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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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2
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Song W, Yang H, Liu S, Yu H, Li D, Li P, Xing R. Melanin: insights into structure, analysis, and biological activities for future development. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:7528-7543. [PMID: 37432655 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01132a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanin, a widely distributed pigment found in various organisms, possesses distinct structures that can be classified into five main types: eumelanin (found in animals and plants), pheomelanin (found in animals and plants), allomelanin (found in plants), neuromelanin (found in animals), and pyomelanin (found in fungi and bacteria). In this review, we present an overview of the structure and composition of melanin, as well as the various spectroscopic identification methods that can be used, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). We also provide a summary of the extraction methods of melanin and its diverse biological activities, including antibacterial properties, anti-radiation effects, and photothermal effects. The current state of research on natural melanin and its potential for further development is discussed. In particular, the review provides a comprehensive summary of the analysis methods used to determine melanin species, offering valuable insights and references for future research. Overall, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the concept and classification of melanin, its structure, physicochemical properties, and structural identification methods, as well as its various applications in the field of biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Song
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 117546, Singapore.
| | - Haoyue Yang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Song Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huahua Yu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 117546, Singapore.
| | - Pengcheng Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Ronge Xing
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266000, China
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Anné J, Canoville A, Edwards NP, Schweitzer MH, Zanno LE. Independent Evidence for the Preservation of Endogenous Bone Biochemistry in a Specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020264. [PMID: 36829540 PMCID: PMC9953530 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecules preserved in deep time have potential to shed light on major evolutionary questions, driving the search for new and more rigorous methods to detect them. Despite the increasing body of evidence from a wide variety of new, high resolution/high sensitivity analytical techniques, this research is commonly met with skepticism, as the long standing dogma persists that such preservation in very deep time (>1 Ma) is unlikely. The Late Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex (MOR 1125) has been shown, through multiple biochemical studies, to preserve original bone chemistry. Here, we provide additional, independent support that deep time bimolecular preservation is possible. We use synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging (XRF) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate a section from the femur of this dinosaur, and demonstrate preservation of elements (S, Ca, and Zn) associated with bone remodeling and redeposition. We then compare these data to the bone of an extant dinosaur (bird), as well as a second non-avian dinosaur, Tenontosaurus tilletti (OMNH 34784) that did not preserve any sign of original biochemistry. Our data indicate that MOR 1125 bone cortices have similar bone elemental distributions to that of an extant bird, which supports preservation of original endogenous chemistry in this specimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Anné
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Nicholas P. Edwards
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Mary H. Schweitzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Campus Box 7617, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
- Department of Geology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lindsay E. Zanno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Campus Box 7617, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
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4
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Decoding the Evolution of Melanin in Vertebrates. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:430-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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5
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van Veelen A, Koebernick N, Scotson CS, McKay-Fletcher D, Huthwelker T, Borca CN, Mosselmans JFW, Roose T. Root-induced soil deformation influences Fe, S and P: rhizosphere chemistry investigated using synchrotron XRF and XANES. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 225:1476-1490. [PMID: 31591727 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Rhizosphere soil has distinct physical and chemical properties from bulk soil. However, besides root-induced physical changes, chemical changes have not been extensively measured in situ on the pore scale. In this study, we couple structural information, previously obtained using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT), with synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) to unravel chemical changes induced by plant roots. Our results suggest that iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) increase notably in the direct vicinity of the root via solubilization and microbial activity. XANES further shows that Fe is slightly reduced, S is increasingly transformed into sulfate (SO42- ) and phosphorus (P) is increasingly adsorbed to humic substances in this enrichment zone. In addition, the ferrihydrite fraction decreases drastically, suggesting the preferential dissolution and the formation of more stable Fe oxides. Additionally, the increased transformation of organic S to sulfate indicates that the microbial activity in this zone is increased. These changes in soil chemistry correspond to the soil compaction zone as previously measured via XCT. The fact that these changes are colocated near the root and the compaction zone suggests that decreased permeability as a result of soil structural changes acts as a barrier creating a zone with increased rhizosphere chemical interactions via surface-mediated processes, microbial activity and acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen van Veelen
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Nicolai Koebernick
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Callum S Scotson
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Daniel McKay-Fletcher
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Thomas Huthwelker
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Swiss Light Source, Villigen, 5232, Switzerland
| | - Camelia N Borca
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Swiss Light Source, Villigen, 5232, Switzerland
| | - J Fred W Mosselmans
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Tiina Roose
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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Picone M, Corami F, Gaetan C, Basso M, Battiston A, Panzarin L, Volpi Ghirardini A. Accumulation of trace elements in feathers of the Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 179:62-70. [PMID: 31026751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A non-invasive study of trace element accumulation in tail feathers of the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) was performed along the coastline of the northern littoral strip of the Venice Lagoon, with the aim to verify whether contamination may be a factor affecting conservation status of Kentish plover populations. Body burdens in feathers of 11 trace elements including toxic metals/metalloids and essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were quantified by ICP-MS, then concentrations were normalized to feather's age calculated using ptilochronology in order to obtain daily deposition rates. Mercury emerged as a major threat to the conservation of the species, since average feather concentration was clearly above the adverse-effect threshold associated with impairment in the reproductive success in a number of bird species. Also Cd and Se occurred at levels that may impact on the conservation status of the studied species at local scale, even if to a lesser extent than Hg. Gender-related differences in trace element accumulation emerged only for As, although for this element the risks associated to environmental exposure seem to be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Battiston
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Lucio Panzarin
- Associazione Naturalistica Sandonatese, c/o Centro Didattico Naturalistico il Pendolino, via Romanziol 130, 30020, Noventa di Piave, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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7
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Tissue-specific geometry and chemistry of modern and fossilized melanosomes reveal internal anatomy of extinct vertebrates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17880-17889. [PMID: 31427524 PMCID: PMC6731645 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820285116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports of nonintegumentary melanosomes in fossils hint at functions for melanin beyond color production, but the biology and evolution of internal melanins are poorly understood. Our results show that internal melanosomes are widespread in diverse fossil and modern vertebrates and have tissue-specific geometries and metal chemistries. Tissue-specific chemical signatures can persist in fossils despite some diagenetic overprint, allowing the reconstruction of internal soft-tissue anatomy in fossil vertebrates, and suggest that links between melanin and metal regulation have deep evolutionary origins in vertebrates. Recent discoveries of nonintegumentary melanosomes in extant and fossil amphibians offer potential insights into the physiological functions of melanin not directly related to color production, but the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary history of these internal melanosomes has not been characterized systematically. Here, we present a holistic method to discriminate among melanized tissues by analyzing the anatomical distribution, morphology, and chemistry of melanosomes in various tissues in a phylogenetically broad sample of extant and fossil vertebrates. Our results show that internal melanosomes in all extant vertebrates analyzed have tissue-specific geometries and elemental signatures. Similar distinct populations of preserved melanosomes in phylogenetically diverse vertebrate fossils often map onto specific anatomical features. This approach also reveals the presence of various melanosome-rich internal tissues in fossils, providing a mechanism for the interpretation of the internal anatomy of ancient vertebrates. Collectively, these data indicate that vertebrate melanins share fundamental physiological roles in homeostasis via the scavenging and sequestering of metals and suggest that intimate links between melanin and metal metabolism in vertebrates have deep evolutionary origins.
