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Li W, Cao Z, Xu F, Zhang X, Sun Y, Xie Z, Ning C, Zhang Q, Wang D, Tang H. Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals key genes and ceRNA regulatory networks associated with pimpled eggs in hens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103715. [PMID: 38652954 PMCID: PMC11063507 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103715] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Eggshell is one of the most important indicators of egg quality, and due to low shell strength, pimple eggs (PE) are more susceptible to breakage, thus causing huge economic losses to the egg industry. At the current time, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation of pimple eggs are poorly understood. In this study, uterine tissues of PE-laying hens (n = 8) and normal egg (NE) -laying hens (n = 8) were analyzed by whole transcriptome sequencing, and a total of 619 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE mRNAs), 122 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) and 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were obtained. Based on the targeting relationship among DE mRNAs, DE lncRNAs and DE miRNAs, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network including 12 DE miRNAs, 19 DE lncRNAs, and 128 DE mRNAs. Considering the large amount of information contained in the network, we constructed a smaller ceRNA network to better understand the complex mechanisms of pimple egg formation. The smaller ceRNA network network contains 7 DE lncRNAs (LOC107056551, LOC121109367, LOC121108909, LOC121108862, LOC112530033, LOC121113165, LOC107054145), 5 DE miRNAs (gga-miR-6568-3p, gga-miR-31-5p, gga-miR-18b-3p, gga-miR-1759-3p, gga-miR-12240-3p) and 7 DE mRNAs (CABP1, DNAJC5, HCN3, HPCA, IBSP, KCNT1, OTOP3), and these differentially expressed genes may play key regulatory roles in the formation of pimpled eggs in hens. This study provides the overall expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs in the uterine tissues of hens, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of pimpled egg formation, and has potential applications in improving eggshell quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Zhi Cao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Xuguang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Yifei Sun
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Zhongbiao Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Chao Ning
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science & Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian City, Shandong Province, 271018, China.
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2
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Liu F, Jiang X, Chen Z, Wang L. Mechanical design principles of avian eggshells for survivability. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:233-243. [PMID: 38423350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.036] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Biological materials exhibit complex structure-property relationships which are designed by nature's evolution over millions of years. Unlocking the fundamental physical principles behind these relationships is crucial for creating bioinspired materials and structures with advanced functionalities. The eggshell is a remarkable example with a well-designed structure to balance the trade-off as it provides mechanical protection while still being easy for hatching. In this study, we investigate the underlying mechanical design principles of chicken eggshells under various loading conditions through a combination of experiments and simulations. The unique geometry and structure of the eggshell play a critical role in achieving an excellent balance between mechanical toughness and ease of hatching. The effects of eggshell membranes are elucidated to tune the mechanical properties of the eggshell to further enhance this balance. Moreover, a mechanics-based three-index model is proposed based on these design principles, suggesting the optimal eggshell thickness design to improve survivability across a broad range of avian species with varying egg sizes. The survivability-design relationships hold great potential for the development of improved structural materials for applications in sports safety equipment and the packaging industry. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The fundamental physical principles underlying the complex structure-property relationships in biological materials are uncovered in this study, with a particular focus on chicken eggshells as a prime example. Through the investigation of their mechanical design, we reveal the critical role of eggshell geometry and structure in achieving a balance between toughness and ease of hatching. Specifically, the crack resting effect is observed, making the eggshell easier to break from the inside than from the outside. Additionally, we explore the influence of eggshell membranes on this balance, contributing to the enhancement of the eggshell's mechanical properties. For the first time, we propose a three-index model that uncovers the underlying principles governing the evolution of eggshell thickness. This model suggests optimal thickness designs for diverse avian species, with the goal of enhancing egg survivability. These findings can guide the development of improved structural materials with advanced functionalities, enabling greater safety and efficiency in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xihang Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Zi Chen
