbs and strongly reduced after lipid extraction. In these lipid extracts, we identified using thin layer chromatography, cholesterol, various ceramides, glycolipids, phospholipids, and fatty acids, which closely resembled the lipid composition of the water barrier in the chicken-cornified epidermal envelope. This composition is clearly distinct from chicken uropygeal gland secretion (UGS) known to consist of fatty alcohols as part of aliphatic monoester waxes and of free, predominantly saturated, fatty acids. A filter assay showed a strong reactivity between OsO4 and the fatty acids C18:1 and C18:2 and with feather lipid extracts, but not with UGS. These observations were confirmed by gas chromatography detecting unsaturated fatty acids including C18:1 and C18:2 as well as cholesterol exclusively in chicken feathers. Our results indicate that (1) endogenous lipids are detectable in chicken feathers and distinct from UGS and (2) in analogy to the morphogenesis of the cornified envelope of chicken feather lipids that may have derived from cellular feather-precursors, apparently enduring the specific cell death during developmental feather cornification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Zeisler-Diehl
- Ökophysiologie der Pflanzen, Institut für Zelluläre und Molekulare Botanik, Universität Bonn, Kirschallee 1, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eshrak Ali Ali Al-Khutabi
- LIMES-Institut für Membranbiologie und Lipidbiochemie, Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gregor Kirfel
- Institut für Zellbiologie, Ulrich-Haberland-Str. 61A, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Schreiber
- Ökophysiologie der Pflanzen, Institut für Zelluläre und Molekulare Botanik, Universität Bonn, Kirschallee 1, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerhild van Echten-Deckert
- LIMES-Institut für Membranbiologie und Lipidbiochemie, Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, D-53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Herzog
- Institut für Zellbiologie, Ulrich-Haberland-Str. 61A, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
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Alibardi L. Development, structure, and protein composition of reptilian claws and hypotheses of their evolution. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2020; 304:732-757. [PMID: 33015957 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review the development, morphology, genes, and proteins of claws in reptiles. Claws likely form owing to the inductive influence of phalangeal mesenchyme on the apical epidermis of developing digits, resulting in hyperproliferation and intense protein synthesis in the dorsal epidermis, which forms the unguis. The tip of claws results from prevalent cell proliferation and distal movement along most of the ungueal epidermis in comparison to the ventral surface forming the subunguis. Asymmetrical growth between the unguis and subunguis forces beta-cells from the unguis to rotate into the apical part of the subunguis, sharpening the claw tip. Further sharpening occurs by scratching and mechanical wearing. Ungueal keratinocytes elongate, form an intricate perimeter and cementing junctions, and remain united impeding desquamation. In contrast, thin keratinocytes in the subunguis form a smooth perimeter, accumulate less corneous beta proteins (CBPs) and cysteine-poor intermediate filament (IF)-keratins, and desquamate. In addition to prevalent glycine-cysteine-tyrosine rich CBPs, special cysteine-rich IF-keratins are also synthesized in the claw, generating numerous SS bonds that harden the thick and compact corneous material. Desquamation and mechanical wear at the tip ensure that the unguis curvature remains approximately stable over time. Reptilian claws are likely very ancient in evolution, although the unguis differentiated like the outer scale surface of scales, while the subunguis might have derived from the inner scale surface. The few hair-like IF-keratins synthesized in reptilian claws indicate that ancestors of sauropsids and mammals shared cysteine-rich IF-keratins. However, the number of these keratins remained low in reptiles, while new types of CBPs function to strengthen claws.
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Alibardi L. Differential cell proliferation and differentiation in developing and growing claws of turtles and alligator determine their shape. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and University of Bologna Bologna Italy
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Soliman SA. Morphological and Histochemical Description of Quail Feather Development. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1865-1883. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Lachner J, Ehrlich F, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization and phylogenetic profiling of the feather protein with the highest cysteine content. PROTOPLASMA 2019; 256:1257-1265. [PMID: 31037447 PMCID: PMC6713690 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Feathers are the most complex skin appendages of vertebrates. Mature feathers consist of interconnected dead keratinocytes that are filled with heavily cross-linked proteins. Although the molecular architecture determines essential functions of feathers, only few feather proteins have been characterized with regard to their amino acid sequences and evolution. Here, we identify Epidermal Differentiation protein containing DPCC Motifs (EDDM) as a cysteine-rich protein that has co-evolved with other feather proteins. The EDDM gene is located within the avian epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), a cluster of genes that has originated and diversified in amniotes. EDDM shares the exon-intron organization with EDC genes of other amniotes, including humans, and a gene encoding an EDDM-like protein is present in crocodilians, suggesting that avian EDDM arose by sequence modification of an epidermal differentiation gene present in a common ancestor of archosaurs. The EDDM protein contains multiple sequence repeats and a higher number of cysteine residues than any other protein encoded in the EDC. Immunohistochemical analysis of chicken skin and skin appendages showed expression of EDDM in barb and barbules of feathers as well as in the subperiderm on embryonic scutate scales. These results suggest that the diversification and differential expression of EDDM, besides other EDC genes, was instrumental in facilitating the evolution of the most complex molecular architecture of feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Skieresz-Szewczyk K, Buchwald T, Szybowicz M, Jackowiak H. Alpha-keratin and corneous beta protein in the parakeratinized epithelium of the tongue in the domestic goose (Anser anser f. domestica). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 332:158-166. [PMID: 31243896 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The parakeratinized epithelium is a common epithelium in the oral cavity in birds and is characterized by the presence of cell nuclei in the cells of the cornified layer. This epithelium covers almost the entire dorsal surface of the tongue in the domestic goose apart of the lingual nail and conical papillae. So far no study has identified the molecular proteins alpha-keratin (IF-keratin) and/or corneous beta protein (CBP), which are responsible for keratinization or cornification processes in the parakeratinized epithelium of domestic geese. The study was performed using immunohistochemical (IHC) methods to identify alpha-keratin. The innovative method of Raman microspectroscopy was used to determine the presence of CBP and specify their percentage in epithelial layers of the parakeratinized epithelium. The results revealed that alpha-keratin is present in the whole parakeratinized epithelium. A strong staining reaction was detected in the basal and intermediate layers and a less strong staining reaction in the cornified layer. Raman microspectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of alpha-keratin and demonstrated that its percentage decreases from the basal layer to the cornified layer. The Raman microspectroscopy technique revealed the occurrence of CBP in the parakeratinized epithelium and demonstrated that the percentage of this protein increases from the basal layer to the cornified layer. Performed analysis determines that parakeratinized epithelium undergoes cornification. However, the lower percentage of CBP in the cornified layer of parakeratinized epithelium than in orthokeratinized epithelium points to the fact that parakeratinized epithelium has a weaker protective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Skieresz-Szewczyk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Buchwald
- Institute of Materials Research and Quantum Engineering, Faculty of Technical Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mirosław Szybowicz
- Institute of Materials Research and Quantum Engineering, Faculty of Technical Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Jackowiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego, Poznan, Poland
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