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8
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Benton MJ, Dhouailly D, Jiang B, McNamara M. The Early Origin of Feathers. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:856-869. [PMID: 31164250 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Feathers have long been regarded as the innovation that drove the success of birds. However, feathers have been reported from close dinosaurian relatives of birds, and now from ornithischian dinosaurs and pterosaurs, the cousins of dinosaurs. Incomplete preservation makes these reports controversial. If true, these findings shift the origin of feathers back 80 million years before the origin of birds. Gene regulatory networks show the deep homology of scales, feathers, and hairs. Hair and feathers likely evolved in the Early Triassic ancestors of mammals and birds, at a time when synapsids and archosaurs show independent evidence of higher metabolic rates (erect gait and endothermy), as part of a major resetting of terrestrial ecosystems following the devastating end-Permian mass extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Baoyu Jiang
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maria McNamara
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Cork, Cork, Ireland
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9
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Manning PL, Edwards NP, Bergmann U, Anné J, Sellers WI, van Veelen A, Sokaras D, Egerton VM, Alonso-Mori R, Ignatyev K, van Dongen BE, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Knoll F, Wogelius RA. Pheomelanin pigment remnants mapped in fossils of an extinct mammal. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2250. [PMID: 31113945 PMCID: PMC6529433 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress has been made in paleontology with respect to resolving pigmentation in fossil material. Morphological identification of fossilized melanosomes has been one approach, while a second methodology using chemical imaging and spectroscopy has also provided critical information particularly concerning eumelanin (black pigment) residue. In this work we develop the chemical imaging methodology to show that organosulfur-Zn complexes are indicators of pheomelanin (red pigment) in extant and fossil soft tissue and that the mapping of these residual biochemical compounds can be used to restore melanin pigment distribution in a 3 million year old extinct mammal species (Apodemus atavus). Synchotron Rapid Scanning X-ray Fluorescence imaging showed that the distributions of Zn and organic S are correlated within this fossil fur just as in pheomelanin-rich modern integument. Furthermore, Zn coordination chemistry within this fossil fur is closely comparable to that determined from pheomelanin-rich fur and hair standards. The non-destructive methods presented here provide a protocol for detecting residual pheomelanin in precious specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Manning
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Geology and Environmental Geoscience, College of Charleston, 66 George St, Charleston, SC, 29424, USA
| | - Nicholas P Edwards
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Uwe Bergmann
- Stanford PULSE Institute, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Jennifer Anné
- The Children's Museum of Indianpolis, 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, USA
| | - William I Sellers
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Arjen van Veelen
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Dimosthenis Sokaras
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Victoria M Egerton
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- The Children's Museum of Indianpolis, 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, USA
| | - Roberto Alonso-Mori
- Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | | | - Bart E van Dongen
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kazumasa Wakamatsu
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Shosuke Ito
- Department of Chemistry, Fujita Health University School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Fabien Knoll
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- ARAID-Fundación Conjunto Paleontológico de Teruel-Dinópolis, 44002, Teruel, Spain
| | - Roy A Wogelius
- University of Manchester, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science & Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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Rizvi A, Ahmed B, Zaidi A, Khan MS. Bioreduction of toxicity influenced by bioactive molecules secreted under metal stress by Azotobacter chroococcum. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:302-322. [PMID: 30758729 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02023-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution destruct soil microbial compositions and functions, plant's performance and subsequently human health. Culturable microbes among many metal abatement strategies are considered inexpensive, viable and environmentally safe. In this study, nitrogen fixing bacterial strain CAZ3 recovered from chilli rhizosphere tolerated 100, 1000 and 1200 µg mL-1 of cadmium, chromium and nickel, respectively and was identified as Azotobacter chroococcum by 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Under metal stress, cellular morphology of A. chroococcum observed under SEM was found distorted and shrinkage of cells was noticed when grown with 50 µg mL-1 of Cd (cell size 1.7 µm) and 100 of µg mL-1 Ni (cell size 1.3 µm) compared to untreated control (cell size 1.8 µm). In the presence of 100 µg mL-1 of Cr, cells became elongated and measured 1.9 µm in size. Location of metals inside the cells was revealed by EDX. A dose dependent growth arrest and consequently the death of A. chroococcum cells was revealed under CLSM. A. chroococcum CAZ3 secreted 320, 353 and 133 µg EPS mL-1 when grown with 100 µg mL-1 each of Cd, Cr and Ni, respectively. The EDX revealed the presence of 0.4, 0.07 and 0.24% of Cd, Cr and Ni, respectively within EPS extracted from metal treated cells. Moreover, a dark brown pigment (melanin) secreted by A. chroococcum cells under metal pressure displayed tremendous metal chelating activity. The EDX spectra of melanin extracted from metal treated cells of A. chroococcum CAZ3 displayed 0.53, 0.22 and 0.12% accumulation of Cd, Cr and Ni, respectively. The FT-IR spectra of EPS and melanin demonstrated stretching vibrations and variations in surface functional groups of bacterial cells. The C-H stretching of CH3 in fatty acids and CH2 groups, stretching of N-H bond of proteins and O-H bond of hydroxyl groups caused the shifting of peaks in the EPS spectra. Similar stretching vibrations were recorded in metal treated melanin which involved CHO, alkyl, carboxylate and alkene groups resulting in significant peak shifts. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum of EPS extracted from A. chroococcum CAZ3 revealed apparent peak signals at 4.717, 9.497, 9.369 and 9.242 ppm. However, 1H NMR peaks were poorly resolved due largely to the impurity/viscosity of the EPS. The entrapment of metals by EPS and melanin was confirmed by EDX. Also, the induction and excretion of variable amounts of metallothioneins (MTs) by A. chroococcum under metal pressure was interesting. Conclusively, the present findings establish- (i) cellular damage due to Cd, Cr and Ni and (ii) role of EPS, melanin and MTs in adsorption/complexation and concurrently the removal of heavy metals. Considering these, A. chroococcum can be promoted as a promising candidate for supplying N efficiently to plants and protecting plants from metal toxicity while growing under metal stressed environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfa Rizvi
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India.