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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Song L, Weng K, Bao Q, Wu J, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Zhang Y. TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis unveils uterine fluid difference in hens producing normal and pimpled eggs. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103081. [PMID: 37774518 PMCID: PMC10542640 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103081] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eggshell is a crucial indicator of egg quality. Pimpled eggs (PE) a type of eggshell defect are characterized by low eggshell strength, leading to substantial financial losses. Eggshell formation occurs in the uterine fluid (UF), which contains the required ions and matrix proteins However, the underlying mechanisms of PE formation remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the egg quality of PE, and normal eggs (NE) by examining the differences in UF from hens producing PE and NE (n = 6 each). This 2-wk-long assessment involved histomorphological and proteomics analyses. The results showed that NE had better eggshell quality compared to PE, and the uterus structure in PE hens was conducive to the formation of PE. Using quantitative proteomic analysis, we identified 68 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) in the UF of PE hens, including 9 key proteins related to ion transport, protein synthesis and folding, and immunity. Downregulation of CALM1 and SCNN1G proteins in PE hens might have negatively affected the calcium signaling pathway, decreasing the calcium amount in UF. Additionally, the PHB1 and TSN proteins may affect eggshell formation by regulating immune responses. Taken together, our results provide insights into the mechanism of PE production, with potential applications for enhancing eggshell quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kaiqi Weng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Wu HJ, Tseng YC, Tsao SH, Chiang PL, Tai WY, Hsieh HI, Yu HT, Juang JY. A Comparative Study on the Microstructures, Mineral Content, and Mechanical Properties of Non-Avian Reptilian Eggshells. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:688. [PMID: 37237502 PMCID: PMC10215611 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We analyze 214 freshly laid eggs belonging to 16 species across three orders of Class Reptilia. Using mechanical compression tests, we measure each egg's absolute stiffness (K, unit: N m-1) and relative stiffness (C number). The effective Young's modulus, E, was obtained by combining experimental and numerical methods. The mineral (CaCO3) content was measured by acid-base titration, the microstructures by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the crystallography by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We find that the C number of reptilian eggs is, on average, higher than that of bird eggs, indicating that reptilian eggs are stiffer with respect to the egg mass than birds. However, Young's moduli of the reptilian eggshells (32.85 ± 3.48 GPa) are similar to those of avian eggshells (32.07 ± 5.95 GPa), even though those eggshells have different crystal forms, microstructures, and crystallography. Titration measurement shows that the reptilian eggshells are highly mineralized (>89% for nine Testudines species and 96% for Caiman crocodilus). Comparing the species with aragonite and calcite crystals, we find that calcite shells, including those of the Kwangsi gecko (inner part) and spectacled caiman (outer part), generally have larger grains than the aragonite ones. However, the grain size is not correlated to the effective Young's modulus. Also, as measured by the C number, the aragonite shells are, on average, stiffer than the calcite ones (except for the Kwangsi gecko), primarily due to their thicker shells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsio-Jou Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (H.-J.W.); (Y.-C.T.); (S.-H.T.); (P.-L.C.)
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Chien Tseng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (H.-J.W.); (Y.-C.T.); (S.-H.T.); (P.-L.C.)
| | - Shu-Han Tsao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (H.-J.W.); (Y.-C.T.); (S.-H.T.); (P.-L.C.)
| | - Pei-Lin Chiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (H.-J.W.); (Y.-C.T.); (S.-H.T.); (P.-L.C.)
| | - Wei-Yu Tai
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 11656, Taiwan; (W.-Y.T.); (H.-I.H.)
| | - Hsin-I Hsieh
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 11656, Taiwan; (W.-Y.T.); (H.-I.H.)
| | - Hon-Tsen Yu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Degree Program of Genome and Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yang Juang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (H.-J.W.); (Y.-C.T.); (S.-H.T.); (P.-L.C.)
- Program in Nanoengineering and Nanoscience, Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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McClelland SC, Attard MRG, Bowen J, Horrocks NPC, Jamie GA, Dixit T, Spottiswoode CN, Portugal SJ. Eggshell composition and surface properties of avian brood-parasitic species compared with non-parasitic species. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221023. [PMID: 37234505 PMCID: PMC10206472 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The eggs of avian obligate brood-parasitic species have multiple adaptations to deceive hosts and optimize development in host nests. While the structure and composition of the eggshell in all birds is essential for embryo growth and protection from external threats, parasitic eggs may face specific challenges such as high microbial loads, rapid laying and ejection by the host parents. We set out to assess whether eggshells of avian brood-parasitic species have either (i) specialized structural properties, to meet the demands of a brood-parasitic strategy or (ii) similar structural properties to eggs of their hosts, due to the similar nest environment. We measured the surface topography (roughness), wettability (how well surfaces repel water) and calcium content of eggshells of a phylogenetically and geographically diverse range of brood-parasitic species (representing four of the seven independent lineages of avian brood-parasitic species), their hosts and close relatives of the parasites. These components of the eggshell structure have been demonstrated previously to influence such factors as the risk of microbial infection and overall shell strength. Within a phylogenetically controlled framework, we found no overall significant differences in eggshell roughness, wettability and calcium content between (i) parasitic and non-parasitic species, or (ii) parasitic species and their hosts. Both the wettability and calcium content of the eggs from brood-parasitic species were not more similar to those of their hosts' eggs than expected by chance. By contrast, the mean surface roughness of the eggs of brood-parasitic species was more similar to that of their hosts' eggs than expected by chance, suggesting brood-parasitic species may have evolved to lay eggs that match the host nest environment for this trait. The lack of significant overall differences between parasitic and non-parasitic species, including hosts, in the traits we measured, suggests that phylogenetic signal, as well as general adaptations to the nest environment and for embryo development, outweigh any influence of a parasitic lifestyle on these eggshell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Marie R. G. Attard
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- School of Engineering and Innovation, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - James Bowen
- School of Engineering and Innovation, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Nicholas P. C. Horrocks
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Gabriel A. Jamie
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanmay Dixit
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire N. Spottiswoode
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steven J. Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- The Natural History Museum, Tring, Herts HP23 6AP, UK
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Choi S, Hauber ME, Legendre LJ, Kim NH, Lee YN, Varricchio DJ. Microstructural and crystallographic evolution of palaeognath (Aves) eggshells. eLife 2023; 12:e81092. [PMID: 36719067 PMCID: PMC9889092 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian palaeognath phylogeny has been recently revised significantly due to the advancement of genome-wide comparative analyses and provides the opportunity to trace the evolution of the microstructure and crystallography of modern dinosaur eggshells. Here, eggshells of all major clades of Palaeognathae (including extinct taxa) and selected eggshells of Neognathae and non-avian dinosaurs are analysed with electron backscatter diffraction. Our results show the detailed microstructures and crystallographies of (previously) loosely categorized ostrich-, rhea-, and tinamou-style morphotypes of palaeognath eggshells. All rhea-style eggshell appears homologous, while respective ostrich-style and tinamou-style morphotypes are best interpreted as homoplastic morphologies (independently acquired). Ancestral state reconstruction and parsimony analysis additionally show that rhea-style eggshell represents the ancestral state of palaeognath eggshells both in microstructure and crystallography. The ornithological and palaeontological implications of the current study are not only helpful for the understanding of evolution of modern and extinct dinosaur eggshells, but also aid other disciplines where palaeognath eggshells provide useful archive for comparative contrasts (e.g. palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, geochronology, and zooarchaeology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Choi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State UniversityBozemanUnited States
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbanaUnited States
| | - Lucas J Legendre
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at AustinAustinUnited States
| | - Noe-Heon Kim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Geosciences, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Yuong-Nam Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - David J Varricchio