| | - Bilal Ahmed
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Almas Zaidi
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Mohd Saghir Khan
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
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Edwards NP, Webb SM, Krest CM, van Campen D, Manning PL, Wogelius RA, Bergmann U. A new synchrotron rapid-scanning X-ray fluorescence (SRS-XRF) imaging station at SSRL beamline 6-2. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2018; 25:1565-1573. [PMID: 30179198 PMCID: PMC6140386 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577518010202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes a new large-range rapid-scan X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging station at beamline 6-2 at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. This station uses a continuous rapid-scan system with a scan range of 1000 × 600 mm and a load capacity of up to 25 kg, capable of 25-100 µm resolution elemental XRF mapping and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a wide range of objects. XRF is measured using a four-element Hitachi Vortex ME4 silicon drift detector coupled to a Quantum Detectors Xspress3 multi-channel analyzer system. A custom system allows the X-ray spot size to be changed quickly and easily via pinholes ranging from 25 to 100 µm, and the use of a poly-capillary or axially symmetric achromatic optic may achieve a <10 µm resolution in the future. The instrument is located at wiggler beamline 6-2 which has an energy range of 2.1-17 keV, creating K emission for elements up to strontium, and L or M emission for all other elements. XAS can also be performed at selected sample positions within the same experiment, allowing for a more detailed chemical characterization of the elements of interest. Furthermore, sparse excitation energy XRF imaging can be performed over a wide range of incident X-ray energies. User friendliness has been emphasized in all stages of the experiment, including versatile sample mounts, He purged chambers for low-Z analyses, and intuitive visualization hardware and software. The station provides analysis capabilities for a wide range of materials and research fields including biological, chemical, environmental and materials science, paleontology, geology and cultural heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P. Edwards
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Samuel M. Webb
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Courtney M. Krest
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Douglas van Campen
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Phillip L. Manning
- School of Earth and Environmental Science, Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Roy A. Wogelius
- School of Earth and Environmental Science, Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Uwe Bergmann
- Stanford PULSE Institute, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
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Stanic V, Maia FCB, Freitas RDO, Montoro FE, Evans-Lutterodt K. The chemical fingerprint of hair melanosomes by infrared nano-spectroscopy. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:14245-14253. [PMID: 30010172 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr03146k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In situ characterization of the chemical and structural properties of black and white sheep hair was performed with a spatial resolution of 25 nm using infrared nano-spectroscopy. Comparing data sets from two types of hair allowed us to isolate the keratin FTIR fingerprint and so mark off chemical properties of the hair's melanosomes. From a polarization sensitive analysis of the nano-FTIR spectra, we showed that keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) present anisotropic molecular ordering. In stark contrast with white hair which does not contain melanosomes, in black hair, we spatially resolved single melanosomes and achieved unprecedented assignment of the vibrational modes of pheomelanin and eumelanin. The in situ experiment presented here avoids harsh chemical extractive methods used in previous studies. Our findings offer a basis for a better understanding of the keratin chemical and structural packing in different hair phenotypes as well as the involvement of melanosomes in hair color and biological functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Stanic
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory, CNPEM, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Evans-Lutterodt
- National Synchrotron Light Source - II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