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State UniversityBozemanUnited States
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Insuasti‐Cruz E, Suárez‐Jaramillo V, Mena Urresta KA, Pila‐Varela KO, Fiallos‐Ayala X, Dahoumane SA, Alexis F. Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101389. [PMID: 34643331 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Insuasti‐Cruz
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | | | | | - Kevin O. Pila‐Varela
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Xiomira Fiallos‐Ayala
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Si Amar Dahoumane
- Department of Chemical Engineering Polytech Montreal Montreal Quebec H3C 3A7 Canada
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ) Lamar University Beaumont TX 77710 USA
| | - Frank Alexis
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
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Li Q, Duan Z, Sun C, Zheng J, Xu G, Yang N. Genetic variations for the eggshell crystal structure revealed by genome-wide association study in chickens. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:786. [PMID: 34727889 PMCID: PMC8565016 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eggshell is a bio-ceramic material comprising columnar calcite (CaCO3) crystals and organic proteinaceous matrix. The size, shape and orientation of the CaCO3 crystals influence the microstructural properties of chicken eggshells. However, the genetic architecture underlying eggshell crystal polymorphism remains to be elucidated. Results The integral intensity of the nine major diffraction peaks, total integral intensity and degree of orientation of the crystals were measured followed by a genome-wide association study in 839 F2 hens. The results showed that the total integral intensity was positively correlated with the eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, eggshell weight, mammillary layer thickness and effective layer thickness. The SNP-based heritabilities of total integral intensity and degree of orientation were 0.23 and 0.06, respectively. The 621 SNPs located in the range from 55.6 to 69.1 Mb in GGA1 were significantly associated with TA. PLCZ1, ABCC9, ITPR2, KCNJ8, CACNA1C and IAPP, which are involved in the biological process of regulating cytosolic calcium ion concentration, can be suggested as key genes regulating the total integral intensity. Conclusions The findings greatly advance the understanding of the genetic basis underlying the crystal ultrastructure of eggshell quality and thus will have practical significance in breeding programs for improving eggshell quality. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08103-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyi Duan
- National Animal Husbandry Service, 100125, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Guiyun Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China.
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9
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Goh R, Danielsen SPO, Schaible E, McMeeking RM, Waite JH. Nanolatticed Architecture Mitigates Damage in Shark Egg Cases. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:8080-8085. [PMID: 34585939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Structural versatility and multifunctionality of biological materials have resulted in countless bioinspired strategies seeking to emulate the properties of nature. The nanostructured egg case of swell sharks is one of the toughest permeable membranes known and, thus, presents itself as a model system for materials where the conflicting properties, strength and porosity, are desirable. The egg case possesses an intricately ordered structure that is designed to protect delicate embryos from the external environment while enabling respiratory and metabolic exchange, achieving a tactical balance between conflicting properties. Herein, structural analyses revealed an enabling nanolattice architecture that constitutes a Bouligand-like nanoribbon hierarchical assembly. Three distinct hierarchical architectural adaptations enhance egg case survival: Bouligand-like organization for in-plane isotropic reinforcement, noncylindrical nanoribbons maximizing interfacial stress distribution, and highly ordered nanolattices enabling permeability and lattice-governed toughening mechanisms. These discoveries provide fundamental insights for the improvement of multifunctional membranes, fiber-reinforced soft composites, and mechanical metamaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubayn Goh
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Scott P O Danielsen
- Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Eric Schaible
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Robert M McMeeking
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - J Herbert Waite
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
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Chiang PL, Tseng YC, Wu HJ, Tsao SH, Wu SP, Wang WC, Hsieh HI, Juang JY. Elastic Moduli of Avian Eggshell. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:989. [PMID: 34681088 PMCID: PMC8533214 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We analyze 700 freshly-laid eggs from 58 species (22 families and 13 orders) across three orders of magnitude in egg mass. We study the elastic moduli using three metrics: (i) effective Young's modulus, EFEM, by a combined experimental and numerical method; (ii) elastic modulus, Enano, by nanoindentation, and (iii) theoretical Young's modulus, Etheory. We measure the mineral content by acid-base titration, and crystallographic characteristics by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), on representative species. We find that the mineral content ranges between 83.1% (Zebra finch) and 96.5% (ostrich) and is positively correlated with EFEM-23.28 GPa (Zebra finch) and 47.76 GPa (ostrich). The EBSD shows that eggshell is anisotropic and non-homogeneous, and different species have different degrees of crystal orientation and texture. Ostrich eggshell exhibits strong texture in the thickness direction, whereas chicken eggshell has little. Such anisotropy and inhomogeneity are consistent with the nanoindentation tests. However, the crystal characteristics do not appear to correlate with EFEM, as EFEM represents an overall "average" elasticity of the entire shell. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical prediction of linear elasticity. Our comprehensive investigation into the elastic moduli of avian eggshell over broad taxonomic scales provides a useful dataset for those who work on avian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lin Chiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
| | - Yu-Chien Tseng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
| | - Hsiao-Jou Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Han Tsao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
| | - Shang-Ping Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
| | | | - Hsin-I Hsieh
- Taipei Zoo, Taipei 11656, Taiwan; (W.-C.W.); (H.-I.H.)
| | - Jia-Yang Juang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (P.-L.C.); (Y.-C.T.); (H.-J.W.); (S.-H.T.); (S.-P.W.)
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11
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McClelland SC, Cassey P, Maurer G, Hauber ME, Portugal SJ. How much calcium to shell out? Eggshell calcium carbonate content is greater in birds with thinner shells, larger clutches and longer lifespans. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210502. [PMID: 34583563 PMCID: PMC8479367 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian eggshell is a bio-ceramic structure that protects the embryo. It is composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate and a small amount of organic material. An optimal amount of calcium carbonate in the eggshell is essential for the embryo's development, yet how the ratio of calcium carbonate to organic matter varies between species has not been investigated. Calcium is a limiting resource for most birds, so its investment in their eggs should be optimized for a bird's life history. We measured the relative calcium carbonate content of eggshells in 222 bird species and tested hypotheses for how this trait has evolved with the life-history strategies of these species and other traits of their respective egg physiologies. We found that (i) eggshell calcium carbonate content was positively correlated with species having thinner eggshells and smaller than expected eggs relative to incubating parental mass, (ii) species with small mean clutch sizes had lower calcium carbonate content in their eggshells, and (iii) for species with larger clutch sizes, eggshell calcium carbonate content was negatively correlated with their mean lifespan. The pattern of lower eggshell calcium carbonate in longer lived, larger clutched birds suggests that calcium provision to the eggshell has long-term costs for the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. McClelland
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Phillip Cassey
- Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Golo Maurer
- BirdLife Australia, 2/5, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Mark E. Hauber
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Steven J. Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK
- The Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP, UK
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12
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Yen A, Wu HJ, Chen PY, Yu HT, Juang JY. Egg Incubation Mechanics of Giant Birds. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10080738. [PMID: 34439970 PMCID: PMC8389601 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to conduct mechanical analyses on eggshells of giant birds, and relate this to the evolution and reproductive behavior of avian species. We aim to (1) investigate mechanical characteristics of eggshell structures of various ratite species, enabling comparisons between species with or without reversed sexual size dimorphism (RSSD); (2) quantify the safety margin provided by RSSD; (3) determine whether the Williams' egg can have been incubated by an extinct giant bird Genyornis newtoni; (4) determine the theoretical maximum body mass for contact incubation. We use a dimensionless number C to quantify relative shell stiffness with respect to the egg size, allowing for comparison across wide body masses. We find that RSSD in moas significantly increases the safety margin of contact incubation by the lighter males. However, their safety margins are still smaller than those of the moa species without RSSD. Two different strategies were adopted by giant birds-one is RSSD and thinner shells, represented by some moa species; the other is no RSSD and regular shells, represented by the giant elephant bird. Finally, we predicted that the upper limit of body mass for contact incubation was 2000 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Yen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (A.Y.); (H.-J.W.); (P.-Y.C.)
| | - Hsiao-Jou Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (A.Y.); (H.-J.W.); (P.-Y.C.)