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Pacyna AD, Ruman M, Mazerski J, Polkowska Ż. Biological responses to environmental contamination. How can metal pollution impact signal honesty in avian species? Ecol Evol 2018; 8:7733-7739. [PMID: 30151185 PMCID: PMC6106159 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution, for example with metals, can significantly affect the ecosystem balance leading to severe changes. Biologically active pigments are relevant for the appearance and condition of birds. Melanin and carotenoid particles are the most frequently deposited pigments in avian integument. They are responsible for the majority of colors of bird plumage. The phenotypic expression can be affected by metal contamination. It can be manifested as color bleaching or differences in the size of plumage badges. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review of related studies in order to estimate the underlying population effect of this potential dependency. The study is based on the review of the literature regarding several avian species. It was designed to identify an area where the effect of the exposure is still poorly known. The analysis was specifically conducted to investigate the correlation between trace element concentration and eumelanin deposition. Moreover, we searched for factors that could affect spectral properties of feathers with carotenoid-based pigmentation. As a result, we found carotenoid-based pigmentation to be of a good use in terms of visual condition assessment. Changes in melanin-based pattern should be analyzed separately for eu- and pheomelanin as well as for a range of essential and toxic elements. Comprehensive studies on the subject are still scarce. Therefore, the issue requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dorota Pacyna
- Faculty of ChemistryDepartment of Analytical ChemistryGdansk University of TechnologyGdanskPoland
| | - Marek Ruman
- Faculty of Earth SciencesUniversity of SilesiaSosnowiecPoland
| | - Jan Mazerski
- Faculty of ChemistryDepartment of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiochemistryGdańsk University of TechnologyGdańskPoland
| | - Żaneta Polkowska
- Faculty of ChemistryDepartment of Analytical ChemistryGdansk University of TechnologyGdanskPoland
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Porcaro F, Roudeau S, Carmona A, Ortega R. Advances in element speciation analysis of biomedical samples using synchrotron-based techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Structure and Chemical Organization in Damselfly Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis Wings: A Spatially Resolved FTIR and XRF Analysis with Synchrotron Radiation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8413. [PMID: 29849036 PMCID: PMC5976759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26563-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects represent the majority of known animal species and exploit a variety of fascinating nanotechnological concepts. We investigated the wings of the damselfly Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, whose males have dark pigmented wings and females have slightly pigmented wings. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoscale synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy analysis for characterizing the nanostructure and the elemental distribution of the wings, respectively. The spatially resolved distribution of the organic constituents was examined by synchrotron Fourier transform infrared (s-FTIR) microspectroscopy and subsequently analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The chemical distribution across the wing was rather uniform with no evidence of melanin in female wings, but with a high content of melanin in male wings. Our data revealed a fiber-like structure of the hairs and confirmed the presence of voids close to its base connecting the hairs to the damselfly wings. Within these voids, all detected elements were found to be locally depleted. Structure and elemental contents varied between wing membranes, hairs and veins. The elemental distribution across the membrane was rather uniform, with higher Ca, Cu and Zn levels in the male damselfly wing membranes.
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36H: A Novel Potent Inhibitor for Antimelanogenesis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:6354972. [PMID: 29507652 PMCID: PMC5817369 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6354972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
N-Hydroxycinnamoylphenalkylamides (36H) exhibited both antioxidation and antityrosinase abilities. The compound was studied for its antioxidative properties, using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazul- (DPPH-) scavenging test, a ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) assessment, and a metal-chelating power assay. The results showed that 36H had antioxidative capabilities in the DPPH-scavenging and ferric-reducing power examinations but the chelating power assay did not demonstrate antioxidative capability. 36H was also measured for tyrosinase inhibitory activity applying various species platforms, including in vitro mushroom, B16F10 mouse melanoma, and human melanocyte cells. In terms of in vitro mushroom tyrosinase suppression, 36H restrained the melanogenesis processes. It is assumed that 36H blocked the tyrosinase active site as a competitive inhibitor for mushroom tyrosinase, hence not decreasing the human normal melanocyte cellular viability. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot discovered that 36H downregulated melanogenesis-related RNA and proteins, including pigment production (MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2), melanosome maturation (Rab27a), and melanosome transportation (Myo5a, MLPH and Mreg). Overall, 36H displayed the biofunctions of antioxidation and melanin suppression, so there was a possibility for its application as a food additive or a skin-whitening agent.
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