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Pin-Yi Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (A.Y.); (H.-J.W.); (P.-Y.C.)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hon-Tsen Yu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
- Degree Program of Genome and Systems Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yang Juang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (A.Y.); (H.-J.W.); (P.-Y.C.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Huss JC, Antreich SJ, Bachmayr J, Xiao N, Eder M, Konnerth J, Gierlinger N. Topological Interlocking and Geometric Stiffening as Complementary Strategies for Strong Plant Shells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2004519. [PMID: 33079407 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202004519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms encapsulate their embryos in hard, protective shells. While birds and reptiles largely rely on mineralized shells, plants often develop highly robust lignocellulosic shells. Despite the abundance of hard plant shells, particularly nutshells, it remains unclear which fundamental properties drive their mechanical stability. This multiscale analysis of six prominent (nut)shells (pine, pistachio, walnut, pecan, hazelnut, and macadamia) reveals geometric and structural strengthening mechanisms on the cellular and macroscopic length scales. The strongest tissues, found in walnut and pistachio, exploit the topological interlocking of 3D-puzzle cells and thereby outperform the fiber-reinforced structure of macadamia under tensile and compressive loading. On the macroscopic scale, strengthening occurs via an increased shell thickness, spherical shape, small size, and a lack of extended sutures. These functional interrelations suggest that simple geometric modifications are a powerful and resource-efficient strategy for plants to enhance the fracture resistance of entire shells and their tissues. Understanding the interplay between structure, geometry, and mechanics in hard plant shells provides new perspectives on the evolutionary diversification of hard seed coats, as well as insights for nutshell-based material applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Huss
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1190, Austria
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
| | - Sebastian J Antreich
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Jakob Bachmayr
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Nannan Xiao
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Michaela Eder
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam-Golm, 14476, Germany
| | - Johannes Konnerth
- Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln an der Donau, 3430, Austria
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, 1190, Austria
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Tanaka CB, Zhou Y, Gludovatz B, Kruzic JJ. Anisotropic fracture resistance of avian eggshell. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 110:103888. [PMID: 32957195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the fracture toughness anisotropy of avian eggshells, we have investigated eggshells of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) whereby the large size (~13 cm × 9.5 cm) enabled the fabrication of beam samples in various orientations. The emu eggshell was found to have a hierarchical microstructure similar to chicken eggshell, with the only significant difference being the absence of a continuous cuticle layer. Emu eggshell was found to have significantly lower strength when samples were tested in the outwards direction (i.e., a crack initiates on the inside of the shell and propagates towards the outer surface) as compared to the inwards testing direction. Furthermore, samples that were oriented parallel to the egg axis (i.e., the longitudinal direction) and tested inwards showed higher strength, ~24 MPa, compared to the samples that were made from the latitudinal orientation, ~20 MPa. Independent of orientation, the outwards testing direction resulted in strength values of ~15 MPa. The fracture toughness of the emu eggshell for cracking in the circumferential direction was ~0.3 MPa√m, independent of sample orientation, and this value was comparable to the fracture toughness of chicken eggshell tested in the same orientation. In the radial outwards direction, however, the fracture toughness was ~80% lower (~0.06 MPa√m) than in the circumferential direction. The low fracture toughness for this orientation was associated with the separation of the highly oriented calcite crystals in the mammillary cone layer of the eggshell structure which is easier compared to calcite crystal fracture. The large anisotropy in fracture toughness is thought to allow for easy escape of the chick while simultaneously protecting the embryo during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina B Tanaka
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Yuxuan Zhou
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Bernd Gludovatz
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jamie J Kruzic
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
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15
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Charpentier V, Adriaenssens S. Effect of Gravity on the Scale of Compliant Shells. Biomimetics (Basel) 2020; 5:biomimetics5010004. [PMID: 32012708 PMCID: PMC7148455 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thin shells are found across scales ranging from biological blood cells to engineered large-span roof structures. The engineering design of thin shells used as mechanisms has occasionally been inspired by biomimetic concept generators. The research goal of this paper is to establish the physical limits of scalability of shells. Sixty-four instances of shells across length scales have been organized into five categories: engineering stiff and compliant, plant compliant, avian egg stiff, and micro-scale compliant shells. Based on their thickness and characteristic dimensions, the mechanical behavior of these 64 shells can be characterized as 3D solids, thick or thin shells, or membranes. Two non-dimensional indicators, the Föppl–von Kármán number and a novel indicator, namely the gravity impact number, are adopted to establish the scalability limits of these five categories. The results show that these shells exhibit similar mechanical behavior across scales. As a result, micro-scale shell geometries found in biology, can be upscaled to engineered shell geometries. However, as the characteristic shell dimension increases, gravity (and its associated loading) becomes a hindrance to the adoption of thin shells as compliant mechanisms at the larger scales-the physical limit of compliance in the scaling of thin shells is found to be around 0.1 m.
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16
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Carella F, Degli Esposti L, Barreca D, Rizzi GA, Martra G, Ivanchenko P, Escolano Casado G, Gomez Morales J, Delgado Lòpez JM, Tampieri A, Iafisco M. Role of citrate in the formation of enamel-like calcium phosphate oriented nanorod arrays. CrystEngComm 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9ce00508k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The effect of citrate on the formation of oriented fluoride doped hydroxyapatite nanorods grown on an amorphous calcium phosphate substrate was investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carella
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC)
- National Research Council (CNR)
- Faenza
- Italy
| | - Lorenzo Degli Esposti
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC)
- National Research Council (CNR)
- Faenza
- Italy
| | - Davide Barreca
- CNR-ICMATE and INSTM
- Department of Chemical Sciences
- Padova University
- Padova
- Italy
| | - Gian Andrea Rizzi
- Department of Chemical Sciences and INSTM
- Padova University
- Padova
- Italy
| | - Gianmario Martra
- Department of Chemistry and Interdepartmental Centre “Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces – NIS” of the University of Torino
- Torino
- Italy
| | - Pavlo Ivanchenko
- Department of Chemistry and Interdepartmental Centre “Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces – NIS” of the University of Torino
- Torino
- Italy
| | - Guillermo Escolano Casado
- Department of Chemistry and Interdepartmental Centre “Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces – NIS” of the University of Torino
- Torino
- Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC)
- National Research Council (CNR)
- Faenza
- Italy
| | - Michele Iafisco
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC)
- National Research Council (CNR)
- Faenza
- Italy
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17
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Dauphin Y, Luquet G, Perez-Huerta A, Salomé M. Biomineralization in modern avian calcified eggshells: similarity versus diversity. Connect Tissue Res 2018; 59:67-73. [PMID: 29745812 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2018.1430144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Avian eggshells are composed of several layers made of organic compounds and a mineral phase (calcite), and the general structure is basically the same in all species. A comparison of the structure, crystallography, and chemical composition shows that despite an overall similarity, each species has its own structure, crystallinity, and composition. Eggshells are a perfect example of the crystallographic versus biological concept of the formation and growth mechanisms of calcareous biominerals: the spherulitic-columnar structure is described as "a typical case of competitive crystal growth", but it is also said that the eggshell matrix components regulate eggshell mineralization. Electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) analyses show that the crystallinity differs between different species. Nevertheless, the three layers are composed of rounded granules, and neither facets nor angles are visible. In-situ analyses show the heterogeneous distribution of chemical elements throughout the thickness of single eggshell. The presence of organic matrices other than the outer and inner membranes in eggshells is confirmed by thermograms and infrared spectrometry, and the differences in quality and quantity depend on the species. Thus, as in other biocrystals, crystal growth competition is not enough to explain these differences, and there is a strong biological control of the eggshell secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannicke Dauphin
- a ISYEB: Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle , Paris , France
| | - Gilles Luquet
- b BOREA: Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques, UMR 7208 CNRS MNHN UPMC UA UCN IRD 207, Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle , Paris , France
| | - Alberto Perez-Huerta
- c Department of Geological Sciences , The University of Alabama , Tuscaloosa , AL , USA
| | - Murielle Salomé
- d ID21, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Grenoble cedex 9 , France
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18
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Hechenleitner EM, Taborda JRA, Fiorelli LE, Grellet-Tinner G, Nuñez-Campero SR. Biomechanical evidence suggests extensive eggshell thinning during incubation in the Sanagasta titanosaur dinosaurs. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4971. [PMID: 29910984 PMCID: PMC6003389 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproduction of titanosaur dinosaurs is still a complex and debated topic. Their Late Cretaceous nesting sites are distributed worldwide and their eggs display substantial morphological variations according to the parent species. In contrast to the typical 1.3–2.0 mm thick shells common to eggs of most titanosaur species (e.g., those that nested in Auca Mahuevo, Tama, Toteşti or Boseong), the Cretaceous Sanagasta eggs of Argentina display an unusual shell thickness of up to 7.9 mm. Their oviposition was synchronous with a palaeogeothermal process, leading to the hypothesis that their extra thick eggshell was an adaptation to this particular nesting environment. Although this hypothesis has already been supported indirectly through several investigations, the mechanical implications of developing such thick shells and how this might have affected the success of hatching remains untested. Finite element analyses estimate that the breaking point of the thick-shelled Sanagasta eggs is 14–45 times higher than for other smaller and equally sized titanosaur eggs. The considerable energetic disadvantage for piping through these thick eggshells suggests that their dissolution during incubation would have been paramount for a successful hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martín Hechenleitner
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR), Provincia de La Rioja, UNLAR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, CONICET, Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina
| | - Jeremías R A Taborda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra (CICTERRA), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, CONICET, FCEFyN), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucas E Fiorelli
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR), Provincia de La Rioja, UNLAR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, CONICET, Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina
| | - Gerald Grellet-Tinner
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR), Provincia de La Rioja, UNLAR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, CONICET, Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina.,The Orcas Island Historical Museums, Eastsound, WA, USA
| | - Segundo R Nuñez-Campero
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR), Provincia de La Rioja, UNLAR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, CONICET, Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina
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19
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The avian egg exhibits general allometric invariances in mechanical design. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14205. [PMID: 29079743 PMCID: PMC5660176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian egg exhibits extraordinary diversity in size, shape and color, and has a key role in avian adaptive radiations. Despite extensive work, our understanding of the underlying principles that guide the "design" of the egg as a load-bearing structure remains incomplete, especially over broad taxonomic scales. Here we define a dimensionless number C, a function of egg weight, stiffness and dimensions, to quantify how stiff an egg is with respect to its weight after removing geometry-induced rigidity. We analyze eggs of 463 bird species in 36 orders across five orders of magnitude in body mass, and find that C number is nearly invariant for most species, including tiny hummingbirds and giant elephant birds. This invariance or "design guideline" dictates that evolutionary changes in shell thickness and Young's modulus, both contributing to shell stiffness, are constrained by changes in egg weight. Our analysis illuminates unique reproductive strategies of brood parasites, kiwis, and megapodes, and quantifies the loss of safety margin for contact incubation due to artificial selection and environmental toxins. Our approach provides a mechanistic framework for a better understanding of the mechanical design of the avian egg, and may provide clues to the evolutionary origin of contact incubation of amniote eggs.
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